by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Representatives from the Landing said Monday the waterfront mall will be gated during future major events downtown.
Designed to control crowds during much of the Georgia-Florida weekend, Landing owner Tony Sleiman said the gates, complete with a $5 cover charge, would at least be back during next year’s rematch.
“It’s about safety. That’s why we did it,” said Sleiman. “Based on the level of safety we created alone, we think the gates were very, very successful. We will use them again.”
Whether the gates will be back on New Year’s Eve, before the Gator Bowl game or throughout the week leading up to the Super Bowl remains undetermined.
Landing spokesperson Rachel Kaltenbach said those discussions are just beginning.
“It’s difficult to say at this time,” said Kaltenbach. “Will we gate the Landing for the entire week before the Super Bowl? No. Absolutely not. Will we consider it if we book a particular entertainment act that requires gating? That’s possible.”
Aside from safety concerns, Kaltenbach said the cost of putting on those special events at the Landing would also be a factor when considering whether to have a cover charge.
“Of course, that will be something we consider as we get closer to the Super Bowl,” she said. “And it wasn’t like people were complaining about having to pay $5 this time anyway. It went very smoothly and we actually learned a lot that will help us in the future.”
Until recently, gates anywhere at the Landing were unheard of during Georgia-Florida or any other weekend. Because of that, Kaltenbach said overwhelming crowds, elevated arrests and monetary shortfalls at the Landing usually occurred.
“Believe it or not, we lose money every year during Florida-Georgia weekend,” said Kaltenbach, who was still waiting for an official head count as of late Monday. “Sure, you see thousands and thousands of people down here, but it’s our restaurants and merchants and vendors who turn a profit.
“We’re still stuck paying for sanitation and security.”
Part of the $5 admission last weekend went to charity. Tickets that could be redeemed for one beer, wine, water or soda were also dolled out at each of the six entrances.