Tomašević and the Hippodrome: Could the City Have Earned More from Thompson?
Zagreb’s mayor, Tomislav Tomašević, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the rental of the hippodrome for Marko Perković Thompson’s concert. Despite claims that the city could have earned more, Tomašević firmly stated that there is a clear, fixed price list for renting the hippodrome, and all fees were charged accordingly.
Clear Price List, No Tricks!
At a press conference in late June, Tomašević explained that the rental of the hippodrome is governed by a defined price list that applies to all concerts, including Ed Sheeran’s. The Thompson concert was paid for according to the same price list, with additional charges for extra space usage and extended time.
Costs Go Beyond Just the Rental
Organizers also paid for the rental of Bundek park, cleaning of the concert area, fire brigade services, and Zagreb Roads security. So, the city was not just collecting rent for the hippodrome but also for all additional services required to hold the concert.
Political Tensions and Ideological Clashes
During a session of the Zagreb City Assembly, three opposition clubs requested the removal of the agenda item about Zagreb joining the Rainbow Cities network, which sparked heated reactions. HDZ representative Mislav Herman accused the ruling coalition of ideological terror over the majority, emphasizing that Thompson’s concert shows that young people in Zagreb have not fallen under the influence of “woke” ideology.
Representative Marija Selak Raspudić questioned why such proposals were not presented during the election campaign, highlighting that these are costs that will significantly impact public policy.
Transport Projects and City Infrastructure
Tomašević also spoke about important transport projects in Zagreb, including the construction of a tram line on Sarajevska Street and an underground garage on Klaićeva Street. While the tram line construction is on schedule, Croatian Highways have not yet started their part, delaying the project.
The underground garage is expected to be completed by mid-year, featuring three floors of parking spaces, with the existing athletic track renovated and eight new playgrounds added.
What Does This All Mean?
It is clear that Zagreb had a transparent and fixed price list for renting the hippodrome, and all costs related to the concerts were charged accordingly. However, political tensions and ideological divisions further complicate the situation, with the opposition using the opportunity to criticize the government over other issues like youth mental health and veterans’ problems.
Mayor Tomašević insists that the city’s priorities are different, focusing on efficient transport and quality of life, while the opposition demands greater transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
Could the city have earned more from Thompson’s concert? According to Tomašević, no. Everything was done according to the price list, and additional costs were charged. But Zagreb’s political scene remains heated, and topics like LGBT rights and ideological conflicts continue to divide citizens.
Got your own take on who’s right or think the city could manage its resources better? Feel free to drop a comment. Isn’t this the perfect chance to stir the pot on politics and profits in Zagreb?
Slug: tomasevic-hippodrome-thompson-concert-zagreb-revenue
