Robert Croak, of the Verso Group, said he plans to have up to 10 events a month in the former Civic Center Auditorium. The first show will be Aug. 2. Mr. Croak said he was selected for the job because of his connections and experience with bookings and promotions. The city expects to make between $10,000 to $15,000 per event, the mayor said.
"Anything that brings in 2,000 people, you have to get excited about," Mr. Finkbeiner said. "The Erie Street Market as a civic center theater is exciting," Mr. Finkbeiner said. "It will bring Toledo-area residents to downtown and should make money for the Erie Street Market."
Mr. Croak founded the River East Entertainment District on Main Street: Club 128, the Main Event, and Frankie's Inner City Lounge. All three nightclubs at one time were under scrutiny from liquor control and city police for problems that included noise, drugs, underage consumption of alcohol, unruly juveniles, and public indecency.
Mr. Croak, who operated the former the Main Event in East Toledo, has had legal troubles in the past. He was arrested in 2001 and accused of allowing underage drinking at the nightclub and operating a business where alcohol is sold or furnished in violation of the law. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges eventually were dismissed six months later.