LIV Golf tournament will bring parking and Free Speech Protest Zones to Lancaster, September 2-4, but should not cost the town anything.

 

Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

LIV golf will hold a tournament at the International Golf Club September 2-4, and will be using the Fairgrounds on Seven Bridge Road for parking.

You can watch Police Chief Everett Moody talk about the arrangements in the recording of last night's select board meeting, here:  August 16, 2022 Select Board Meeting.   He starts at 20:50 in the recording.

According to the chief the parking in Lancaster should be comparable to a "Friday or Saturday" at the Bolton Fair.

I chatted with the chief briefly this morning, who wanted to reinforce that the event will be paying all the police and fire costs  -- it should not cost the town anything.   The town charges a 10% admin fee over those costs -- not a windfall, but maybe $5K or so.

Protesting is anticipated around the event:  LIV golf is owned by the Saudi Royal Family though their sovereign wealth fund, and their have been protests at the previous tournaments.    The protesters will be directed to free speech zones that will be established at the Fairgrounds, with the intention of allowing protestors access to the area where they will be most visible to attendees.    Access to the area around the Golf Club, whether by foot or by car, will be strictly controlled with only attendees admitted.