One of the largest and oldest Super Bowl parties, the Players Party, was abruptly canceled Wednesday after a change of venue.
It was planned as a four-day party, with tickets ranging from $30 for a single day admission to $79 for a four-day pass, that combines bands and NFL stars to entertain fans and sign autographs.
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Promoters expected up to 60,000 fans to attend. But less than 24 hours before it was set to begin, the party was canceled leaving local fans, and others who traveled from across the country disappointed.
Food vendor Dani Wanish, of Florida, and about 20 friends from as far away as Pennsylvania, came to work the event, but learned after they arrived Wednesday it had been canceled.
“We already have hotels booked for the week, flights booked, nothing refundable, rental cars are not refundable. At this point we’re just trying to figure out how not to lose more money,” Warnish said.
“That’s a huge thing to just cancel this late,” Heidi Massey of Houston said. Massey is a New Orleans Saints fan who was looking forward to meeting some of her favorite players at the party.
“Something is very wrong. I think we need an explanation," Massey said.
The party’s promoter, Royal Entertainment Group Live, posted the cancellation notice online.The party was originally planned to be held at the Sam Houston Race Park, but was moved to a new venue nearby, Victors on the Green, in the 7900 block of Beltway 8, West.
Reached by phone, Royal Entertainment Group Live co-founder Mark Martinez told Channel Two news that the party was forced to move at the last minute, causing a problem with permits.
He said couldn’t provide details because there could be future litigation. He said about 2,000 tickets already sold will be refunded.
Martinez is currently awaiting trial in Harris County on two felony charges filed in 2015; theft by check, and fraudulent use of identifying information.
Martinez told Channel Two News the criminal charges had nothing to do with the Players’ Party or it’s cancellation.
Rachel Moreno with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office said her office was unaware of any problems with fire permits. She said county inspectors learned it had been canceled Thursday morning when they arrived at the new venue to perform an inspection.