By Bob Andelman
May 3, 1985

Frank Zaccaro, new events coordinator for the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, says promoters and patrons can look for the facility to actively pursue major rock music concerts in the immediate future.

Until recently, the Expo Hall has been primarily a convention and trade show site, virtually used by rock promoters, although country act Alabama has sold out twice there in the past year. Christian band Petra played to 7,000 fans in early March at the hall.

“We’re gearing up to go after rock shows,” Zaccaro reveals. “Anybody that promotes in (Florida), we’d like to get ‘em in the facility. We can put 13,500 in here, general admission (more than nearby University of South Florida Sun Dome, St. Petersburg Bayfront Center or Lakeland Civic Center). And all the seats are in front of the stage, clear site.

“All it’s going to take is one rock show to break it open,” Zaccaro adds. “The acoustics are great.” Zaccaro says he also has 350 acres available for outdoor shows and that for the time being, rental rates are “very flexible.”

Zaccaro has worked in the Tampa Bay market for several years, beginning with USF student productions, his own Mainsail company, and most recently as assistant to Marjorie Sexton at Silver Star Productions.

The robust events coordinator can be seen briefly in the recent film Porky’s Revenge. Zaccaro was the double for the actor who played Porky.