Barstool Blackout Presents Next Challenge for Recher, Police

UPDATED (8:27 p.m.)—Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson Tuesday said he expected the events that led to a brawl outside the Recher Theater Sunday would not repeat themselves.

The chief may get to test those words later when the sold out Barstool Blackout Tour comes to the venue.

The tour was expected to be at the bar Wednesday.

"Due to recent events and circumstances beyond our control in the Towson area this show will have to be postponed until a later date," promoters said on a statement on their website. Promoters linked to a local story about a brawl outside Recher Theater Sunday that resulted in a number of arrests.

The event was still listed Tuesday night on Recher's website. Promoters wrote that the bar would offer full refunds and promised to return to the area.

"Either way we will be back once this whole thing blows over," the website statement read. "Sorry. Just a case of real bad timing."

The event attracted students from Towson University last year and is sold out this year. [A video of last year's event is attached to this story. Viewer discretion is advised.]

Students interested in attending are actively seeking tickets to the event through Facebook and other social media. Tickets were selling Tuesday night on eBay for as much as $121.

Brian Recher, one of the owners of the bar, was not available for comment, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, said she believed the Barstool Blackout event was different from the one that caused problems Sunday morning.

"They're sold out and that's the difference," Hafford said. "I think (Recher) will do everything in their power to ensure that nothing like this happens again."

Earlier this year, an event in New Jersey put on by the same promoter—described by the New York Post as a "destructive roving dance party"—resulted in arrests and nearly two dozen people being taken to the hospital.

Elise Armacost, a police department spokeswoman, could not comment on the planned event for Wednesday. She said police are maintaining a presence in the area regardless.

"We are going to maintain an enhanced presence downtown while this investigation continues and then determine the steps we'll take in the future," Armacost said.

Police continue to investigate the brawl Sunday outside the bar and a nearby shooting. County Executive Kevin Kamenetz said Tuesday that he blames the owners of the bar for the incident.

The police investigation could result in the county taking action against the bar that could include penalties of a fine, suspension or revocation of its liquor license.