Entertainment
For the fiscal 2021 second quarter, Entertainment segment revenues of $12.7 million decreased 96%, or $312.7 million, as compared with the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a decrease in revenues of $122.8 million due to the cancellation of the 2020 run of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. The continued closure of the Company’s venues led to decreases of $102.9 million in event-related revenues, $36.1 million in suite license fee revenues and $26.9 million in venue-related signage and sponsorship revenues. In addition, the prior year quarter included $21.3 million in revenues from the Forum, which was sold in May 2020.
Fiscal 2021 second quarter direct operating expenses of $23.4 million decreased 86%, or $144.8 million, as compared with the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The absence of events in the quarter led to decreases of $55.5 million in event-related expenses at the Company’s venues, $47.6 million in expenses related to the Christmas Spectacular production, $24.1 million in suite license expenses and $23.6 million in venue-related signage and sponsorship expenses. In addition, the prior year quarter included $11.2 million in direct operating expenses from the Forum. These decreases were partially offset by other net increases of $17.3 million, primarily related to the absence of venue-operating cost carve-out adjustments in the prior year period (see note 1 on previous page).
Fiscal 2021 second quarter selling, general and administrative expenses of $65.7 million decreased 5%, or $3.1 million, as compared with the prior year quarter, primarily due to a $4.6 million decrease in professional fees associated with litigation and MSG Sphere content development, partially offset by an increase of $0.9 million in employee compensation and related benefits.
Fiscal 2021 second quarter operating income decreased $164.2 million to a loss of $97.1 million and adjusted operating income decreased $153.9 million to a loss of $55.3 million, both as compared to the prior year quarter. This primarily reflects the decrease in revenues, partially offset by lower direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, lower selling, general and administrative expenses.
Tao Group Hospitality
For the fiscal 2021 second quarter, Tao Group Hospitality segment revenues of $10.5 million decreased 85%, or $58.6 million, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Capacity restrictions at re-opened entertainment dining and nightlife venues reduced revenues by $34.3 million, while the continued closure of certain venues reduced revenues by $19.7 million.
Fiscal 2021 second quarter direct operating expenses of $11.0 million decreased 73%, or $30.2 million, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employee compensation and related benefits decreased $12.3 million, primarily due to a reduction in Tao Group Hospitality’s venue staff at re-opened venues and the elimination of venue staff at closed venues. The cost of food and beverage and venue entertainment decreased $11.4 million, primarily resulting from the impact of capacity restrictions at re-opened venues and the continued closure of certain venues. In addition, rent expense decreased $2.8 million, which includes the impact of rent concessions received from landlords as a result of the pandemic.
Fiscal 2021 second quarter selling, general and administrative expenses of $9.1 million decreased 49%, or $8.9 million, as compared to the prior year quarter. This primarily reflects a $3.2 million decrease in marketing costs and a $1.9 million decrease in employee compensation and related benefits as well as other net decreases.
Fiscal 2021 second quarter operating income decreased by $18.7 million to a loss of $11.2 million and adjusted operating income decreased by $18.3 million to a loss of $8.4 million, both as compared to the prior year quarter. This primarily reflects the decrease in revenues, partially offset by lower direct operating expenses and, to a lesser extent, lower selling, general and administrative expenses.
Other Matters
In December 2020, the Company announced that it had assumed the role of construction manager for MSG Sphere in Las Vegas and that AECOM had transitioned from general contractor to supporting MSG Sphere with a new services agreement that facilitates AECOM’s continued involvement through the project’s completion. The Company believes this change will provide it with greater transparency and control over the construction process, while enabling it to continue benefiting from AECOM’s expertise.
2