Facilities Facilitiesonline.com
2012-2013 DIRECTORY
152 Madison Avenue, Room 802 New York, NY 10016
&Event Management
TM
For Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners
Booking Guide
Hot List
5 Theaters & PACs Page 36
Spotlight:
Northern California
Ford Center's
Page 56
Tapping The College Entertainment Market Page 26
Facilities Directory Pages 37-55
Fabulous First Year Page 28
EVANSVILLE’S CENTER FOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Located in Evansville, Indiana, the
Our staff is committed to providing the
Ford Center is a beautiful, exciting,
highest standard of service and to
multi-purpose 11,000-seat arena and
ensure the best possible experience
is the region’s center for sports and
during each event.
entertainment. The 290,000 square
managed
foot facility is home of the NCAA
management
Division I University of Evansville Aces
arenas and convention centers. In
Men’s and Women’s basketball and the
addition to its facility management
ECHL Evansville IceMen. The arena
service, VenuWorks manages food and
floor has over 20,000 square feet of
beverage and operations, as well as
usable space and can be modified for
performs
basketball,
consulting work and provides event
hockey,
concerts,
conventions, rodeos, expos and a
by
Ford Center is
VenuWorks, service
feasibility
to
a
full
theatres,
studies,
does
booking and promotion services.
variety of other events.
FOR BOOKING INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Schoenike 812.436.7151 SSchoenike@thefordcenter.com
thefordcenter.com fordcenterevansville
@thefordcenter
12
Facilities 2012-2013 DIRECTORY
&Event Management
TM
For Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners
Booking Guide
26
Prime Site Awards Ballot…...........................................................................4 Columns Looking Ahead..............................................................................................2 Caffin’s Corner ...........................................................................................4 Booking Perspectives Preparing for Pyro, by Conley Broome. .........................................................6 Food & Beverage Signs of the Times: Digital Menu Boards, by Doug Drewes............................10
28
Upfront Show Watch, Construction & Renovation Watch, Leading Edge Managers, Supplier Watch, Theater Watch, Arena Watch. ............................................12 Industry Q&A Tapping into the Dynamic College Entertainment Market In Conversation with Brian Waymire, owner of The Agency Coalition….26 Cover Spotlight Ford Center’s Fabulous First Year...............................................................28
36
Photoview 2012 IAFE Convention & Trade Show........................................................32 Photoview 2012 IAVM Conference & Tradeshow and 2012 IAVM Arena Management Conference.................................................................................................34 Hot List Five Theaters and Performing Arts Centers..................................................36 State Spotlight: Northern California..................................................... 56-59 Craneway Pavilion, HP Pavilion at San Jose.................................................57 San Jose Civic, Memorial Auditorium...........................................................58 Paramount Theatre. ....................................................................................59
45
Closing Thoughts 10 More Favorite Movie Facilities................................................................60 Facilities Directory A-Z Index....................................................................................................37 Booking Guide Directory ...................................................................... 37-55 Ad Index.....................................................................................................59
56
Facilities
FACILITIES : E SSENTIAL T OOL W ORKING S MARTER IN ‘09 LOOKINGFOR AHEAD
Facilities 2011-2012 DIRECTORY
2009
C
cultivating inspiration from devastation
ompared to other industries, the live entertainment and event business was robust in 2008 and, according to most industry observers, ticket sales and audience attendance showed little-to-no decline from the previous year. However, this assessment came with a qualification that many of the tickets had been purchased and the events had been held before the more dire economic news came to the forefront in the 4th quarter of 2008. Even after this relatively strong year, the live entertainment and event industry will not be able to rest on its past achievements. Our industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Rising unemployment, decreasing disposable income and lack of consumer confidence have the potential to negatively impact ticket sales and the size of the audience. Filling seats with effective entertainment during a time of economic uncertainty is causing anxiety among venue managers and bookers. Two things are for sure: (1) Without question, 2009 will be challenging; aking a and look few months, appears to have ended onstaff a to the (2) back in orderat to the meet past this challenge, everyone in2012 the industry, from venue managers and their sour note. TheAgents, tragedies besetting theandEast Coast Sandy Booking Promoters, Talent Buyers Special Event during Planners, Hurricane will have to work smarter—which basically means holding down costs audience experience. of our staff suffered devastated countless families in while the enhancing region. the While members Viewed through this work smarter prism, the 2009 Facilities SuperBook is more critical than ever. The from weeks of power outages as the seasonal temperatures dropped, thankfully, wecenterpiece of this issue is the Annual 2008 Prime Site Awards (listed on page 16). Every year, the Facilities Media have emerged relatively unscathed. Sadly, life may never be the same for countless Group bestows the Prime Site Awards. This special designation—voted on by the readership (Booking Agents, residents ofPromoters, Staten Island, Brooklyn Rockaways in New York, numerous Talent Buyers & Special and Eventthe Planners) of Facilities—recognizes Venue and Excellence, a criteria that towns alongincludes the Jersey Shore. the structural dynamics of a building, the level of technology of its sound, lighting, staging—and the quality thefamiliar venue staff.with All these are integral to the the performance and audience By now we areofall thecomponents gargantuan effort to success raise offunds and awareness experience. The Prime Site Awards acknowledge those venues that have work smarter. held on December 12, 2012. The 12-12-12 concert in Madison Square Garden The other content in this issue—a regionalized directory of North American venues, a Product & Services brought out New York’s entertainment elite, and raised in excess of $50 million Directory, a spotlight interview with Greg Diekroeger, former Chair of the Board of the National Association for relief efforts to date. Many stars made their own contributions, such as reggae for Campus Activities, and Industry Perspective columns on customer service and event service—are all focused singer Matisyahu, who is donating all on theenabling proceeds his “Happy Hanukkah” industry of members to work smarter. song to support hurricane victims. WhenIndisasters strike, members thegrowing live website in addition to print, facilitiesonline is theof fastest industry. features news,to industry fun-to-readevent community have demonstratedthe time andFacilitiesonline again their desire helplinks, thea less blog, and the industry’s most extensive online database of Arenas, fortunate. Theaters, Coliseums, Theaters, Civic Centers, PACs, Amphitheatres, We would like to laud the efforts ofUniversity a local Venues, hero whose efforts, due to his humility, Fairgrounds, Convention Centers and Special may not have been brought to light during and after the crisis. TrulyAgents, a man of the Talent Event Venues. Thousands of Booking Promoters, people, New York City Councilman James Oddo, represents Statenevery week to Buyers (Jim) and Special Eventwho Planners use Facilitiesonline stay informed about industry and specific events Island, has established himself throughout his career as a issue caring, down-to-earth The way to meet the challenges of 2009? Work Smarter! The 2009 representative of his constituents. Daily, Jim Oddo personally helps countless Facilities SuperBook (and Facilitiesonline) has been designed to be your people cut through bureaucratic red tape, to “get things done” – not something first essential tool in achieving that goal.
T
®
Volume 18 No.1
&Event Management
TM
Booking Guide
Editorial Director Timothy Herrick
2012-2013
For Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners
Volume 20 No.2
Associate Publisher Chief Operating Officer Michael Caffin
David Korn Associate AccountPublisher Executives Michael Caffin Andrew Reeves Contributing Harry MarkEditor Anthony Bilden Creative Direction & Design Creative Direction & Design Scott-Goodman Associates Lester Goodman Circulation Manager Winny CheungManager Circulation Business ThereseOperations Langer Nadia Derelieva Business Operations
© Copyright 2012 by Bedrock Communications, Inc. Oh Opinions expressed in by-lined All Leo rights reserved. articles and advertising copy are not necessarily those of the publisher. Advertisers are responsible for all costs, Research Manager damages and claims regarding advertising insertions.
Amber Tavarez
Facilities & Event Management is published three times a year by Bedrock Inc., Madison © Copyright 2009 by Communications, Bedrock Communications, Inc. 152 All rights Avenue, Suite 802, New York, NY articles 10016. reserved. Opinions expressed in by-lined andTelephone: advertising copy are not necessarily those 213-6382. of the publisher. Advertisers (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) are responsible for all costs, damages and claims regarding
advertising insertions. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Facilities, is published three times 802, a year New by Bedrock 152Facilities Madison Avenue, Suite York, NY 10016. Communications, Inc., 6 East 46th Street, Room 301, New York, Printed in U.S.A. NY 10017. Telephone: (212) 532-4150. Fax: (212) 213-6382.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Facilities, 6 Cover ad spacePlease is available by contacting a Facilities East 46th Street, Room 301, New York, NY 10017. Printed in advertising account executive at (212) 532-4150, ext 103 U.S.A. Cover ad space is available by contacting a Facilities
MEMBERS advertising accountOF: executive at (212) 532-4150, ext 103 MEMBERS OF:
one might expect from a politician in a city as large as New York. Indeed, Oddo directly replies to emails from his constituents, and it has not been unusual for him to carry on conversations via Facebook regarding meaningful municipal matters, or lightheartedTimothy topicsHerrick such as movies or the New York Mets. Editorial Director Since the hurricane hit, helping residents in his district put some semblance of Therrick@facilitiesonline.com normalcy back into their lives has been Oddo’s primary focus. In late December, Jim spoke with Facilities & Event Management, describing the travails of the storm. “For the first part of the Sandy aftermath no one realized how badly parts of this ON THE Island were broken. Tough daysCOVER still [lie] ahead as it’s painfully slow in getting all the facts together so folks can make intelligent decisions about rebuilding or not.” Rest A) of Charleston assured Oddo and(Clockwise) members his staffCivic are Center; ensuring Staten Islanders receive the B) Giant Center (interior); information and resources they need to get their lives back in order. C) Coliseo de Puerto Rico; Entertainers, first responders, politicians and the rest of us have all come out to D) Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza; help those less fortunate than ourselves. look forward to 2013 with inspiration E) River Center/Adler TheatreWe (interior); from the spirit of caring, giving and kindness that has been demonstrated by so F) and Toyota Center. many these past months. Wishing you a joyous New Year. 2 – David Korn Chief Operating Officer, Facilities Media Group dkorn@facilitiesonline.com
2
Facilities SuperBook 2009
ON THE COVER Top: Ford Center in Evansville, IN concluded a successful first year of operation in November, welcoming over half-a-million patrons and hosting more than 140 live events. Among the major musical acts performing at the 11,000-seat, state-of-the-art arena was Lady Antebellum on Feb. 26, 2012 (bottom). 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Caffin’s o r n e r
Let Your Voice Be Heard
reat entertainment venues excel in many G areas, from staff, service, flexibility and market to more tangible features like seating, lighting,
sound, staging, food & beverage, dressing rooms, backstage amenities and access/egress. When a booker takes the time to recognize a facility based on all these criteria, it’s a very meaningful “thumbs up” that motivates the venue to continue doing a great job in serving their event clientele. So, when you look below and see our Prime Site Awards ballot, know that by filling it out and returning it to us, you are effectively pushing entertainment facilities to excel. As a marketing partner of venues and their bookers, we at Facilities Media Group are honored to be a vital part of how the industry does business. Since the debut of our Prime Site Awards in 1994, promoters, booking agents, talent buyers and special event planners – our readers
and voters – have appreciated the opportunity to have their voice heard. Now, 19 years later, our Prime Site Awards have become an industry staple. Arena and theater staffs look forward to the nominations with great anticipation each year, and the winning venues are a source of pride to their management, booking partners and hometowns. So don’t forget to vote. Our 2013 Prime Site Awards will be announced in our next issue, the 2013 Facilities & Event Management SuperBook, coming out later in the spring. Let your voice be heard. Michael Caffin Associate Publisher Facilities Media Group mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com
Name of Prime Site Award Nominee(s): Please consider the __________________________________________________________________________ following Criteria when voting: __________________________________________________________________________ ● Location/Market
● Flexibility __________________________________________________________________________
Booking agents, ● Seating promoters, Configurations Name, Title:_______________________________________________________________ talent buyers ● Ticketing Organization:______________________________________________________________ and special ● Lighting, Sound, Staging event planners:
VOTE
for the top Entertainment Venues (Arenas, Theaters, Stadiums; facilities you have booked in the last three years)
Phone:____________________________________________________________________ ● Food & Beverage ● Interaction with
Email:_____________________________________________________________________ venue staff
● Dressing Rooms,
Describe the Event
Backstage ● Access/Egress
__________________________________________________________________________ ● Promotion/ Marketing
__________________________________________________________________________ May we contact you? Yes____ No____ Please Fill Out Form & Mail Your Vote To:
Facilities
152 Madison Avenue, Suite #802, New York, NY 10016 or Fax it to: (212) 213-6382; or email ballots@facilitiesonline.com
4
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Booking Perspectives
Pr e pa ri n g fo r Py r o
Staging a pyrotechnics show at your venue? Here are tips to reduce your fire liability By Conley Broome
W
hen hosting a pyrotechnics event, it is imperative to work hand in hand with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The local AHJ could be the local fire department, state fire marshal representative, the local police or sheriff department’s explosive ordinance detail (EOD) or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Here are a few other guidelines that will help you reduce the fire liability associated with pyrotechnics.
to ensure your pyrotechnics • Check company or operator is licensed
•
by the local AHJ. Ask to see their card and check the expiration date. Be aware that different states and jurisdictions vary in their classification requirements. Check with your local AHJ to ensure the operator has the correct requirements for firing your show. No operators should be under 21 years of age and no assistants working the show should be under 18 years of age.
Always require your pyrotechnics company to provide you with their insurance policy, with your company listed as additionally insured. The dollar amount of the policy can vary significantly; it is a good idea to consult with your attorney in order to determine the amount.
•
“Require the operators to perform a pre-show demonstration. The demo should be performed exactly as the show will be performed exactly as the show will be performed, and it will give you a good indication of the direction the fireworks will fire (preferably
”
away from the audience). .
• Require the operators to perform a pre-show 6
demonstration. The demo should be performed exactly as the show will be performed, and it will give you a good indication of the direction the fireworks will fire (preferably away from the audience). It is an excellent idea to have the local AHJ in attendance to address any concerns they may have. If there is no fire department representative in your country, request your insurance company representative and attorney to attend. Always tell the pyrotechnics company or operator that you will be requiring a demo so they can bring the proper amount of product for both firings. Ask the pyrotechnics company to provide you with a site plan showing the location, type, amount and the size of product to be fired. The site plan should also contain the crowd proximity to the product, evidence of the operator’s insurance carrier, date and time of the demo and show production, name of the person in charge of firing the pyrotechnics along with their assistants, certifications for all set material relating to fire retardant, the location where the extra pyrotechnics are to be stored and an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for all pyrotechnic material. If your local AHJ requires a permit, the site plan with all the information should be attached to the permit application.
•
Be sure all of your egress ways are completely clear, the exit signs are lighted and you have emergency medical personnel Continued on Page 8
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
NOW PLAYING
B E R S T SHOW U O Y EV STARRING
MTS CENTRE
ER!
FEATURING
sold out
CONCERTS!
COMING SOON NOW PLAYING
Booking info:
NEVER ENDING TOUR SERVICES!
still available
DATES FOR YOUR TOUR! INTRODUCING
KEVIN DONNELLY AS SR. VP & GENERAL MANAGER JOANNE HARDER AS MANAGER, FACILITY BOOKINGS ALAYNE NOTT AS DIRECTOR, EVENT MARKETING KIM BOULET AS DIRECTOR, SECURITY & EVENT MANAGEMENT KEVIN CLIFFORD/LLOYD FOX AS EVENT MANAGERS REJEAN ROCH AS CATERING MANAGER
Kevin Donnelly 204-926-5503 kdonnelly@truenorth.mb.ca
MTSCENTRE.CA WINNIPEG, CANADA
es Media Group
s Guide Continued from Page 6
S e r v i con e stheRpremises e s o u rduring c e the show.
•
“Be sure the operators
goggles, gloves and helmet).
communicate only with signals A pre-show safety meeting UrbanRide (one to two hours before show 421 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001 handheld radio, as (800) (212) no 202-9638 time with everyone involved) is525-5750; Fax:and www.urbanride.net also advisable. This will ensure radio communications can Chief Executive Officer: Jeremy Milikow everyone is on the same page, Senior Vice President: Mitch Bornstein, SVP spell out everyone’s roles and inadvertently set off product that ‘Leading Global Provider of Meeting & Event Transportation’ address any questions or concerns.
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is wired to fire electronically.
UrbanRide is a global provider of ground transportation for meetings & events, and uses the top-of-the-line sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses and motorcoaches. We provide Before takes it planners to better manage our clients withthe IMS, demo our software that place, enables meeting transportation for theirto meetings, conventions, tradeshows & other events. is advisable take conferences, the following We work exclusively with meeting & event planners and our customer service is the best in precautions: the business. UrbanRide is a one-stop solution for meeting & event transportation.
sure the site is secure from the public (closed • Make doors or cordoned-off inside, while staffed and banner-taped or roped-off outside).
your AHJ before you turn •offNotify all fire protective systems that
will be affected by the smoke or heat from the demo or show. Position approved fire-watch personnel as deemed necessary by the AHJ. The fire watch should have two fire extinguishers (pressurized water 2A and 10BC) each and the appropriate PPE as well.
sure the demo site is cleared of all Class A • Becombustibles (wood, paper, clothes, etc.). Good
housekeeping is a must when using pyrotechnics in your venue, whether indoors or outdoors.
that there is proper separation between your • Ensure the certifications for all stage material checked • Have audience and the fireworks or special effects. There to ensure they meet current flame-retardant
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water Class A and • two 10BC fire extinguishers staffed by personnel
With Keppler Speakers, creating memorable meetings never felt so easy. With over 25 who are knowledgeable on fire extinguishment. The years of experience, we provide you solid, seasoned expertise, making speaker selection stress-free by managingshould all of the details. Speakers saves of you the precious time by personnel be onKeppler opposite sides stage matching you with speakers who are right on target. From proven performers to dynamic during the firing and wearing Personal rising stars, our speakers bring fascinating, real stories and a gift forProtective inspiring audiences.
Equipment (PPE – fire-resistive clothing, safety
should be a minimum of 15 feet or twice the fallout of the size of the device (whichever is greater) or as much as 25 feet (concussion mortars) for indoor special effects or theatrical pyrotechnics. For outdoor pyrotechnics, a good rule of thumb is for every one inch diameter of the mortar fired a 70-foot fallout zone should be required from the public (for multiplesize mortars, the largest-size diameter should be used to determine the fallout zone). Consult with your local AHJ to get their audience separation distances, as it will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
the operators communicate only with signals • Beandsure no hand-held radio, as radio communications
can inadvertently set off product that is wired to fire electronically. So remember, work with the AHJ, be sure the pyrotechnics company or operator is licensed and insured, and most importantly, request a pre-show demo.
ht ul
Conley Broome is president/CEO of Event Fire Safety Consulting (www.firegotoguy.com). He can be contacted at cbroome@eventfiresafety.com. Research material for this article includes NFPA 1126 and the California State Fire Marshal Fireworks Handbook.
.
Don’tGet Get Stuck Stuck ininaaFishbowl! Fishbowl! Don’t The FacilitiesMedia Media Group The Facilities Group
Facilities & Destinations SuperBook Facilities & Destinations Facilities & Destinations Mid-Market Review FacilitiesFacilities • Conference Planner & Destinations • Planner Guide Guide Facilities LIVE •• Facilities Booking Facilities SuperBook BookingGuide Guide Facilities & Event Management Facilities & Event Management Facilitiesonline.com www.Facilitiesonline.com 8
With respect to any suggestions outlined in this article, neither Facilities & Event Management, Mr. Broome nor any of our/ his affiliates, employees, agents, et al. make any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. You should always consult with an attorney regarding your exposure and public safety.
93 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
FOOD ANDBeverage
Signs of the Times
Digital menu boards bring more flexibility to the concession space By Doug Drewes
I
magine featuring a heart-healthy menu in your retail outlets for an upcoming medical conference and switching those same retail outlets over to savory comfort foods the next day for a home and garden show. It’s possible with menu customization and the right equipment, particularly digital menu boards. You may have noticed digital menu boards popping up at your favorite local fast food restaurants, and the same technology is being used on a larger scale with those bright ever-changing billboards you see on the interstate. This technology allows venues to change the theme/concept of their retail outlets to complement the demographic attending an event, which appeals to ticket buyers and event planners. This also results in increased sales for the venue. Ovations Food Services, a leading provider of food and beverage management services, has installed this technology into many of its client venues around the country, including the Facilities & Destinations Prime 10
Site Award-winning Iowa Events Center, which installed digital menu boards in October 2010. “We now have the ability to change menus specifically for anything we choose,” explained Michael Ransom, Ovations’ Doug Drewes, executive vice Iowa Events Center general president, Ovations Food Services manager. “For example, we may want to sell taco salads for a quilting event and steak sandwiches for a hunting show.” Since the installs, percap revenues have shot up roughly 30 percent for some of the Center’s larger concerts. For a truly successful flexible concession concept, digital menu boards should be paired with portable cart equipment. Not only does this approach allow concessions to be converted from one branded concept to
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
another as the event dictates, but modular ince installing mini-restaurants can also be set up to serve digital menu boards, guests where they per-cap revenues have gather, rather than at shot up roughly 30 fixed retail outlets that may be located away percent for some of the from the show action. Iowa Events Center’s Another benefit larger concerts.” to this technology is the ability to change menu items on a perevent or even per-hour basis, reflecting what’s available to serve and customizing menus to appeal to guests. This past summer, Ovations’ employees at The Mountain Winery practiced some creative menu customization by creating fun and witty drink specials. For each of the 65 concerts in their summer series, the team created drink specials with tasty ingredients and clever names that enticed guests. These drinks were promoted with creative signage. Each featured beverage was named after a hit song or album that corresponded to the concert. Ingredients were chosen based on attendee demographics. One favorite featured beverage at The Jacksons’ concert was “The ABC,” which was made of Amaretto, Bacardi and Bailey’s Cream. Another was “The Double Vision” at the Foreigner concert, which included vodka, rum and banana liqueur. “We sold an average of 100 of the specialty beverages per show,” said Robert Mullan, director of operations. “Guests really connected with these specials; I saw people being photographed with the beverage signs numerous times. The guests could tell that we took the time to make their experience unique.” Signage is a retail outlet’s basic link to guests. This is true whether the sign’s purpose is to create impulse “stop and shop,” to promote a product or service for future reference, or to influence immediate purchasing decisions.
“S
Doug Drewes, executive vice president for Ovations Food Services, oversees all Ovations operations in the Eastern half of North America and has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Drewes’s expertise runs the gamut from concessions to catering to merchandising at dozens of convention centers, sports arenas and entertainment venues throughout the United States and Canada. He is a graduate of SUNY Oswego. 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
11
Up
Front
Peter Gabriel in concert at Air Canada Centre, Toronto on Sept. 19
SHOW WATCH
Madonna wows the crowd with drummers suspended from the ceiling at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN, on Nov. 3.
Justin Bieber gets down Philly style before his sold-out Nov. 4 show at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (L-r): Allanah Richman, daughter of Ike Richman; Bieber; Global Spectrum’s Ike Richman, Comcast-Spectacor vice president of public relations; and Matt Homan, general manager of Wells Fargo Center.
12
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
www.thesanfordcenter.net
NortherN MiNNesota’s PreMier eveNt sPace!
BENEFITS OF THE SANFORD CENTER: Located in North Central Minnesota, the Sanford Center in Bemidji is the region’s preferred venue for sports, family shows, concerts and entertainment! Featuring all the amenities of a new arena with a variety of flexible configurations, we can comfortably accommodate arena spectators with seating capacities from 2,000 to 5,500. Situated on both north/south and east/west highways, the Sanford Center is ideally located for easy routing no matter from where you are coming or going. A wide range of rental and co-promotional opportunities make the Sanford Center an attractive and affordable venue 1111 Event Center Dr. NE for booking events. With creative marketing and group Bemidji, MN, 56601 sales departments, we are eager to help you maximize phone : (218) 441-4000 www.thesanfordcenter.net your earning potential.
for booking information: Roger Swanson, Executive Director (218) 441-4000 rswanson@thesanfordcenter.net
Up
Front
SHOW WATCH “Chilling” just moments before Power 99’s Powerhouse 2012 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia are Global Spectrum’s Matt Homan (left), general manager of Wells Fargo Center, and Usher.
Leading Edge:
Mike Dyer
Mike Dyer, a 40-year veteran in public facility operations, has been the executive director for the Bass Park Complex since 1993. He will serve as the general manager of the Cross Insurance Center, a Global Spectrummanaged, 8,000-seat arena scheduled to open in September 2013 in Bangor. Goals for the Cross Insurance Center: My primary goal is to insure that our team delivers a first-class experience, worthy of the new building, to each and every customer, thereby maximizing return to the owners, the City of Bangor. We aim to provide the basics – easy in-and-out, friendly and attentive staff, a clean and comfortable environment – as well as a variety of food and beverage options, access to information via electronic signage, strong WiFi connections and state-of-the-art technology throughout. The Club/Suite level concept will also be new to Bangor, along with the expectations associated with that level of service. Our goal will be to exceed expectations across the entire facility. Memorable Events at Bass Park: One would certainly be the 1992 appearance of Garth Brooks at the Auditorium. He was near the height of his popularity and the speed at which his show sold out and the record merchandise sales made a lasting impression on everyone involved, definitely not something we were used to! Another would have to be the 2008 visit by presidential candidate
14
Executive Director Bass Park Complex Bangor, Maine
Barack Obama. The overflow crowds that formed lines over a halfmile long five hours before the doors were scheduled to open was both awe-inspiring and just a bit scary! What Promoters Want: It has been my experience that promoters appreciate a building that will be honest and upfront about its capabilities and the market. A realistic assessment of the show’s potential, through the eyes of the building staff, helps the promoter make a decision on the play. Once that decision has been made, the staff needs to go all-out to insure that every conceivable effort has been made to “sell” the show. Industry Forecast: Based on what I’m hearing from other buildings in the Global Spectrum family and what I read in the trade pubs, business seems to be trending steady to slightly up, provided you can be flexible and are willing to take a chance on some non- traditional shows or promoters. There also seems to be a trend at many buildings, which I find refreshing and very promising, to go out and create an event or events where none existed. I think the old axiom “activity begets activity” has never been truer, and as building managers we need to embrace it. Management Philosophy: Assemble the best team possible, provide them with all the training and support necessary to help them do their jobs (Global Spectrum’s experience and resources are essential to this effort), and then let them actually do their jobs.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
R E - O P E N I N G
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 2
The Historical Paramount of Cedar Rapids Paramount Theatre
• Completely restored to original 1928 condition • Seating capacity – 1,650 • Expanded deeper stage with easy load in • Hydraulic stage thrust lift • Professional line array house sound system
For booking information, please contact Jason Anderson 319-398-5226 j.anderson@paramounttheatrecr.com
Up
SHOW Front WATCH
On the set of Monday Night Football moments before kick off at Global Spectrummanaged University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, are (from left) Global Spectrum’s Peter Sullivan, general manager of University of Phoenix Stadium; ESPN’s Stuart Scott; Global Spectrum’s Melissa Wasson, assistant general manager of University of Phoenix Stadium; ESPN’s Trent Dilfer; Global Spectrum’s Fred Corsi, director of operations at University of Phoenix Stadium; ESPN’s Steve Young; and Global Spectrum’s Scott Norton, director of marketing at University of Phoenix Stadium. The International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) brought its 42nd Annual Conference to Nashville in October and enjoyed another record-breaking attendance with nearly 700 registrants. Registration and sponsorship revenue have each increased by more than 100 percent since 2008, and the number of artists showcasing has more than tripled to over 50, representing a diverse array of genres. Rap artist MC Hammer hosted the awards dinner, which was a joint celebration of the IEBA Industry Awards and the Country Music Association’s SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards. This year, IEBA inducted artist Charley Pride, entertainment publisher Ray Pilszak and talent buyer Joe LaGuardia (posthumously) to the IEBA Hall of Fame on the last night of the conference. In addition, the night was filled with appearances by David Cassidy, Peter Noone, Mike Love, Bruce Johnston, Ronnie Dunn and many other artists. 16
Awards went to: Larry Werner, Panhandle Productions (International Buyer of the Year); Todd Boltin, Variety Attractions (Fair Buyer of the Year); Mike Smardak, Outback Concerts (Festival Buyer of the Year); Gary Osier, Gary Osier Presents (Club Buyer of the Year); Mark Letson, EastCoast Entertainment (College Buyer of the Year); Fran Romeo, Romeo Entertainment Group (Corporate Buyer of the Year); Kell Houston, Houston Productions (Casino Buyer of the Year); Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville (Venue Executive of the Year); and Travis Wolfe, Paradigm Agency (Emerging Talent Agent of the Year). After serving five years as executive director of the IEBA, Tiffany Davis has announced that this would be her final conference as director of the 42-year-old trade organization. She will be relocating to the Boston area at the end of the year. For more information, visit www.ieba.org.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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Construction & Renovation WATCH The centerpiece of the new Singapore Sports Hub, opening in 2014, is the 55,000seat National Stadium, built to host worldclass sporting and entertainment events. Its dome roof, the largest in the world at over 215,000 sq. ft., is the brainchild of global design and engineering firm Arup. According to Clive Lewis, Arup’s lead sports venue designer for the Sports Hub, “The tropical climate in Singapore poses a challenge in the design of the National Stadium. … We wanted to keep the rain and heat out, but we also wanted it to be an open and dynamic space. After extensive research, we realized that a naturally ventilated stadium with localized cooling gave us the best solution for the local climate in Singapore. By incorporating a moving roof, the stadium will be further protected from the harsh climatic conditions, allowing events to be hosted during the hottest parts of the day.” The retractable roof will be clad in a multi-layer ETFE pillow and incorporate a matrix of LED lights, making it one of the largest addressable LED screens in the world. Supporting it will be a fixed dome roof with a clear span of 340 yards. In addition, the open-ended west end of the stadium allows concerts to be hosted with the iconic skyline of Singapore as their backdrop. 18
Located less than two miles from downtown Singapore, the Sports Hub was recently awarded Green Mark Gold Plus status for its sustainable design. It offers a variety of venues beyond the National Stadium, including a 3,000-capacity indoor world tournament standard Aquatic Centre, expandable to 6,000 capacity for specific events; a 3,000-capacity Multi Purpose Indoor Arena (MPIA), which will be scalable and flexible in layout; and the existing 12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium. Visit www.sportshub.com.sg/ sportshub2014 for further information.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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Construction & Renovation WATCH Front The Potomac Nationals recently
Situated in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, The Hydro is due to open in 2013 on the site of the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. The new venue will host major musical acts as well as global entertainment and sporting events, anticipating about 140 events each year. Boasting a capacity of 12,000 seated and 13,000 standing, the Hydro expects to attract one million visitors annually and rank as the fifth-busiest entertainment arena in the world. It will be the only UK venue of its scale built specifically for concerts, and the largest entertainment venue in Scotland. The Hydro is part of Glasgow’s long-term transformation along the revitalized River Clyde. Visit www. thehydro.com for details.
selected Front Row Marketing Services, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment marketing firms, to secure the naming rights for the club’s new 7,000-capacity ballpark to be built in Northern Virginia, according to team owner Art Silber. “This state-of-the-art minor league baseball facility will be a showplace not just of the Carolina League but of all minor league baseball, and we look forward to helping make it a huge success,” said Bryan Furey, regional vice president, Front Row. The $30 million stadium is part of a $70 million public-private partnership which will be located at Stonebridge at the Potomac Town Center, a retail, office and residential development located adjacent to I-95 in Woodbridge, VA with over 55 retail stores and 500 residential units. The Virginia Department of Transportation will invest approximately $15 million to build a new parking structure with 1,200 spaces to serve as a meeting spot for commuters. Potomac is an affiliate of the Washington Nationals, and the team currently plays its home games at Pfitzner Stadium in Northern Virginia, averaging 2,953 fans for 65 home games played in 2012.
Major entertainment developments in Sioux Falls, SD, totaling more than $165 million, are turning the city into a national competitor and regional hub for sports and entertainment events in the coming years. Debuting in fall 2013, the 162-acre Sanford Sports Complex, comprised of the 160,000-sq.-ft. Sanford Pentagon (including nine basketball courts), the 85,000-sq.-ft. Sanford Fieldhouse and the Sheels Iceplex, will attract upwards of one million new visitors annually to the region. The facility will be home to the Sioux Falls Junior Football League, Sioux Falls Tennis, Sioux Falls ICE as well as Dakota Alliance Soccer Club, which will operate from the Sanford Fieldhouse. At least one hotel and restaurant are anticipated on the property, along with office and other retail projects. Scheduled for completion in 2014, the 64,000-sq.-ft., $115 million Denny Sanford Premier Center will be attached to the existing Sioux Falls Convention Center. A new hotel on the property is likely, although no official plans or developers have yet been announced. 20
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
From gala gatherings to top name entertainment, the Burnsville Performing Arts Center is the place for your next event.
The Main Hall seats 1,014 and can be utilized for lectures, seminars, and performances. The VIP Suite provides a private setting for board meetings, business presentations, and intimate formal dining.
The Black Box Theatre is a versatile space, ideal for smaller productions and business break-out sessions. The Rehearsal Room is an 1800 sq ft space complete with mirrors and ballet barres on the walls and a sprung maple floor.
Presentations include cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance, and musical acts from local arts organizations and national touring artists, making the Burnsville Performing Arts Center the heart of the Twin Cities entertainment scene.
Booking Contact: Brian Luther bluther@burnsvillepac.com Phone: 952-895-4675 www.burnsvillepac.com
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Supplier Front WATCH
Ovations Food Services began serving Ruth Eckerd Hall and the historic Capitol Theatre in Clearwater, FL, on Nov. 1. Rolling out its Everything’s Fresh™ philosophy, Ovations is also introducing the Ultimate Bar Experience as well as new pre-show food offerings in the east café area with Pl Bistro™. Long-term plans include expanding the F&B areas at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater, including the addition of a rooftop terrace overlooking the gulf. A similar expansion is expected shortly thereafter at Ruth Eckerd Hall, increasing the lobby space and allowing guests to mingle pre-show as well as enjoy increased F&B offerings tailored to each event. Ruth Eckerd Hall seats 2,180 guests for live entertainment events. The City of Clearwater and Ruth Eckerd Hall are currently renovating the Theatre, constructed in 1921. The 720-seat venue is scheduled to be completely rebuilt by the fall of this year.
This fall, Melissa Etheridge’s 4th Street Feeling Tour, in support of her 12th studio album, is making use of Bandit Lites’ GRN LED Technology to light an intimate stage set designed to look like a rehearsal space complete with ladders, trusses, PA cabinets, empty road cases and more. An eco-friendly resource, the GRN LED system allowed limited power use without sacrificing the brilliance of the color. “The whole rig I’m using now uses about 32 amps, as opposed to 10 years ago when you had to have 400 amp service to do 30 or 40 lights,” said David Hamilton, lighting designer for the tour. For more information about Bandit, a global leader in the entertainment lighting marketplace, visit www.banditlites.com.
In November, Temperance, MI-based MTS Seating, a leading manufacturer of premium-quality banquet and foodservice seating for the hospitality market, earned GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification® for all of its lines of seating products for a fifth consecutive year. The certification recognizes MTS products as being low-emitting — a characteristic that contributes to indoor air quality. More than 400 green building codes, standards, guidelines, procurement policies and rating systems give credit for GREENGUARD Certified products. Visit www.mtsseating. com for more information.
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Name, Title ____________________________________________________________________________ Company _____________________________________________________________________________ Street Address (City, State, Zip) ___________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________________________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________________________ Which of the following categories (I, II, or III) best describes your business classification? Please check the one box that applies. I. Facilities ❑ 1AR Arena/Stadium ❑ 1CC Convention/Expo Center ❑ 1CI Civic Center ❑ 1HO Hotel/Conference Center ❑ 1PA Performing Arts Center ❑ 1FG Fairground ❑ 1AM Amphitheatre ❑ 1EH Exhibit Hall ❑ 1TH Theatre ❑ 1MP Multi-Purpose ❑ 1OT Other (please specify) ____________________
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2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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Theater Front WATCH
In October, Ames, IA-based VenuWorks began managing the 1,919-seat Victory Theatre in downtown Evansville, IN. According to VenuWorks president Steve Peters, “I’m honored to have this opportunity to manage the historic Victory Theatre in Evansville. Our goal is to work closely with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra as well as to provide this community with a diverse selection of theatrical and concert events.” VenuWorks also manages Evansville’s new Ford Center.
Arena WATCH
SMG recently began managing the James L. Knight Center in Miami, taking over operational responsibilities from Global Spectrum, who held the contract since 1997. SMG aims to help the Knight Center “grow market share in both the meetings and entertainment sectors,” according to Gregg Caren, SMG senior vice president for strategic business development. Directly connected to the 612-room Hyatt Regency Miami, the Knight Center includes the Miami Conference and Convention Center, 28,000-sq.-ft. Riverfront Hall and a 4,600-seat proscenium theater. The complex is situated overlooking the Miami River at Brickell Avenue, just seven miles from Miami International Airport and two miles from the Port of Miami. Visit www. jlkc.com for more information.
Saint Paul RiverCentre and Xcel Energy Center, in Saint Paul, MN, have been making strides since 2009 to become regional leaders in sustainability by implementing two aggressive sustainability programs, “50-50 in 2” and “80-20 in 3.” Officials at the facilities recently released a progress report for the latter initiative, a set of energy goals designed to increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of the facilities. In just three years, the campus increased its energy efficiency to 20.4 percent better than average buildings in the region while reducing its operational carbon footprint by 35 percent. In addition, the facilities received two prominent awards this year from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Recycling Association of Minnesota. The complete summary is available at www. xcelenergycenter.com/sustainability/ progressreports.jsp. The Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena unveiled two new 12-ft.-by-100-ft. large-scale Diamond Vision® video displays at each end zone of the arena this season. The displays use Mitsubishi Electric’s newest 16mm display technology and replaced the former color displays and graphic panels that were initially installed when Philips Arena opened in 1999. The new displays are driven by a control system that can simultaneously display video replays, scoring and player statistics, and animations. The end zone system is one of the largest in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and features the highest resolution of any displays this size.
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In Conversation With . . .
Brian Waymire Owner, The Agency Coalition
The Kids Are Alright: Tapping Into the Dynamic College Entertainment Market By Anthony Bilden
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What are the main advantages that NACA membership brings to agents and promoters who focus on the college market? It’s invaluable. They are a connector to the marketplace, and in my opinion are the best at making that connection. NACA also has a real focus on education and student engagement, which I think is important to the future leaders of our entertainment industry. How has the college entertainment market been developing in recent years? I really think the college market is one that’s been left to smaller, less-known performers for a long time, and I like that. It’s a great testing ground for artists as they are coming up the ranks. 26
Did many artists come down on pricing during the recession given colleges’ tighter programming budgets? I don’t think the market has changed much in the past few years as far as pricing goes. There are a lot more developmental artists tapping in to the market, which does dilute the pricing some, but it hasn’t been too noticeable. The biggest development in the market is the increase in accessibility. Schools can find agents and artists
“The biggest development in the market is the increase in accessibility. Schools can find agents and artists faster than they could even five years ago.” Nappy Roots, an alternative Southern rap quartet represented by The Agency Coalition, performs at the University of Illinois Springfield. faster than they could even five years ago, and they don’t always feel like they need a connector. Has “block booking” through NACA been a growing practice? [Editor’s Note: Delegates from colleges and universities attending NACA conferences are offered three prices by the performers being showcased: a single date price, a lower “3 of 5” price that applies when at least three geographically close schools book the act within a five-day period, and an even lower “5 of 7” price. The two block-booking options allow the schools to get discounts and the performers to save on transportation expenses with conveniently routed tours.]
Yes, and I love that about the NACA way of connecting talent to schools. The schools are getting smarter about blocking and some of them are even starting to block with clubs, festivals and performing arts facilities. I got a call from a school near Cincinnati a couple months ago that noticed one of my artists was playing the Midpoint Music Festival and the school
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Jeremy Wilburn
rian Waymire heads The Agency Coalition, a Nashville-based booking agency that represents a wide variety of artists in different genres, most of which are independent performers and groups who tour heavily. If that role doesn’t keep him busy enough, he also serves as an associate member of the Board of Directors of the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Founded in 1960, NACA offers associate memberships to promoters and school memberships to campus activities professionals and college students involved in those activities; the organization currently has more than 500 associate members and more than 950 school members. NACA focuses on topics like program planning, risk management, concert management and leadership development, and holds networking events for promoters, artists and school delegates across the country. From Feb. 16-20, NACA will be hosting Engage, its national convention, in Nashville. Waymire joined the board in May because he “wanted to learn more about the inner workings of the association and contribute some of my industry knowledge to help with their future growth and new strategic plan.” In the following Q&A, Waymire shares some of that industry knowledge with Facilities & Event Management, discussing booking trends in the campus entertainment market and sharing his thoughts on working with college venues.
checked on a block-booking price. It was a win-win situation for the school and the band. I’m not sure I do as much block booking on the spot as I did a few years ago, but in the follow-up I feel like the block booking through NACA has actually increased quite a bit over the past few years.
“NACA has a real focus on education and student engagement, which I think is important to
Do you think any generalizations can be made about artists that play college venues? Do they tend to be in the early stages of their careers? Are they necessarily focused on a younger fan base? They tend to be in the early stages or just out of the early stages, and I would definitely say they have a focus on the younger fan base. Whether the act is country, rock, urban or any other genre, I feel like they are generally polished in a “radio friendly” sort of way.
the future leaders of our Do top-tier schools typically have the best entertainment industry.” facilities and event staff? Not necessarily. One of my best schools only has about 1,500 students. Most of them bring in professional sound and lighting. I’ve heard some horror stories, but I think Is NACA planning any new educational or networking initiatives for the most part they really try and take care of the artists. For for its associate members in 2013? a larger artist who would sell more than a few thousand tickets, I think they are always looking for ways to create new I think the larger schools do have a slight advantage. Their facilities typically have more in-house production and amenities, learning and networking opportunities. I believe their focus is on education and engagement from both an associate and but I still love working with the smaller schools. student perspective. Just the other day I received an email from the NACA office asking me about internships for next How robust are the co-promotional opportunities provided by these year in our office [at The Agency Coalition]. They really try venues? Do colleges have marketing staff that help to get the word to network students with associates and help them plug into out in the community about the performance? experiential learning opportunities. Many of the larger venues offer rental or co-promotional opportunities to promoters and most of them do have Are there any sessions or activities you are especially looking forward marketing staff to help with community promotion. If they to for the 2013 NACA National Convention? don’t, the co-promoter or renter either takes care of it or hires Yes, I’m looking forward to the return of the Night On a local publicist/marketing firm to take care of it. The smaller facilities on campuses, such as coffee houses or student activities Nashville promotion, where agencies present showcases in select venues around town. That’s always a great time. centers, don’t typically do a lot of marketing off campus.
Ford Center’s Fabulous First Year “Next generation” arena shifts gears in Evansville’s live events market By Anthony Bilden
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efore Ford Center opened in November 2011, Roberts Stadium had been a staple in Evansville, IN, for 55 years. Nashville-based concert promoter NS2 had brought groups to the old stadium for two decades, according to CEO Darin Lashinsky. But it was time for a change, Lashinsky felt. “If they had never replaced Roberts Stadium for a market that size, I think they still would have gotten a lot of the same business. But there’s a point where it was not the ideal situation as far as the number of seats you can sell for most touring productions,” he explained. “And obviously they were smart, they didn’t build too big of a building. Ford Center seems to be just the right size for the market.” A surefire act in the heartland market – Bob Seger – played a soldout inaugural concert at the 11,000seat Ford Center on Nov. 9, 2011, and another milestone took place in early November 2012 as the center celebrated a very successful first year of operation with an open house and public skate. “We just went over 507,000 patrons,” noted Scott Schoenike, executive director of Ford Center, managed by VenuWorks. Among the more than 140 events the center has hosted thus far, Schoenike pointed to a personal highlight: “In a 24-hour span we did a monster truck show with 1,000 yards of dirt on the floor, a 1 p.m. basketball game and a 7 p.m. hockey game. We were just trying to keep our tenants happy [the Evansville IceMen and University of Evansville Purple Aces], and it turned out that way. It really says something for a new building to pop out that first year and accomplish that.” The IceMen had an accomplishment of their own on the marketing end. “They did an awesome job of grassroots promotions and establishing Evansville as a hockey market, which it’s not really known for. So they really had the excitement level
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A Purple Aces basketball game at Ford Center.
very easy to work in the of the city up.” facility.” Top-tier musical acts during the first year included “We spent a lot of Reba McEntire, James Taylor and the Trans-Siberian money on acoustics,” Orchestra, along with major shows such as Disney Schoenike confirmed. on Ice, Cirque du Soleil and WWE Smackdown. “The entire interior “The first show I brought to Ford Center was Lady wall of the hall has Antebellum, and then my partner at Frank Productions acoustical paneling on and I brought Elton John. That was followed by Eric it, not just the ceiling Church,” remarked Lashinsky. “Every show I’ve done but all the side walls. in that building has been a complete sellout.” Country So the building really sounds good, crystal clear. Another music acts like Church and McEntire do indeed thrive major feature is the rigging capability. We spent a lot of in the Evansville market, yet Ford Center is making an effort making the rigging accessible effort to prove that a greater variety across the entire arena floor, which of genres also have a fan base in the was a major improvement; they area. “Roberts Stadium fell into the he Ford Center represents the always had to figure out how to rig niche of doing country,” Schoenike “next generation” of secondarythe old stadium.” observed, “and we’re working to Complementing Evansville’s expand that with a new building. market arenas. “Just because you new state-of-the-art facility are We’ll do more rock than we had various downtown developments, in the past. We have included don’t have 19,000 seats doesn’t including renovated streets and Christian Christmas concerts such parking. “Most of downtown got as Michael W. Smith utilizing the mean you can’t have all the a facelift,” Schoenike said. “The local symphony and choir. We’ll amenities and features” of the downtown living has gotten busier bring in some acts that the city’s with more and more buildings never seen before, not that it’s that primary market arenas. converted into lofts, and the number unique to the rest of the world, of shopping and dining venues has but Evansville’s just not used to probably doubled.” Next year will it.” Lashinsky, whose company is likely see the groundbreaking for a new hotel of roughly bringing Journey to Ford Center next year, definitely sees 250 rooms connected via skywalk to Ford Center, he the potential for more than country: “I think the market predicted. “Right now they’re negotiating with two has always been known to be a good heritage rock and developers. The land is cleared and available.” also a good hard rock market,” adding that “the sound The hotel development plans indicate an expected for live music at Ford Center is fantastic for an arena. growth in Evansville’s live events market and a greater My favorite thing about it? It’s brand new. It’s a really influx of patrons, and Ford Center is ready to please well-designed building, and for touring productions it’s 30 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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“Every show I’ve done in the building has been a complete sellout.” —Darin Lashinsky, NS2
Darin Lashinsky (left), CEO of NS2, which has brought several shows to the Ford Center including Lady Antebellum (above), and Scott Schoenike (right), executive director of Ford Center, managed by VenuWorks. opening year I maintained my entire opening staff of them with plenty of amenities, beginning with extramanagement, no turnover,” Schoenike said. “I’ve been with foam seats that are all at least 20 inches wide. And some buildings where you lose 50 percent of the staff in the without leaving those seats, patrons have the option opening year.” The secret is to hire “the right people that of ordering concessions via smartphone with the new love this industry. If you work 80 hours a week, you have to Bypass Lane System. Interactive ticket purchasing be ready for it and love it, and finding the right staff that through Ticketmaster will also be available for select wants to continue pushing forward has been a huge success events. “Ticketmaster has implemented a platform that for us here.” allows you to pick your seat on an interactive map and “They’re great partners,” said Lashinsky. “I can say even see where your Facebook friends are sitting. It’s that Scott and his team from the booking side of things, a bells-and-whistles thing, but one that we’re happy whether it’s contracts, ticketing, production or accounting, to bring to Evansville,” said Schoenike. Eco-conscious are a top-notch staff. The people in the key positions in patrons and promoters will also be pleased to note that Ford Center recently achieved LEED Silver certification. each department are all veterans. It’s not a situation where you think, ‘Oh, we’re in Evansville so we have to lower our It’s all part of making Ford Center representative of standards from doing a show in Detroit’ or another major the “next generation” of secondary-market arenas. “Just market. The interaction I have with them is as seamless because you don’t have 19,000 seats doesn’t mean you as any venue I do business with on the top end of the can’t have all these amenities and features,” he affirmed. spectrum.” “Even our level of catering: I would be comfortable After enjoying one year of that “seamless” performance, saying our catering is just as good as that of any booking agents and promoters can expect Ford Center to professional-level building.” continue running on all cylinders through 2013 and well One factor that bolsters Ford Center’s service quality beyond. is the consistency of the staff roster. “Throughout the 31 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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I AFE 20 1 2 Snapshots from the 112th International Association of Fairs and Expositions Convention and Trade Show, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV, Nov. 25-28
David A. MacArthur, National Sales Manager, and Matt Bates of Losberger
Wrestling legend Rowdy Roddy Piper flanked by his son (left) and Peter Schweitzer, Schweitzer Entertainment Group
Patrick McKenna, Union Copy Centers, Inc.
Charlie Petrach, President, The Party Company
Rick Jacobs (left) and Jim Jacobs, co-owners of Jacobs MFG LLC
Kimberly A. Kesterke, MBA, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation
Bret Cadenhead of nQativ, accounting software developers
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2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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Glenn White, VP of Sales, Off Broadway Booking
Jay Phillips of Show-Me Safari
Steve Strathearn, Sales Director, Southeast Region for Ungerboeck Software Int’l
From left: Erich Dahlke, Derek Spotswood and Michael Geisen of Ntelligent Systems
Lynne King Smith, CEO, and Shelby Burdick, Sales Executive, for TicketForce
Rebecca Enlow, COO, and Chris Meelhuysen, Chief Technology Officer, for Event Software
John W. Endsley of Bullock Smith & Partners, consultants in fairground planning and design
Rob Battle (right), head of Battle Artist Agency
Wendy Kay, CEO/agent/ producer, Utopia Artists, LLC and Mars Talent Agency, LLC
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I AVM 2 0 1 2 Snapshots from the 2012 International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Conference & Tradeshow, July 21-24, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the 2012 IAVM Arena Management Conference, Sept. 9-11, Las Vegas
From left: Darius Dunn, Ford Center; and Lionel Dubay and Lynda Reinhart, University of Florida Stephen C. O’Connell Center
Peter Bergin (left), head of Caddy Products, Inc., posed with Lee Zeidman, Executive VP and GM of The Staples Center and Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles
Ken Persson, VP, Sales & Marketing, Maywood Furniture Corp.
Randy Ziegler (left) of O,R & L Facility Services, and Allen Johnson, CFE, CPM, Executive Director, Orlando Venues
Robert Hunter (left), Executive VP, Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, Air Canada Centre; and Kevin Twohig (right), Executive Director, Spokane Public Facilities District
Posing at SMG’s booth were (from left): Mark Gatley, GM, Broward County Convention Center; Julia Johnson, Broward County CC; Dittie Guise, GM, Montego Bay Convention Centre; Gregg Caren, SMG Senior VP Strategic Business Development; and Twee Vuong, Broward County CC
Steve Luttazi (left), Clarin by Hussey Seating National Sales Manager; and Kevin Murphy, Basketball Products International, LLC
Terry Dederich (left), Associate Director, Ford Center; and Glenn Walinski, Manager, Tyson Events Center
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“The Facilities publications that we showcase our venues in get the job done for us. We see results on the client side and with promoters, show producers and agents. Facilitiesonline.com keeps us up-to-date on industry happenings and gives VenuWorks a vehicle to get our news out across the industry as well.” Tammy Koolbeck Senior Vice President VenuWorks
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Be a part of our upcoming 2013 issues, including our 2013 Facilities & Event Management SuperBook later in the spring, featuring our annual Prime Site Awards. Call or email Michael Caffin, Associate Publisher (212) 532-4150, x103 mcaffin@facilitiesonline.com
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Status: Hot Category: THEATERS AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS FYI: From Florida to Alaska, booking agents can find theaters that have long been strong “performers” in their local markets. Some are true classics, like the Landmark and Embassy theaters, both of which debuted over 80 years ago, while others are modern-day classics, such as the major performing arts centers in Anchorage, AK and Broward, FL. Following is a sampling of these venues, focusing on their latest renovations and expansions.
The Alaska Center ] for 1Performing the Arts Anchorage, AK myalaskacenter.com
Graced with the works of local artists, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts houses the 2,000-plus-capacity Evangeline Atwood Concert Hall, featuring a large stage (120 ft. wide by 52 ft. deep with a proscenium opening that is 57 ft. wide and 35 ft. high), as well as state-of-theart equipment such as a Meyers Sound System. The Discovery Theatre boasts a stage equal in size to Atwood Hall’s and a seating capacity of 700, while the Sydney Laurence Theatre is a flexible proscenium theater with a seating capacity of 340. The Alaska Center’s 15th anniversary was celebrated in October 2003 with the Grand Opening of Elvera Voth Hall, a 1,800-sq.-ft. performance and rehearsal space located on the Center’s second level. 36
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➤ Anchorage, AK
➤ Chicago, IL
➤ Fort Wayne, IN
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➤ Chicago, IL
➤ Richmond, VA
2] Arie Crown Theater 4] Embassy Theatre
Chicago, IL ariecrown.com
Opened in 1960, this 4,249-seat proscenium arch theater is located in Lakeside Center at McCormick Place and offers one of the largest and most adaptable stages in the Midwest. The proscenium opening is 90 ft. wide by 40 ft. high, with a stage depth of 58.4 ft. The theater entered the 21st century with $6.5 million of redesign and renovation, and now features dramatically improved acoustics and a state-of-the-art sound system.
Center ] Broward 3Performing for the Arts Fort Lauderdale, FL browardcenter.org
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which debuted in 1991, broke ground this fall on a $50 million, 18-month renewal and expansion project that includes a new Club Level in the Au-Rene Theater and a complete restoration of the performance spaces and audience chambers. The Au-Rene Theater (capacity 2,666) is complemented by the Amaturo Theater (capacity 590) and the Abdo New River Room (capacity 250-500). Backstage areas include 12 dressing rooms and office space for touring acts. Five bars are on premises, plus the new Hillside Terrace Café.
Fort Wayne, IN fwembassytheatre.org
Opened in 1928 as the Emboyd Theatre, this movie palace and Vaudeville house eventually became the Embassy Theatre when sold to the Alliance Amusement Corporation in 1952. In 1995, the theater was renovated and acquired a 2,471 seating capacity; further renovations followed in 2005. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Embassy houses a proscenium 54 ft. wide by 29 ft. high, an orchestra pit seating 55 musicians, and 11 dressing rooms.
5] Landmark Theater
Richmond, VA landmarktheater.net
Truly a landmark in Richmond for over 80 years, Landmark Theater is located west of the downtown on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University. The venue hosts a variety of events including Broadway productions, concerts, comedians and fashion shows. Accented by towering minarets and desert murals, the Landmark offers seating for 3,565, excellent acoustics and a ballroom with a capacity of 1,000. Property-wide renovations to the Landmark Theater began this summer and will continue over a three-year period in various stages.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Facilities A-Z Adler Theatre/RiverCenter..........................................37
Lloyd Noble Center.....................................................40
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum......................37
The Morris Performing Arts Center...........................40
BC Place.......................................................................37
MTS Centre.................................................................40
Blue Cross Arena.........................................................37
Orpheum Theater........................................................40
Bridge View Center.....................................................38
Paramount Theatre.......................................................43
Burnsville Performing Arts Center..............................38
Prudential Center.........................................................43
Chesapeake Energy Arena...........................................38
Sanford Center.............................................................43
Clay County Regional Event Center..........................38
Swiftel Center...............................................................43
Dunkin’ Donuts Center...............................................38
Topeka Performing Arts Center..................................52
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre..................38
Toyota Center...............................................................52
Florence Civic Center..................................................38
United Wireless Arena.................................................52
Ford Center..................................................................40
U.S. Cellular Center.....................................................52
Hoyt Sherman Place....................................................40
Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium.........52
Hurst Conference Center............................................40
Wright State University’s Nutter Center.....................52
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Adler Theatre/RiverCenter 136 East Third St., Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505 adlertheatre.com • riverctr.com Executive Director: Rick Palmer, CFE
A historic, Art Deco yet also state-of-the-art PAC, the RiverCenter Complex offers 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting, exhibit and event space, 2,411-seat Adler Theatre (renovated 2006); and Great River Hall – seats 3,200 for general admission/2,500 reserved. Mississippi River Hall can host 1,400 general admission/1,100 reserved. Backstage: two production offices, 800-sq.-ft. wardrobe room, eight dressing rooms, two star dressing rooms and soloist room. Facility is key anchor for live entertainment and cultural enrichment in downtown Davenport, serving the greater Quad Cities area and its population base of 400,000. Reach also extends out to a PAGE 75-100 mile radius on both sides of the Mississippi River. 39 british Columbia
indiana
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 482-9502; Fax: (260) 484-1637 memorialcoliseum.com General Manager: Randy L. Brown A multi-purpose complex, the tri-state area’s leading sports, entertainment and event venue serves Northeast Indiana, Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan. With an MSA population of 411,000, Ft. Wayne is the state’s second-largest city, within day’s drive of 55 million. Seating capacities: End concert-180: 8,843; End Concert-240: 10,006; End Concert-270: 10,297; End Concert-360: 12,045. Hockey/indoor football: 10,495; basketball: 11,083. 24 luxury suites, one super suite, 318 club seats. 148,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose exhibition space, capable of hosting concerts up to 8,000 seats, as well as basketball and motor-sports PAGE events, with telescopic seating and floor chairs. 3 New York
BC Place
Blue Cross Arena
An all-new BC Place reopened in September 2011 after completing a major revitalization that included the installation of the largest cable-supported retractable roof of its kind in the world. Today, BC Place is home to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the BC Lions Football Club and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Seating capacities: 54,500 (total), 24,500 (lower bowl), 30,000 (upper bowl), 12,155 (floor), 7,000 (banquets). Total exhibition space: 262,000 sq. ft. accommodating 900 10 ft.-by-10 ft. consumer show booths. Banquet room space: 7,000-sq.-ft. Celebrity chef Vikram Vij’s restaurant onsite. Four newly renovated team locker rooms, VIP star rooms, press PAGE rooms, event operations headquarters, 50 Guest Suites and Club Seating. 24
Serving the Rochester market since 1955, the SMG-managed Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial has hosted acts as diverse as Ringling Brothers, Barry Manilow, Harlem Globetrotters and Monster Jam. The arena offers seating for 12,428 (upper bowl, 6,052; lower bowl, 4,696; floor, 1,680) and has a maximum capacity of 14,000 for general admission. Rolling 80 ft.-by-80 ft. Stage Right concert stage with adjustable 4 ft. to 6 ft. height. Backstage areas include three locker rooms, four dressing rooms, an officials room and a green room. A promoters’ office of about 10 ft. by 25 ft. is available. The Blue Cross Arena is also known for the War Memorial shrine, accessible to the public, and the Veteran’s PAGE Memorial Plaza overlooking the Genesee River. C3
700 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8 (604) 669-2300 bcplace.com Marketing and Communication Manager: Duncan Blomfield
1 War Memorial Square, Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 758-5300; Fax: (585) 758-5327 bluecrossarena.com SMG General Manager: Jeff Calkins
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Minnesota
Bridge View Center
102 Church St., Ottumwa, IA 52501 (641) 684-7000; Fax: (641) 684-6305 bridgeviewcenter.com Executive Director: Larry Gawronski Where Great Events Create Lifetime Experiences Fast becoming the premier destination in southeast Iowa for concerts, theatrical events and conventions, The Bridge View Center opened in 2007, nestled on the banks of the Des Moines River. This 92,000-sq.-ft. complex features an Expo Hall (reserved seating – 2,617; festival – 3,000; boxing/mixed martial arts – 1,800; floor events – 1,500), adjoining conference/meeting space (7,000 sq. ft., divisible into five rooms), 655-seat theater and a Grand Lobby (accommodates 2,500). Two star dressing rooms; choir dressing room with lockers and showers; 40 ft.-by-40 ft. studio adjoining theater, accommodatPAGE ing up to 100 persons. Regional MSA 150,000 (75-mile radius). 23
Burnsville Performing Arts Center 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville, MN 55337 (952) 895-4685; Fax: (952) 895-4688 burnsvillepac.com Executive Director: Brian Luther
Opened in January 2009, the Burnsville PAC features two theaters: a 1,014-seat Proscenium Stage and intimate 150-seat black box. The lobby is two stories tall, all glass; 2,000-sq.-ft. art gallery; multi-purpose room (1,196 sq. ft., divisible into two spaces). Additional space for banquets, special events and receptions. Stage dressing rooms, shared make-up area, separate star dressing room, 630-sq.-ft. green room. Presentations at the Burnsville PAC include cultural events, dramas, comedies, dance and musical acts from local arts organizations and national touring artists. Full-service in-house advertising agency. Part of Minneapolis/St. Paul metro region/Suburban Burnsville – 60,000 PAGE residents, affluent, family and growing boomer population. 21 oklahoma
north Carolina
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Chesapeake Energy Arena
Multipurpose venue with 150,000 sq. ft. of temperature-controlled event space, plus 11-acre lawn and a 28,000-sq.-ft. arena seating 5,000 concerts, 4,390 boxing/wrestling, 3,800 arena football, 1,500-3,000 half-house. Indoor/outdoor portable staging. Two dressing rooms. Exhibition space: Event Center A, 40,000 sq. ft.; Event Center B, 30,000 sq. ft.; Gold Hall 1, 20,000 sq. ft.; Gold Hall 2, 10,000 sq. ft.; Cabarrus Room A, 2,400 sq. ft.; Cabarrus Room B, 1,200 sq. ft.; Cabarrus Room C, 1,200 sq. ft. Audience: 313,700 within a 15-mile radius; 1,377,900 within a 30-mile radius; 3,154,100 within a 60-mile radius. Seven VIP suites; six onsite concession stands.
Attracts more than one million guests per year, conveniently located near the junction of I-40 and I-35 in downtown Oklahoma City, a metro area with a 1.2 million+ population. Seating capacities: 4,000-18,000. Concert (center stage) – 17,932; concert (endstage) – 16,698; concert (theater) – 3,736; basketball – 17,404. Arena floor – 34,074 sq. ft. Backstage – four dressing rooms, three locker rooms, two production offices, press lounge and green room with 906-sq.-ft. lobby and a 1,576-sq.-ft. pub. Recently renovated main concourse; 36 suites, two lounge areas, seven bunker suites, two VIP dining areas. Full-service, award-winning marketing staff.
100 West Reno, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 602-8700; Fax: (405) 602-8505 chesapeakearena.com General Manager: Gary Desjardins
4751 Hwy. 49 North, Concord, NC 28025 (704) 920-3976; Fax: (704) 920-3999 cabarrusarena.com Sales & Marketing Manager: Pam Sossamon
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rhode island
Clay County Regional Events Center
800 West 18th St., Spencer, IA 51301-3156 (712) 580-3000; Fax: (712) 580-3003 spencerevents.com General Manager: Scott Hallgren Delivering Outstanding Experiences Complex opened in 2003, featuring a 2,664-seat arena; 7,600-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom, divisible into six individual meeting rooms; and a 24,000-sq.-ft., column-free exhibit hall. Boardroom, event office, dressing rooms, private green room are also available. Seating capacities: full concert – 2,664; wrestling/boxing – 2,700; theater – 2,160; open floor – 1,572; banquet – 1,400 (Exhibit Hall). Grand Ballroom: 750 theater style; 504 rounds; 450+ classroom style. Backstage: green room with private bath and shower; two dressing rooms. Co-promotes events; full marketing services; group sales. Spencer is the regional hub in northwest PAGE Iowa, serving a broad geographic region across NW Iowa/SW Minnesota. 17 Ontario
Dunkin’ Donuts Center
1 LaSalle Square, Providence RI 02903 (401) 331-0700; Fax: (401) 621-5987 dunkindonutscenter.com Executive Assistant/Booking: Debra Polselli Part of the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex, the 14,000-seat DDC offers 31,000 sq. ft. of arena space, 86-ft. ceiling, 25,000-sq.-ft. concourse, new 9,000-sq.-ft. lobby, 20 luxury suites, five additional meeting/hospitality rooms, state-of-the-art video scoreboard, six dressing/locker rooms, two media rooms, two production offices, 250-seat restaurant and 11 permanent, 24 portable concession stands. DDC attracts one million+ annually. 60 ft.-by-40 ft. StageRight portable staging; 200 ft.-by-85 ft. ice rink; composite sub-floor. McCauley Line array speaker system/power amps. Lighting: six Super Troupers, two Gladiators. RI DMA population: 1,076,164, including 38,000+ college students PAGE 27 within a five-mile radius; 25% of U.S. population lives within 500 miles. south Carolina
Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre Centre
Florence Civic Center
189 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B 1M4 (416) 325-4144; Fax: (416) 314-3583 heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg Manager of Bookings and Events: Kevin Harris
3300 West Radio Dr., Florence, SC 29501 (843) 679-9417; Fax (843) 679-9429 florenceciviccenter.com General Manager: Kendall Wall Your venue for quality, affordable family entertainment
Originally built in 1913 for Vaudeville and silent films, this multi-use complex contains two distinct and separate theaters, one sitting atop the other, and hosts musicals, dramas, comedies, dance, operas, family shows, concerts and other events. Capacities: Elgin Theatre – 1,561; Winter Garden Theatre – 992. Cascading reception lobbies range from small intimate gatherings to 900. “Dinner on Stage” events – 80. Plentiful dressings rooms, stage management offices, crew rooms, wardrobe room, rehearsal studios, kitchen. Toronto is the largest city PAGE in Canada – 2.5 million+, Greater Toronto Area – five million+. 44
This SMG-managed facility is largest convention, entertainment and exhibition facility in northeast South Carolina. Features a 50,000-sq.-ft. multi-purpose space with new fiberoptics throughout including 10,000-seat arena (backdrop curtain allows 2,500-7,000 seating); 15,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (seats 1,400 theater style); well-appointed Pee Dee, Waccamaw and Santee meeting rooms (adjoin ballroom and accommodate up to 1,000 for banquets; 1,400 for meeting setups; 84 8 ft.-by-10 ft. booths). Portable stage expands to 60 ft.-by-40 ft.; four dressing rooms, green room. Market: 700,000 population. "In the Flo" email club has PAGE C4 over 14,000 members who get "E-Buzz"; 10,000+ Facebook fans.
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2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
IOWA
RiverCenter/ Adler Theatre 136 East Third Street, Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 326-8500; Fax: (563) 326-8505 adlertheatre.com • riverctr.com
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estled along the banks of the Mississippi River, the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre is indeed a “center of exceptional events� in the Midwest. The RiverCenter/Adler Theatre staff takes pride in providing clients with everything they need to ensure an event that meets objectives and exceeds expectations, with personalized event coordination, exclusive catering, show decorating and more. Meeting and event planners find the light and industrial feeling of the RiverCenter immediately appealing. Whether a board meeting for 15 or a convention of 3,000, the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre is ideal for meetings, conventions, consumer shows and an array of special events, offering 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space to meet the needs of any group. Originally an RKO movie theater that opened in 1931, the Adler Theatre boasts seating for 2,400 in a beautiful, historic artdeco style that reopened for live performances in 1986. Recently updated again with an expanded backstage to accommodate bigger shows, other improvements were also made to the sound system and lighting and rigging capabilities, as well as improved heating and cooling. The Adler Theatre perfectly complements the RiverCenter,
providing distinct but separate entities adjacent to each other for multiple-layered functions and meetings. Any event can be enhanced with the use of the Adler Theatre, and conventions, trade shows, or annual events at both the Adler and the RiverCenter are always accompanied by uncompromising service. The RiverCenter/Adler Theatre is managed by VenuWorks (formerly Compass Facility Management), the third-largest facilities management company in the United States. VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges and universities. It also manages food and beverage operations, performs feasibility studies, does consulting work and provides event booking and promotion services.
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IOWA indiana
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Ford Center
Hoyt Sherman Place
The region’s center for sports and entertainment is designed to host basketball, hockey, concerts, exhibitions and shows for audiences as large as 11,000. The multi-purpose facility works with downtown attractions to create a vibrant atmosphere for sports fans, music lovers and conventioneers. Seating capacities: basketball – 9,800; hockey – 9,100: concerts – 10,500 total (9,066 permanent seats and 1,700 floor chairs); half-house – 3,500-5,700. Exhibition space: 20,468 sq. ft.; two star dressing rooms, two locker rooms, green room, multi-purpose room; 137 high-definition flat-screen televisions throughout; high-definition video board PAGE with upper and lower displays and ribbon board. C2
Originally a grand manor home circa 1877, Hoyt Sherman Place opened as a theater in 1923. A beautiful and acoustically sound performing arts center, it is Central HOYT SHERMAN PLACE Iowa’s only mid-sized live event facility. Recent 1501 $5.5-million Woodlandrenovation Avenue included updated sound, lighting and technical capabilities. venue hosts 280+ DesYear-round Moines, IA 50266 (515) 237-3582 events annually. Theater – 1,250 fixed seats (38(515) box 244-0507; seats); artFax:galleries accommowww.hoytsherman.org date up to 250 for receptions, meetings, etc. Large chorus with bathroom attached; Executive Director: Carol Pollock medium-sized chorus room; three star dressing rooms. Full-service marketing departA grand manor home built ment. The capital of Iowa, Des Moines is visitedSnapshot: by 2.9 million+ each PAGE in 1877 by prominent businessman Hoyt year – 562,000+ within 40-mile radius. 46
1 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Evansville, IN 47708 (812) 422-8000; Fax: (812) 436-7001 thefordcenter.com Ford Center Executive Director: Scott Schoenike
1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-0507; Fax: (515) 237-3582 hoytsherman.org Executive Director: Carol Pollock
texas
Hurst Conference Center
1601 Campus Dr., Hurst, TX 76054 (817) 581-0044; Fax: (817) 581-0033 hurstcc.com Executive Director: Charlton Northington Success Meets Here Hurst is strategically situated in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Hurst Conference Center offers 50,000+ sq. ft. of meeting/event space, including seven meeting rooms; 14,000-sq.-ft. Grand Ballroom; 13,000-sq.-ft. gallery with 40-ft. floor-to-ceiling windows; executive boardroom; and patio garden/outdoor veranda featuring function space with waterfall. Ballroom features state-of-the-art “starfield” and fiber-optic chandelier, technologically advanced amenities and exceptional onsite catering, audiovisual, IT and conference services. 325 hotel rooms within walking distance. Attractions include PAGE Six Flags, Northeast Mall. 47
ated by OU concessions. State-of-the-art retractable center-hung scoreboard and PAGE sound system features four high-definition videoFacilities boards and fourSuperBook video-boards. 2009 20 Manitoba
indiana 23-46
Sherman; the structure, managed by VenuWorks, is a world-class performing arts center, located at the cornerstone of oklahoma Des Moines’ historic Sherman Hill. The Hoyt Sherman Place Theater opened in Lloyd Noble Center 1923 and is Central Iowa’s only mid2900 S. Jenkins Ave., Norman, OK 73019 sized (1,251) performing arts venue and (405) 325-4666; Fax: (405) 325-4583 the last remaining historical theater in lloydnoblecenter.com Des Moines. Since reopening in Director of Events: Loida Haffener-Salmond November, 2003 after a $5.5-million, six-month renovation, including updated Multi-purpose facility serving University of Oklahoma and surrounding community, Lloyd sound, lighting and technical capabiliNoble Center is 20 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City,year-round with one million+ within an ties, this venue has welcomed 80-mile radius. Capacities (including floor seating):over in-the-round 11,205;Newly full arena – 200,000 –patrons. renovated, 8,519; expanded theater – 4,516; theater – 2,848. adjacent Six lockergalleries rooms; 850-sq.-ft. catering/ for can be transformed media room; 1,140-sq.-ft. Media Work Room. House stage –sit40down ft.-by-60 ft.-by-40 in. a a unique dining experience, socialup cocktail party or a theater-style Stage area ranges from 48 sq. ft. to 2,400 sq. ft., made of 8 ft.-by-4 ft. sections whose meeting place.concession stands operconfiguration can be customized for each performance. 12 fixed
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Morris Performing Arts Center
211 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235-9190; (800) 537-6415; Fax: (574) 235-5604 morriscenter.org Executive Director: Dennis J. Andres The Magnificent Morris Has The Hottest Tickets in Town!PLANNERS... MEETING & EVENT State-of-the-art PAC ($24.3 million renovation in 2000)DATA? originally opened as The Palace NEED MARKET Theater in 1921 with a design that replicated Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival and Baroque architecture. Seats 2,560. Backstage areas: eight dressing rooms, two chorus rooms in Lower Level Hair/Wardrobe Room (30 ft.-by-18 ft.); catering room. Brand-new stage, 45 ft. deep by 103 ft. wide, with a 72 ft. fly height and 70 fly lines. Expanded orchestra pit; full Wenger symphonic shell; fully updated utilities and HVAC system. One million within 40-minute drive; venue hosts 125+ events per year, attracting 156,000+.
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300 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4 (204) 987-7825; Fax: (204) 926-5555 mtscentre.ca Senior Vice President/General Manager: Kevin Donnelly The geographic center of North America, Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba, a province of 1.1 million+. The MTS Centrte accommodates 3,500 (RBC Theatre at the MTS Centre) to 15,000. Excellent sight lines, superb acoustics, the best amenities for events of all kinds. Hosts events ranging from hockey and other sports to the music industry’s biggest-name concerts. Backstage – four premier artist rooms, six team dressing rooms, catering room and offices. Valhoffer stage – 60 ft.-by-40 ft., combined with scaffolding – 56 ft.-by-72 ft.-by-5 ft. high. Standard arena house lighting as well as six Xenon 2K supertroopers available. Concessions; PAGE full-service tour; other catering by Centerplate; onsite restaurant. 7 nebraska
Orpheum Theater THE #1 SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS OF CONVENTIONS, MEETINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS.
Need to research venues for your event or meeting? Facilitiesonline has the most up-to-date news, information and listings available. The best part is, it’s all on a user-friendly, easily accessible website. The #1 News & Information Sourceneeds! One-stop shopping for all your market research for Booking Agents, Promoters, Talent Buyers & Special Event Planners
Facilities & Destinations
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CONFERENCE
Comprehensive Directory of Conference Centers,
409 South 16th St., Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 345-0606; Fax: (402) 345-0222 omahaperformingarts.org Director of Performance Rentals: Ed Hurd
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A cultural fixture in Downtown Omaha since 1927, the Orpheum Theater underwent a $10 million renovation in 2002. The theater has fixed seating for 2,546 (orchestra pit, 54; standing-room orchestra pit, 70); a 20 ft.-by-80 ft. Exhibition Lobby and 25 FOR YOUR NEXT CONVENTION OR MEETING, LOOK TO THE CIT Y ft.-by-50 ft. Grand Lobby; and a 110 ft.-by-48 ft. stage with a 54 ft.-by-30 ft. prosceTHAT IS THE NBA’S NEXT JEWEL IN THE CROWN. nium opening. Backstage areas dressing rooms accommodating up to 110 WHERE A STREAMLINED AIRPORT ANDinclude LACK OF14 TRAFFIC MEAN YOU’RE IN FAST. AND dressing WITH THE rooms, BEST performers, two stage-level one green room, one dining area and RESTAURANTS NIGHTLIFE JUST A MSA FEW MINUTES’ WALK one laundryAND room. The Omaha has a population of 865,350 with more than 1.2 FROM YOUR HOTEL, YOU’RE OUT EVEN FASTER. million living within a 60-minute radius of the city, and Omaha Performing IT’S OUR MEET & GREET, OUR NICE & EASY. OUR Arts welcomes more than 330,000 patrons annually.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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Indiana
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 482-9502; Fax: (260) 484-1637 • memorialcoliseum.com
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he Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is one of only a few facilities in the United States to feature two arenas under one roof. The Coliseum Arena has a seating capacity of nearly 13,000 with deluxe suites and club seats, while the 108,000-sq.-ft. Expo Center has a seating capacity of 8,000. Located in northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne is the second-largest city in the state, just a few hours drive from some of the Midwest’s major markets, including Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati. The Memorial Coliseum is the perfect central location for staging programs directed to a wide regional audience. The Coliseum’s non-metro location offers affordable and local media, yet more than 55 million people live within a day’s drive. CAPACITIES Arena: The Memorial Coliseum has a total seating capacity of nearly 13,000 for a concert in the round and includes 24 luxury suites, 318 club seats and other state-of-theart amenities, including a center-hung, four-sided LED video scoreboard and nearly 360 degrees of LED ribbon boards. The Arena is home to the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets, the NCAA Division I men’s basketball team of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (Mastodons), the Mad Ants of the NBA’s D-League and the Fort Wayne Derby Girls. Mini-Arena: A scaled-down arena setup with a customized curtain system is available for more intimate events utilizing up to 4,000 seats. Expo Center: A recent $5 million renovation to this 108,000-sq.-ft. space has dramatically improved lighting, sound and amenities. Flexible telescopic seating configurations can be customized for up to 8,000 guests. The Expo Center can be used in its entirety or in increments of one-third or two-thirds. Ample loading docks and oversized drive-through bays facilitate ease of move-in and move-out. The Expo Center features a 44,000-sq.-ft. lower level that can be used separately or for those events that need more space.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
The Memorial Coliseum is the perfect central location for staging programs directed to a wide regional audience 41
THE ROAD TO
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Topeka Arts Perfor Center – Tope ming ka, KS
Place man Sher ines, IA t y o H s Mo – De
Burnsvi v ll l e Perfor min Cen e te t r – Bur g Arts nsville, M N
ntteerr,, Bridge View Ce A IA - Ottumwa, I
Adler Theatre, - Davenport, IA
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– Ev Ford Ce n ansv ille, ter IN
Sanford Center – Bemidji, MN
Paramount Theatre – Cedar R apids, IA
Clay County Re gional Events Center – Spen cer, IA
Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA
To see more of our venues, visit www.venuworks.com k For Booking Information: along@venuworks.com & ppotter@venuworks.com 515-232-5151
rhode island
Dunkin’ Donuts Center One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903 (401) 331-0700; (401) 621-5987 • dunkindonutscenter.com
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rovidence, Rhode Island mixes the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town. At the heart of Providence’s bustling downtown is the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (DDC), part of the Rhode Island Convention & Entertainment Complex, which also includes the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) and The VETS. The 14,000-seat DDC offers 31,000 sq. ft. of arena space with a ceiling height of 86 ft., a 25,000-sq.-ft. concourse, a new 9,000-sq.-ft. lobby, 20 luxury suites, and five additional meeting/hospitality rooms. Other amenities include a pedestrian bridge connecting the arena to the RICC, a stateof-the-art video scoreboard, and upgraded concession and restaurant facilities. There are 5,500 hotel rooms in the Greater Providence area, with 1,800 located within walking distance of the Center. Providence is known for its thriving arts scene and is recognized as one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations. There are nine colleges and universities located in the Providence market, most of which are within a five-mile radius of the Center: Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, RI School of Design, and Providence College just to name a few. The students at these local colleges and universities add to Providence’s diverse population.
iowa
Paramount Theatre/ U.S. Cellular Center
370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 398-5211; Fax: (319) 362-2102 uscellularcenter.com Executive Director: Gene Felling The Paramount Theatre/U.S. Cellular Center is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in late Spring 2013. The arena will have an additional seating capacity, new concourses, seats, dressing rooms and rigging grid. The Paramount Theatre is being fully restored to its original 1927 condition. The theater will have a professional line array house sound system. Endstage reserved 360 capacity will be 7,700; GA festival capacity will be 9,000; Paramount Theatre – 1,650. A convention center is being built adjacent to the arena and will also open in 2013. PAGE 53 Population: 250,000 within an hour’s drive. minnesota
The Sanford Center
1111 Event Center Dr. NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 441-4000; Fax: (218) 441-4099 thesanfordcenter.net Executive Director: Roger Swanson Located on beautiful Lake Bemidji, managed by VenuWorks, The Sanford Center is northern Minnesota’s premier venue for sporting events, concerts and family shows, and offers high-tech meeting and ballroom space for conventions and conferences. Seating: 4,000 hockey, 5,500 for endstage concerts. Exhibition space: 10,000-sq.-ft. ballroom (divisible three ways), 24,000-sq.-ft. arena/tradeshow floor; four breakout meeting rooms, pre/post reception area. Industry standard portable arena concert staging with risers. Two star dressing rooms, green room, meeting room, four locker rooms, production office. Twenty-five suites, 200+ club seats, state-of-the-art press box; in-house PAGE marketing department; 200,000+ residents within 75-mile radius of Bemidji. 13
new jersey
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette St., Newark, NJ 07030 (973) 757-6505 prucenter.com VP Booking: Brian Gale Guaranteed Wow
Home to the three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, the Prudential Center welcomes about two million visitors annually for more than 200 live paid events. Capacities for sporting events are 18,711 (basketball) and 17,625 (hockey). State-of-theart upper bowl curtain system can be operated to accommodate full or partial sections. Sample concert configurations yield seating capacities ranging from endstage 180 (approximately 12,600 seats) to endstage 360 (approximately 17,000 seats) to theaterstyle (approximately 8,000 seats). Special event venues include The Acela Club, with seating for up to 350 and private dining available to rent for up to 75. south dakota
Swiftel Center
824 32nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006 (605) 692-7539; Fax: (605) 697-6393 swiftelcenter.com Executive Director: Tom Richter Treat yourself to Midwest Hospitality at its best A multi-purpose facility: configurations range from 4,300 basketball, 5,600 endstage concert (reserved), 7,000 endstage concert (festival). 15,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, divisible into four rooms. Six dressing rooms. Full-service in-house catering and concessions. StageRight stage – 40 ft.-by-60 ft., adjustable height from 4 ft. to 6 ft. House sound system is a BOSE Quality System, center-hung powered by Crown Amplification throughout the facility. Full rigging grid and Daktronics Galaxy Message Center. In-house marketing department is full-service agency, specializing in creating customized marketing campaigns for events. The Center serves the PAGE tri-state region – South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa. 49
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ontario, Canada
THE ELGIN AND WINTER GARDEN THEATrE CENTRE
189 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (416) 325-4144 • heritagetrust.on.ca/ewg HISTORY Toronto’s historic Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is a Canadian National Historic Site and the last operating doubledecker Vaudeville-era theater in the world. Originally built in 1913 by Marcus Loew, it contains two distinct and unique theaters, one sitting atop the other. Both theaters operated together for 14 years, but, with the coming of “talkies,” the Winter Garden closed its doors in 1928 and remained boarded up for more than 60 years. RESTORATION The ensuing years brought many changes to the building but it gradually fell into disrepair. It was purchased by the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1981 and underwent a major restoration between 1987 and 1989 at a cost of $29 million (Cdn). A total of 65,000 sq. ft. of new space was added including ample lobbies, lounges and an eight-story backstage addition housing spacious dressing rooms, crew rooms, a loading dock, freight elevator and two enormous rehearsal studios. The Elgin now sparkles with its gilded plaster details, rich damask wall coverings and domed ceiling. The Winter Garden Theatre, with its canopy of
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5,000 branches of real beech leaves, painted sky and lit moon, is a dream fantasy come to life. The 1,561-seat Elgin and the 992seat Winter Garden can operate simultaneously with services to patrons in the six separate bars and adjoining lounges. RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES A multi-use complex, the center is able to accommodate a diverse range of presentations and events. The building can host live performances including everything from musicals, dramas, comedies, dance and opera to concerts, lectures, book signings and television broadcasts. The center also hosts film premieres complete with red carpet ceremonies as well as corporate and special events, one-night presentations and long-running engagements. Thanks to its meticulous restoration, combined with modern technologies and patron amenities, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is a perfect venue for any presentation and ensures an enjoyable experience for patrons and performers alike.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
SOUTH CAROLINA
Lady Antebellum
Florence Civic Center
Chris Tomlin
3000 West Radio Drive, Florence, SC 29501 (843) 679-9417 • Fax (843) 679-9429 • florenceciviccenter.com
O
fficially titled the Florence City-County Civic Center, the facility more popularly known as the Florence Civic Center is the hub for entertainment events in South Carolina’s northeastern (“Pee Dee”) region. Debuting in 1993 with performances by pop star Marie Osmond and country music superstar Reba McEntire, the Center is commemorating its 20th anniversary this year. Although originally managed by the City-County Commission, in 1997 the agency steered into private management via the LMI Company. In 2000, SMG acquired LMI and took the facility to new heights. Superior management along with the versatility of the facility have allowed the Florence Civic Center to continually increase its annual roster of events as well as attendance levels, maintaining a calendar filled with icecapades, monster truck rallies, hockey and football games, concerts and much more. “The creative design of the building has given our team an advantage to offer rental spaces to accommodate events of all sizes and requirements,” says Tina Dean, director of sales and marketing. “We have the ability to host events consisting of 10 people, 100, 1,000 and even 10,000 or more.” In 2004 the Civic Center Commission developed a new strategic plan to change the focus of the facility, and it has emerged as a nationally recognized venue. During the past six years, a construction boom in the hospitality district surrounding the Center has resulted in four new nationalchain hotels, more than a dozen new restaurants, a 14-screen theater, a five-acre Veterans Park and a financial institution
— all within walking distance of the Center. Developers were attracted by the climbing event attendance as well as the prime location near Interstates 95 and 20. The complex continues to gain momentum as it publicizes its 20th anniversary milestone. Two musical concerts have been recruited to start off the anniversary year in electrifying fashion, beginning with the legendary Willie Nelson and his tour, Willie Nelson & Family, on Feb. 9. An artist who’s presently topping the charts, Luke Bryan, has been signed to appear on March 21 for the Dirt Road Diaries Tour along with rising country superstars Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line. The Florence Civic Center’s current calendar of upcoming events also includes the Ringling Brothers Circus, TNA Impact Wrestling, Kids Jamboree and a theatrical musical, “Civil War Voices,” among many other community and private bookings. “We’ve come a long way and are very optimistic about our future,” General Manager Kendall Wall says. “Over the years we’ve hurdled many obstacles, but we’ve always remained focused on our mission to provide excellent service, professional event planning and quality entertainment to the area. We have grown as a facility, as a staff and as a community. Attendance is up, our calendar is stronger than ever and the community response lately is exceptionally positive. Patrons are supporting the venue, and the more support we get, the more acts we’re able to provide. We’re looking forward to a tremendous anniversary year, and we have our beloved community to thank for that.”
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2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Success meets
here.
Our state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located in the heart of the DFW Metroplex, just 10 minutes from downtown Fort Worth and DFW International Airport. Situated steps from hotel accommodations, our facility has more than 50,000 square feet of event space, a premier Executive Boardroom and an outdoor area boasting cozy fireplaces and a relaxing water feature. Accompanied with well-appointed finishes, technologically advanced amenities and exceptional on-site catering, audio-visual, IT and conference services, our facility is an ideal location for meetings, trade shows and events welcoming up to 900 guests. It’s where success meets.
1601 Campus Drive | Hurst, Texas 76054 Phone: 817.581.0044 www.hurstcc.com
indiana
THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Designed to combine many different eras in architectural history: Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival, and Baroque.
211 N. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601 (574) 235-9190; (800) 537-6415; Fax: (574) 235-5604 MorrisCenter.org
T
he MORRIS originally opened as The Palace Theater in November, 1921. The building was designed to combine many different eras in architectural history: Italian Renaissance, Spanish Revival and Baroque. Architect J.S. Aroner of Chicago hoped that a trip through the theater would make patrons feel like they had just made a trip through Europe. The opulent interior décor was designed by Marshall Fields of Chicago. Patrons of the Palace enjoyed a magnificent ballroom and a theater that boasted the largest stage in the state and luxuries of the time such as a supervised nursery, a sitting room for women complete with an attendant, and a smoking room for men. In August of 1959, with the advent of television causing low attendance records, the theater was almost demolished. Mrs. Morris purchased the theater for an undisclosed sum and sold it for $1 to the city, which then renamed it the Morris Civic Auditorium in her honor. The MORRIS in February 2000 completed extensive $24.3 million renovation (soft and hard dollars) and was renamed THE MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. The MORRIS reopened boasting upgraded technical equipment, enlarged performance and backstage spaces, as well as a completely restored interior. The MORRIS CENTER offers the best of the old and new, a combination of opulent decor and rich history with upgraded technical equipment and expanded space. The MORRIS CENTER now hosts over 125 events per year including pops concerts, national Broadway tours, dance, symphony, comedians, rock concerts and ballroom events. The MORRIS CENTER welcomes over 156,000 guests yearly and has an economic impact of $5.9 million on the City of South Bend. The MORRIS is the best-kept “touring” secret in the Midwest: a low-cost showcase for rehearsals and early performances of a tour. In 2003, the MORRIS Bistro Restaurant opened on the lower level as “The place to go before the show.” Seats up 100, available for private parties.
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Toyota Center & Three Rivers Convention Center
hree Rivers is the confluence of everything that makes for great events: from the versatility of the Toyota Center to the distinctive Three Rivers Convention Center with our dedicated staff serving you all along the way. Centrally located between Seattle, Portland, Spokane and Boise in the Tri-Cities community of 250,000, Three Rivers is surrounded by world-class Seating Capacity: 6,500 wine regions, top-rated golf, miles Exhibit space: 27,000 sq ft of riverfront parks and trails, and Banquet space: 3,000 sq ft abundant dining, shopping and Dressing rooms: 5 VIP suites: 11 accommodation options. Toyota Center Comfortably seating 5,000 to 6,500 in six configurations, the Toyota Center is superbly suited for sports, entertainment, trade shows, and meetings. The facility’s concourse provides access to concessions
Press box Ice rink Xenon Supertrouper spotlights: 2 Rigging & staging Full Broadway Rigging Grid Windermere Theatre: 2,100 guests Catering room
and amenities, and private suites provide exclusive viewing for VIP attendees. A separate banquet area accommodates groups up to 250 with a dance floor, private entrance and full-service bar.
Total space: 75,000 sq ft Great Hall: 21,600 sq ft Foyer: 14,000 sq ft Meeting rooms: 13 Latest A/V Technology Programmable lighting In-House caterer On-site managers and staff Flexible restrooms by group Wi-Fi Internet
Three Rivers Convention Center The 75,000-sq.-ft. Three Rivers Convention Center is ideal for meetings and conventions. The Great Hall provides 21,600 sq. ft. easily transformed into a ballroom accommodating 1,500 or subdivided into smaller spaces. The Convention Center also includes meeting rooms, a soaring glass foyer, private boardroom and Cyber Café. The Three Rivers Campus is managed by VenuWorks. VenuWorks provides full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers to over 30 venues across the country. It also manages food and beverage operations, event booking, promotion services, and feasibility consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.
7016 W. Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336 • (509) 737-3700 • Fax: (509) 735-9431 • yourtoyotacenter.com • threeriversconventioncenter.com
Experience Three Rivers
For Booking Information Please Contact Us: phone 509.737.3700 fax 509.735.9431 email
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sales@3riverscampus.com
Toyota Center • Toyota Arena • Three Rivers Convention Center 7016 W. Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336
www.yourtoyotacenter.com www.yourtoyotaarena.com www.threeriversconventioncenter.com
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Two premier facilities in One location, the United Wireless Arena is a Sports and Entertainment complex boasting over 5,000 seats, in a u-shaped arena which has accommodated concerts, dirt events such as Championship Bull Riding and Monster Trucks, trade shows, conferences, hockey, basketball and the list goes on. The Arena has 2 LED screens and full circle ribbon board. Large concourses for easy access and 4 concession stands. The Magouirk Conference Center offers approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of meeting space that can be re-shaped into 6 meeting rooms to accommodate a variety of requests. Up to 400 banquet seats or 700 lecture seats plus there are 3 additional meeting spaces in the arena. State-of-the-art presentation equipment including wifi, full service commercial kitchen and Executive Chef. Since opening in 2011 the United Wireless Arena has drawn such talent as Miranda Lambert, Ron White, Rodney Carrington, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, Willie Nelson and Bill Cosby. The Rock and Worship Road Show, Harlem Globetrotters, Barnum & Bailey Circus, and more. For information or bookings contact: Ralph Nall, Executive Director 620-371-7390
Accessible from US Route 50, located next to Boot Hill Casino &Resort and Hampton Inn & Suites
Visit us at www.unitedwirelessarena.com or call 620~371~7390
Kansas
washington
Topeka Performing Arts Center
214 SE 8th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603 (785) 234-2787; Fax: (785) 234-2307 tpactix.org Executive Director: Barbara E. Wiggins Entertaining, Enriching & Educating through the Arts State-of-the-art facility accommodates all events and functions – theater, dance, musical concerts as well as meetings, banquets and special events. Seating capacity – 2,546; main floor seats 1,168. TPAC also has a 2,000-sq.-ft. black box theater that seats 120. Exhibition space: 6,500-sq.-ft., carpeted banquet facility, as well as a 1,000-sq.-ft. foyer. Both areas can and have been used as exhibition space. Backstage areas: 1,975-sq.-ft. dance studio; 800-sq.-ft. green room; a 1,260-sq.-ft. room and two 600-sq.-ft. rooms available. Market – Topeka MSA PAGE (five counties) – 233,870; in-house marketing department. 19
Toyota Center
7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 737-3700; Fax: (509) 735-9431 yourtoyotacenter.com Executive Director: Corey Pearson Formerly known as the Tri-Cities Coliseum, this 7,500-seat multi-purpose facility annually hosts 180+ concert, sporting and other events. Seating features: three full sections with padded Broadway seating. 11 Executive Suites; full lounge facility upstairs. Eight concession stands. Complex includes The Three Rivers Convention Center with 75,000 sq. ft. of meeting/exhibit space, 13 spacious meeting rooms, 21,600-sq.-ft. Great Hall (accommodates 2,100), 14,000-sq.-ft. pre-function space. Tri-Cities MSA is fourth largest in the state with a population of 248,400. Marketing personnel assist with local media; Insider Data Base (15,000+) for event announcements; busy highway PAGE marquee; third-party advertising opportunities. 50 iowa
Kansas
U.S. Cellular Center/ Paramount Theatre
United Wireless Arena
4100 Comanche, P.O. Box 1516 Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 371-7390; Fax: (620) 371-7393 Executive Director: Ralph Nall State-of-the-art, $40.3 million arena opened in 2011 featuring a U-shaped seating bowl, 4,000 fixed seats, 5,200+ for concerts and other events (half-house: 1,800 with curtaining system). 12 suites plus 12 Club Seating sections; in-suite catering available; VIP level includes a walk-out balcony, tables and seating, large plasma TVs, lounge furniture and fully stocked and serviced bar. Backstage areas: four team locker rooms, two green rooms. Arena floor: 20,000-sq.-ft. exhibition/conference space; 6,700 sq. ft. in attached Magouirk Conference Center. Kansas has a population of three million; venue also draws from Oklahoma and Colorado PAGE markets. In-house marketing staff. 51
370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 398-5211; Fax: (319) 362-2102 uscellularcenter.com Executive Director: Gene Felling The U.S. Cellular Center/Paramount Theatre is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in late Spring 2013. The arena will have an additional seating capacity, new concourses, seats, dressing rooms and rigging grid. The Paramount Theatre is being fully restored to its original 1927 condition. The theater will have a professional line array house sound system. Endstage reserved 360 capacity will be 7,700; GA festival capacity will be 9,000; Paramount Theatre – 1,650. A convention center is being built adjacent to the arena and will also open in 2013. PAGE 53 Population: 250,000 within an hour’s drive. mississippi
Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium
Available on
1600 Mulberry St. (Convention Center) 901 Monroe St. (Auditorium) Vicksburg, MS 39180 (601) 630-2929; (866) VCCMEET; Fax: (601) 630-2910 vicksburgevents.com Sales and Marketing Manager: Erin Powell In Vicksburg you’ll find Southern hospitality in its most authentic form and a city that harbors U.S. history at some of its most poignant turns. Vicksburg Convention Center & Auditorium, a two-level complex built with flexibility, functionality and ergonomics in mind, offers spacious exhibit halls, cozy meeting rooms and everything in between. 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space includes 17,000-sq.-ft. ballroom. 2,400-seat theater also available. Entire facility is equipped with WiFi, all meeting rooms have PAGE 54 audio visual equipment pre-set and ready-to-use. 2,345 hotel rooms nearby.
Search Keyword: Facilitiesonline
Facilities
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ohio
Wright State University’s Nutter Center
FREE
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, OH 45435 (937) 775-3498; Fax: (937) 775-2060 nuttercenter.com Executive Director: Jim Brown, CFE
Download all our publications NOW
Go to m.issuu.com on your phone’s browser to Get started. 52
Southwest Ohio’s premier sports and entertainment complex. Market Population: 1.7 million; within a one-day drive of 60% of the U.S. population; 20,000+ college students in area. Capacities: 11,500 – in-the-round/endstage; 2,000-7,500 – half-house; 9,500 – basketball. 70-ft. curtain and truss system. Total available flat space: 85,000 sq. ft. (main arena floor – 28,000 sq. ft.). Eight dressing rooms and production room. StageRight stage – 32 in.-by-8 ft. decks; 60 ft.-by-40 ft. stage with 12 ft.-by-24 ft. wings; adjustable height from 48 in. to 84 in. Center-hung community system – 8 Lycian 1290 XLT, 2K PAGE spotlights. Ovations is the exclusive F&B provider; seven permanent stands. 55
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Chillax!
Meet in Vicksburg!
Call our sales team today 866.822.6338 vicksburgevents.com
ohio
Wright State University Nutter Center Wright State University, Suite 430, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435-0001 (937) 775-3498 • Fax: (937) 775-2060 • nuttercenter.com
W
right State University’s Nutter Center is a multi-purpose
Box Office/Ticketing
entertainment and sports complex that was opened in
Full-service, onsite box office offered through Ticketmaster.
December 1990. Lighting, Sound and Stage
Capacities
StageRight stage: 32 in.-by-8 ft. decks; 60 ft.-by-40 ft. stage with
Wright State’s Nutter Center can be configured into five different
12 ft.-by-24 ft. wings. Adjustable height from 4 ft. to 7 ft. House
setups, including endstage — 12,000; in-the-round — 11,236;
sound system: center-hung community system. Eight Lycian 1290
basketball — 10,464; ice events — 9,998; and half-house —2,000-
XLT, 2K spotlights. Center-hung, four-sided video board with
7,500. The Wright State Nutter Center has a 70-ft. curtain and
graphics, live crowd shots and instant-replay capabilities. Full
truss system that can be adjusted to fit nearly any capacity. The
rigging grid available.
Wright State Nutter Center is a full-service, multi-purpose facility. Food & Beverage Market/Demographics
Ovations is the onsite concession and catering service. Eight
Population of Greater Miami Valley area (eight counties) is
concession stands (including a floor portable with limited menu),
approximately 1.7 million. The Wright State Nutter Center has a
two Hot Dog Nation stands, two Black Angus Grille stands,
full-service marketing department.
one LaRosa’s Pizza stand, one Blue Ice Lounge (full-service bar), two Dippin’ Dots and one Funnel Cake.
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potlight Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT S Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA
Northern
T
California
o promote the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, John Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas wrote a well-known song that begins, “If you’re going to San Francisco… .” Many touring acts, however, speak of when they’re going to the Bay Area – an almost obligatory West Coast stop with more than seven million inhabitants. The political climate in San Francisco’s environs today is certainly not as fervid as in the Haight-Ashbury era. The region’s 5.7 percent population growth in the last decade is the slowest since the 1930s, and the median age of Californians overall has crept up from 33.3 in 2000 to 35.2 in 2010, the oldest in state history. Still, “NoCal” retains a vibrant culture and performing arts scene. Booking agents looking to target niche entertainment markets will note that the area’s population is quite ethnically diverse. Fortunately, much of the populace is clustered around outstanding performing arts venues such as the Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, housed in the historic Ford Assembly Building; the award-winning HP Pavilion at San Jose; and the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, a National Historic Landmark known for its Art Deco architecture. And let’s not forget Northern California’s other main population center: Sacramento. The state capital’s convention center is the site of the Memorial Auditorium, which has welcomed a variety of performers in its long history, from big bands to the Beach Boys. The region is well stocked with international airports, serving San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose, respectively. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Caltrain and are both undergoing major extension projects: The former’s $3.2 billion extension to San Jose broke ground this spring and should be completed in 2015. The latter system is a focus of the $4.1 billion Transbay Transit Center/Caltrain Downtown Extension (TTC/DTX) project, which includes the creation of a transit-friendly neighborhood in San Francisco with 3,000 new homes and a mixed-use commercial development. DTX is projected for completion in 2019. But Northern California’s infrastructure of performing arts venues requires no major upgrade. Booking agents and promoters will find that the facilities in the following sampling meet the entertainment needs of their local markets quite well, and are ready to facilitate successful shows and concerts in a variety of genres.
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2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA
Craneway Pavilion
Richmond www.craneway.com
Craneway Pavilion is a sustainably designed event, concert and production facility set on 25 acres with a view of San Francisco Bay. The Pavilion is located in the architecturally significant Ford Assembly Plant Building dating back to 1931. Featuring an “industrial-chic” interior, the Ford Assembly Building was entirely renovated in 2008 and has received the National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award. The new 100-seat Assemble Restaurant is set to open in January 2013. CAPACITIES: 2,150 with tables, 3,900 with chairs, 5,000 standing. STAGING: Staging Concepts SC2003 rolling stage, 60 ft.-by-40 ft.; 36 in.-to-56 in. adjustable height. Includes two adjustable stairs, three 8 ft.-by-8 ft. rolling risers and 12 ft.-by-8 ft. FOH risers.
BACKSTAGE AREAS: The newly added 40,000-sq.-ft. conference space features a general session area and four breakout rooms available for various functions, including private VIP parties and a backstage area for artists. FUNCTION SPACE: Flexible space of 15,000 sq. ft. to 45,000 sq. ft. with an adjoining 20,000-sq.-ft. open-air patio overlooking the Bay. OTHER FEATURES: Meyer Sound System; BARCO 8mm I-lite LED video wall. Catering kitchen and four bars. Ample secure parking: 1,200 spots, including 400 valet spots.
SEATING CAPACITIES: 17,562 (hockey), 18,500 (basketball), 5,000-18,000 (concerts). STAGING: Stageright Stage (various sizes can be built). BACKSTAGE AREAS: Eight dressing rooms.
HP Pavilion at San Jose www.hppavilion.com
The HP Pavilion hosts approximately 150 events annually, including more than 40 San Jose Sharks regular season home games, the SAP Open men’s professional tennis event, performances by Grammy award winners and a variety of family shows. Pollstar has nominated the HP Pavilion at San Jose as “Arena of the Year” for 2005 and 2007. In 2007, Pollstar also recognized the facility based on non-sports attendance as fourth in North America, top 10 in the world.
OTHER FEATURES: Full-scale integrated digital sound system. Sports lighting or incandescent lighting is available. High-resolution LED center-hung scoreboard is one of the largest in North America. Capability to interface with highdefinition telecasts originating from HP Pavilion. Increased rigging capacity for concerts and shows. The Grill, a high-end restaurant, is open for all hockey games and most concerts. Approximately 1,500 parking spaces are located onsite in the large parking lot next to the building, and more than 6,000 spaces are located within a half-mile radius. HP Pavilion is conveniently located across the street from San Jose Diridon Station. EVENT PROMOTION: Full-service marketing team is available to assist with media placement, social media marketing, public relations and use of in-house marketing assets. LOCAL MARKET: Four million people live around the venue in the South Bay, the most affluent of the Bay Area communities.
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Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA
San Jose Civic Reopens fter completing a four-year, $15 million renovation, the San Jose Civic reopened this fall. A The historic theater now features a new lighting and
sound package, new concessions, a Wall of Fame, new signage, new seats, new interior and exterior painting, upgraded dressing rooms, ADA-accessible elevator shared with the Montgomery Theater, new security system, new heating system and more. Team San Jose manages the 3,326-seat San Jose Civic on behalf of the City of San Jose, which owns the venue. Nederlander Concerts works in partnership with Team San Jose to promote and attract concerts and special events at the theater. Since 1936, the iconic venue has hosted legendary stars, including Duke Ellington, Buddy Holly, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Cream, Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones. Visit www.sanjosecivic.com for more information.
The San Jose Civic officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony followed by a performance by the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum Line, a 10-piece drum core. (L-r): Debra Figone, city manager, City of San Jose; Kim Walesh, director, Office of Economic Development, City of San Jose; Lee Wilcox, assistant to the city manager/ downtown manager, City of San Jose; James Macgregor, publisher, San Jose Silicon Valley Business Journal; Mayor Chuck Reed; Matt Mahood, president and CEO, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce; City Councilmember Sam Liccardo; Bill Sherry, CEO, Team San Jose; City Councilmember Nancy Pyle; City Councilmember Don Rocha; Alex Hodges, CEO, Nederlander Concerts; Russ Hancock, president and CEO, Joint Venture Silicon Valley; and Michael Mulcahy, chairman, Team San Jose Board of Directors. 58
Memorial Auditorium
Sacramento www.sacramentoconventioncenter.com
Described as the “crown jewel” of Sacramento, the Memorial Auditorium at the Sacramento Convention Center is listed on the National Historic Register and was recently named one of five national winners of “Protecting America’s Treasures” by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. Opened in 1927, the facility has drawn audiences to a variety of events, from big bands and violin virtuosos to the Beach Boys and Rolling Stones. Since its reopening in 1996, the auditorium stage has welcomed artists such as Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Melissa Etheridge, George Lopez, The Moody Blues and Duran Duran. In 2008, the lighting design team for the Auditorium received the GE Edison Award for their exterior lighting of the building, as well as a GE Award of Excellence in Environmental Design. SEATING CAPACITY: 4,000 (general admission); 2,100 (reserved seating, intimate configuration); 3,800 (full house); 2,500 (clear floor for gymnastics and other sporting events). STAGING: 100 ft.-by-37 ft. wall to wall; 56 ft. 6 in.by-37 ft. proscenium arch; 35 line sets. Hydraulic main floor allows seating area to be flat or raked. BACKSTAGE AREAS: 21 dressing rooms, including two star dressing rooms. EXHIBITION SPACE: Approximately 10,000 sq. ft.
OTHER FEATURES: 60-ft. house truss with 20 ETC Source 4 Revolution moving lights. Two multi-story parking garages within two blocks, and ample on-street, metered parking. 2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT Northern CALIFORNIA
Paramount Theatre
Oakland www.paramounttheatre.com
Always the Best Show in Town The Paramount Theatre, located in the vibrant Uptown District of Oakland, is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Oakland Ballet. The venue regularly hosts R&B, pop, rock, classical and other genres of musical acts, as well as plays, stand-up comedians, lecture series and more. As a National Historic Landmark Building originally built in 1931, the Paramount provides an ambience and character not found in newer buildings, along with the amenities necessary to host successful events. A new sound system and carpeting were installed in 2006, an extensive lobby furniture restoration was completed in 2009, and a new roof and exterior paint job are planned for 2013. SEATING CAPACITIES: 3,040 (reserved), 2,850 (general admission). STAGING: 66 ft. wide by 24 ft. deep. Operating orchestra pit and organ lift. BACKSTAGE AREAS: Proper off-stage green room; two additional dressing rooms/offices at the stage level; backstage dressing rooms over two floors (seven doubles, two chorus, one small green room, one medium room and one large room); backstage lounge area for food service; two locker-style rooms.
OTHER FEATURES: Meyer sound system with stage stacks and center cluster. “Listen Technology” assistive hearing devices, house phone, closed-circuit audio. Three beverage bars/snack stands with six points of sale. Hundreds of parking spaces on/off street within two blocks of the venue. The theater is across the street from the 19th Street BART Station and is also served by AC Transit 51 line and the free “B Shuttle.” EVENT PROMOTION: Staff will assist with ad placement in local newspapers. LOCAL MARKET: Diverse San Francisco Bay Area demographic. About six million people live within 60 miles of the venue.
Advertiser Index Adler Theatre/RiverCenter..........................................39
Lloyd Noble Center.....................................................20
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.......................3
The Morris Performing Arts Center..........................48
BC Place.......................................................................24
MTS Centre...................................................................7
Blue Cross Arena................................................Cover 3
Paramount Theatre......................................................15
Bridge View Center.....................................................23
Sanford Center.............................................................13
Burnsville Performing Arts Center.............................21
SMG...............................................................................5
Chesapeake Energy Arena.............................................9
Swiftel Center..............................................................49
Clay County Regional Events Center.........................17
Topeka Performing Arts Center..................................19
Dunkin’ Donuts Center...............................................27
Toyota Center...............................................................50
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre.................44
United Wireless Arena.................................................51
Florence Civic Center.........................................Cover 4
U.S. Cellular Center.....................................................53
Ford Center.........................................................Cover 2
VenuWorks...................................................................42
Hoyt Sherman Place....................................................46
Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium.........54
Hurst Conference Center............................................47
Wright State University’s Nutter Center....................11
2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
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CLOsing Thoughts
1986 Paramount Pictures/Courtesy Pyxurz
ur previous issue of Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide took a look at some of our staff ’s favorite stadiums and arenas that appeared in popular movies, and we requested that our readership submit some of their favorites. Having reviewed responses citing movies new and old, we note 10 public assembly facilities that have “starred” (or at least had cameos) in major screenplays. Let us know what you think, and please continue sending us your suggestions to publications@facilitiesonline.com. Feel free to include theaters and performing arts centers as well.
During Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986), larger-than-life high school student Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) 1. and his truant classmates attend a baseball game at Chicago’s
From black suits, we’ll move to Black Sunday (1977), filmed at the Miami Orange Bowl. The film depicts 2. a plot to crash a blimp into the stadium during the Super Bowl in order to draw attention to the plight of a terrorist organization.
Dodger Stadium was the site for the comedic film The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988), in which 3. a terrorist plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth while she attends
a California Angels baseball game is thwarted by the film series’ hero, Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen).
4.
If this article seems to be getting a little dark, we will conclude that trend with Dark Knight Rises (2012), filmed in Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. During a Gotham Rogues football game, terrorists implode the field and use the media attention to announce their diabolical plans.
5.
Another recent film produced in Pittsburgh was Abduction (2011) in PNC Park. Taylor Lautner (of Twilight fame) can be seen running, jumping through the stands and sliding atop covered stairways during a live game in which the hometown Pirates hosted the New York Mets. Last summer, Moneyball featured Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane, attempting to produce 6. a winning team through statistical projection — “sabermetrics.” This summer, a baseball movie presented the “other side of the story.” In Trouble with the Curve (2012) Clint Eastwood starred 60
(Clockwise from top left): Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) features a visit to Chicago’s Wrigley Field; Atlanta’s Turner Field appears in this 2012 Clint Eastwood film; Chicago’s United Center, used in Space Jam (1996); and Detroit’s Comerica Park, which appears in 61* (2001). as an elderly baseball scout adhering to more traditional means of determining players’ athletic ability. Atlanta’s Turner Field appears in the film. Bugs Bunny (10 years younger than Clint Eastwood) and co-star Michael Jordan paired up in the live-action/ 7. animated film Space Jam (1996), which reportedly took in more
than $230 million. Chicago’s United Center was one of the sites used for production.
8.
Sticking with the senior actor theme, Jack Nicholson starred with Adam Sandler in Anger Management (2003). New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani makes a cameo appearance in the film as well, as Sandler’s character runs onto the field of Yankee Stadium. The perennial Yankees rival Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park makes an appearance in Field of Dreams (1989). 9. During the film, characters played by Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones attend a baseball game at the field, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. The venue was also featured in this summer’s comedy Ted.
Billy Crystal’s 61* (2001) chronicled the 1961 home run race between New York Yankees legend Mickey 10. Mantle and its eventual victor, Roger Maris. The film used
two facilities to recreate the look of the fields of the era. Tiger Stadium, now demolished and replaced by Comerica Park, filled in for Yankees Stadium. In fact, Tiger Stadium was listed as “playing” Yankee Stadium in the closing credits.
2012-2013 Facilities & Event Management Booking Guide
Gavin J. Dow
Wrigley Field. At the game, Ferris even manages to snag a foul ball. The ballpark also makes a brief appearance in the Blues Brothers, when the “Illinois Nazis” visit the park searching for Elwood (Dan Akroyd), who falsely registered the ballpark’s address as his home address on his driver’s license. Of note to venue managers: This summer, Wrigley Field capitalized on this brief moment of fame by hosting a Blues Brothers movie night. Displaying the film on the big screen, the park charged $20 for individual bleacher seats.
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