Wednesday, January 30, 2013

SMG-Managed Times Union Center Profits Up 64%

Albany County officials have announced that the Times Union Center, which is managed by SMG, ended 2012 with a Net Operating Profit of $826,341. The Net Operating Profit generated in 2011 was $531,147. The 2012 year-end results showed an increase of 64% over 2011.

The Times Union Center hosted great concerts in 2012 including Rascal Flatts, Bruce Springsteen, Sugarland, Roger Waters, Aerosmith, Kevin Hart, Carrie Underwood, the WGNA Country Festival featuring Eric Church, Trans Siberian Orchestra and an electric dance music event known as Pretty Lights. In addition, Joel Osteen brought his touring ministry to Albany. Outstanding family shows included the Ringing Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Cirque Du Soleil, How to Train Your Dragons, Disney on Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters. High flying motorcycles raced at the Kicker Arenacross and the Monster Truck Jam thrilled young and old. The NY State High School Wrestling Championships, Section II Boy's Basketball and the NY State Federation Basketball State Championship brought in great high school sports. The Albany Auto Show and The Great Northeast Home Show drew big crowds. Professional wrestling with WWE and TNA Wrestling thrilled their fans And, the Albany Devils hockey team and Siena College Men's Basketball packed in fans.

“The Times Union Center continues to attract top notch shows under the direction of SMG and, in particular, General Manager Bob Belber. While the economy moves in a positive direction, a 64% increase speaks to the hard work the SMG staff has put in to drawing and retaining events like the NYS Federation Basketball State Championships which will now run at the TU through 2016 and the return of Andrea Bocelli. Great job! Thank you,” stated Albany County Executive Dan McCoy.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

SMG Reaches New Agreement with City of Jacksonville to Manage Facilities

SMG will continue to provide management services for EverBank Field, other facilities for three years, with the option to renew

On December 22, 2012, Mayor Alvin Brown announced that the City of Jacksonville (COJ) has reached a new three-year agreement with SMG to manage the city's facilities. SMG, which has managed the COJ facilities for the past 20 years, will continue to operate EverBank Field (home of the Jacksonville Jaguars) the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, and five other venues owned by the city.

The agreement was the result of a competitive bidding process where SMG—with its breadth of experience managing facilities worldwide, and tested strategies to generate additional revenue for the city—was chosen to retain its contract with the COJ. A final agreement is expected to be signed no later than March 31.

This agreement was made possible because of the leadership and vision of Mayor Brown. His commitment to a thorough selection process means that the COJ now has a deal that will preserve the high standard of management at its facilities, generate new growth and revenue opportunities, and save taxpayers money.

"SMG looks forward to continuing its long standing and successful partnership with the City of Jacksonville, and executing on Mayor Brown's vision to establish the city as a premier tourism, entertainment, and professional sports destination," said SMG President and Chief Executive Officer Wes Westley. "Jacksonville's venues and entertainment facilities are among its most valuable assets, and SMG is committed to achieving their maximum economic potential through world-class operation and management services."