Wednesday, February 16, 2011
SMG in the News: A Profitable Fall for the BOK Center
SMG management and the staff at BOK Center have worked hard to bring big-name events to Tulsa, and it has paid off, reports Tulsa World.
CONSOL Energy Center Named Best New Venue
CONSOL Energy Center was named the nation’s Best New Major Concert Venue for 2010 at the 22nd annual POLLSTAR Concert Industry Awards in Los Angeles.
POLLSTAR has been the concert industry’s leading business trade publication for 30 years, and voting for the annual awards is conducted by a cross-section of top industry professionals.
“It is a phenomenal honor to receive this award from POLLSTAR because the award-winners are nominated and voted on by the leading executives in the concert industry,” said Jay Roberts, general manager of CONSOL Energy Center. “I think it says a lot for Pittsburgh and our region and all the great people here who have worked so hard to make it all possible.”
CONSOL Energy Center, which opened its doors to back-to-back sold-out shows by the legendary Paul McCartney in August, also hosted sold-out concerts by Lady Gaga, Rush, Roger Waters, the Eagles, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Chelsea Handler and Justin Bieber in 2010. Upcoming shows include Bon Jovi (Feb. 11-12), Lady Gaga, Elton John and New Kids On The Block/Backstreet Boys.
The new arena is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins and also hosts Division I college basketball and a wide range of other events, including family shows. In March, the new Pittsburgh Power franchise of the Arena Football League will begin play here.
“Our goal from the start was to build a dynamic multi-purpose arena that would be an entertainment magnet for Pittsburgh and the region,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the Pittsburgh Penguins. “Congratulations to Jay and his staff for all they’ve done to make CONSOL Energy Center the best new major concert venue in the country.”
POLLSTAR has been the concert industry’s leading business trade publication for 30 years, and voting for the annual awards is conducted by a cross-section of top industry professionals.
“It is a phenomenal honor to receive this award from POLLSTAR because the award-winners are nominated and voted on by the leading executives in the concert industry,” said Jay Roberts, general manager of CONSOL Energy Center. “I think it says a lot for Pittsburgh and our region and all the great people here who have worked so hard to make it all possible.”
CONSOL Energy Center, which opened its doors to back-to-back sold-out shows by the legendary Paul McCartney in August, also hosted sold-out concerts by Lady Gaga, Rush, Roger Waters, the Eagles, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Chelsea Handler and Justin Bieber in 2010. Upcoming shows include Bon Jovi (Feb. 11-12), Lady Gaga, Elton John and New Kids On The Block/Backstreet Boys.
The new arena is home to the Pittsburgh Penguins and also hosts Division I college basketball and a wide range of other events, including family shows. In March, the new Pittsburgh Power franchise of the Arena Football League will begin play here.
“Our goal from the start was to build a dynamic multi-purpose arena that would be an entertainment magnet for Pittsburgh and the region,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the Pittsburgh Penguins. “Congratulations to Jay and his staff for all they’ve done to make CONSOL Energy Center the best new major concert venue in the country.”
Record Breaking Bon Jovi Shows Highlight Five Sellouts In Six Days At CONSOL Energy Center
Bon Jovi rocked Pittsburgh this weekend with two sold-out concerts at CONSOL Energy Center, which marked the top two attended indoor concert events ever in Pittsburgh.
The two concerts were part of a streak of five sold-out events in six days at Pittsburgh's new multi-purpose entertainment center.
The Friday, February 11 crowd of 18,571 for Bon Jovi at CONSOL Energy Center also was the highest attended indoor event in Pittsburgh history, breaking the previous record of 18,322 for the Penguins/Atlanta Thrashers game on December 28, 2010. On Saturday, February 12, Bon Jovi drew a crowd of 18,240. The previous indoor concert attendance record was 17,764 for the Jimmy Page/Robert Plant show on March 25, 1995 at the Civic Arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins games against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, February 8 and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, February 10 drew standing-room-only crowds of 18,147 and 18,208 respectively, pushing the Penguins' sellout streak to 196 games.
The Duquesne University Dukes took on the Xavier Musketeers in a battle for first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference on Sunday, February 13 in front of a capacity crowd of 10,509 – the most fans to turn out for a Duquesne home game (except against city-rival Pitt) since 10,042 watched the Dukes take on #3 Maryland at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena on February 23, 1975.
CONSOL Energy Center was recently named the nation's Best New Major Concert Venue for 2010 at the 22nd annual POLLSTAR Concert Industry Awards.
The two concerts were part of a streak of five sold-out events in six days at Pittsburgh's new multi-purpose entertainment center.
The Friday, February 11 crowd of 18,571 for Bon Jovi at CONSOL Energy Center also was the highest attended indoor event in Pittsburgh history, breaking the previous record of 18,322 for the Penguins/Atlanta Thrashers game on December 28, 2010. On Saturday, February 12, Bon Jovi drew a crowd of 18,240. The previous indoor concert attendance record was 17,764 for the Jimmy Page/Robert Plant show on March 25, 1995 at the Civic Arena.
Pittsburgh Penguins games against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday, February 8 and the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, February 10 drew standing-room-only crowds of 18,147 and 18,208 respectively, pushing the Penguins' sellout streak to 196 games.
The Duquesne University Dukes took on the Xavier Musketeers in a battle for first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference on Sunday, February 13 in front of a capacity crowd of 10,509 – the most fans to turn out for a Duquesne home game (except against city-rival Pitt) since 10,042 watched the Dukes take on #3 Maryland at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena on February 23, 1975.
CONSOL Energy Center was recently named the nation's Best New Major Concert Venue for 2010 at the 22nd annual POLLSTAR Concert Industry Awards.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
SMG in the News: "Wonderful Outcome" at Intrust Bank Arena
Wichita's Intrust Bank Arena netted more than $2M profit in its first year in operation, earning SMG praise for their management. “SMG has done a superb job in this first year,” said Assistant County Manager Ron Holt. “They’ve exceeded our expectations."
New Company, Novatour, to Provide Funding for Major Concert Tours
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 7, 2011 – Today, Film Production Capital, the national leader in tax incentive-based financing for the motion picture industry, announced a joint venture with SMG, the worldwide leader in stadium and arena management, to provide capital for the live touring industry. The new joint-venture, called ‘Novatour’ plans to take advantage of Louisiana’s unique live performance tax incentive, which is designed to grow the state’s live music and entertainment industry as a similar incentive did for Louisiana’s thriving film industry. The name Novatour was coined from the French word “novateur,” meaning “innovative.” Leveraging Louisiana’s Live Performance Tax Credit, the only one of its kind in the country, Novatour intends to stay true to the name by introducing a new model to the live entertainment industry.
Under the program, live touring acts may become eligible for cash advances or operating expense savings, depending on the specific structure and conditions of each deal. Live performances must originate or rehearse in Louisiana to become eligible for the funding.
“This is a critical time for live performance touring,” says Will French, President of both Novatour and Film Production Capital. “We believe this offers a creative solution to reducing the financial risk associated with a tour launch and will provide a significant incentive for the industry to do business in Louisiana.”
FPC’s leadership in tax incentive-based financing and SMG’s worldwide network of venues and industry relationships result in a powerful combination of experience and financial capacity.
Through other strategic partnerships, Novatour will also offer an array of the goods and services needed to develop and produce a concert tour – including fleet operations, rehearsal venues and accommodations, equipment rental, stage design and construction, film and video production and merchandising. Use of these in-house, Louisiana-based services will result in increased dollars available for touring acts.
“Novatour will enable the live touring industry to leverage this unique Louisiana tax credit program and receive valuable economic benefits,” says Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President, SMG. “Our collective expertise, coupled with the ability to offer financial incentives through this program, uniquely positions this region as a perfect place for an artist to begin their North American tour.”
In 2002, the State of Louisiana introduced the first film tax incentive program. Now, having developed a statewide infrastructure around the tax credit, Louisiana’s film industry stands as the third largest in the nation, approaching nearly $1 billion in annual economic impact to the state. Using a similar approach, Novatour sees the live performance tax credit as a tool to transform New Orleans into a launching pad for live performance tours and strengthen New Orleans’ prominence as a music city.
“As the birthplace of Jazz and home to Funk, Blues, and Brass music, New Orleans has always embraced and supported musicians of every genre. With Novatour, we intend to complement the city’s musical core by catering to the business of music as well,” says French. “The region’s growth into a music business epicenter will take time and nourishment, and we believe Novatour will be the catalyst.”
For more information on Novatour, please visit www.novatour.com.
Under the program, live touring acts may become eligible for cash advances or operating expense savings, depending on the specific structure and conditions of each deal. Live performances must originate or rehearse in Louisiana to become eligible for the funding.
“This is a critical time for live performance touring,” says Will French, President of both Novatour and Film Production Capital. “We believe this offers a creative solution to reducing the financial risk associated with a tour launch and will provide a significant incentive for the industry to do business in Louisiana.”
FPC’s leadership in tax incentive-based financing and SMG’s worldwide network of venues and industry relationships result in a powerful combination of experience and financial capacity.
Through other strategic partnerships, Novatour will also offer an array of the goods and services needed to develop and produce a concert tour – including fleet operations, rehearsal venues and accommodations, equipment rental, stage design and construction, film and video production and merchandising. Use of these in-house, Louisiana-based services will result in increased dollars available for touring acts.
“Novatour will enable the live touring industry to leverage this unique Louisiana tax credit program and receive valuable economic benefits,” says Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President, SMG. “Our collective expertise, coupled with the ability to offer financial incentives through this program, uniquely positions this region as a perfect place for an artist to begin their North American tour.”
In 2002, the State of Louisiana introduced the first film tax incentive program. Now, having developed a statewide infrastructure around the tax credit, Louisiana’s film industry stands as the third largest in the nation, approaching nearly $1 billion in annual economic impact to the state. Using a similar approach, Novatour sees the live performance tax credit as a tool to transform New Orleans into a launching pad for live performance tours and strengthen New Orleans’ prominence as a music city.
“As the birthplace of Jazz and home to Funk, Blues, and Brass music, New Orleans has always embraced and supported musicians of every genre. With Novatour, we intend to complement the city’s musical core by catering to the business of music as well,” says French. “The region’s growth into a music business epicenter will take time and nourishment, and we believe Novatour will be the catalyst.”
For more information on Novatour, please visit www.novatour.com.
Monday, February 7, 2011
BOK Center Receives Second Nomination for "Venue of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music
For the second year in a row, Tulsa’s BOK Center, has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music for Venue of the Year. In order to be considered for this award, the venue must have bought or promoted at least 5 (five) country concerts during the prior calendar year of January 1 to December 31, 2010 and be in good standing with all agents. The BOK Center hosted these country concerts last year:
• George Strait with Reba
• Tim McGraw
• Hank Williams Jr.
• Brooks & Dunn
• Carrie Underwood
• Brad Paisley
Venue of the Year is an off-camera award presented at the annual “ACM Honors” event held in Nashville at a later date. The award is considered a part of the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and will be voted on by the professional membership of the Academy.
The BOK Center will be competing for the award against the following venues:
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion - Gilford, NH
Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO
• George Strait with Reba
• Tim McGraw
• Hank Williams Jr.
• Brooks & Dunn
• Carrie Underwood
• Brad Paisley
Venue of the Year is an off-camera award presented at the annual “ACM Honors” event held in Nashville at a later date. The award is considered a part of the 46th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards and will be voted on by the professional membership of the Academy.
The BOK Center will be competing for the award against the following venues:
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion - Gilford, NH
Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN
Sprint Center - Kansas City, MO
Friday, February 4, 2011
SMG Names Mike Cera General Manager of Stockton, CA Venues
Stockton, CA (February 4, 2011) – SMG is proud to announce the appointment of Mike Cera as General Manager of the Stockton Arena, Stockton Ballpark, the Bob Hope Theatre, and the Oak Park Ice Arena.
Since joining SMG in 2000, Mr. Cera has worked in a series of advancing positions in the sports and entertainment facility management industry including tenures at SMG facilities in Florida, Georgia, and most recently as the General Manager at CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, LA. Prior to CenturyTel Center, Mr. Cera served as Director of Booking at the Gwinnett Center in Gwinnett, GA, and as Director of Event Services at the now named Bank of Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
“I am extremely excited and honored to have been selected as the General Manager of the Stockton Arena, Bob Hope Theatre, Stockton Ballpark and Oak Park Ice Arena. They are outstanding facilities and I look forward to working with the community to help these facilities realize their full potential. The SMG staff and I will work diligently to bring quality entertainment to Stockton,” stated Cera.
SMG reached an agreement with the City of Stockton to provide booking, programming and general operations for the Stockton venues, effective February 25, 2011. The Stockton City Council unanimously (7-0) approved the five-year Management Agreement, with a five-year renewal option, on January 25, 2011. "We are so pleased that SMG is moving quickly to get the right people in place to make our facilities a success," said Mayor Ann Johnston. "We welcome Mr. Cera to Stockton and look forward to working with him."
Since joining SMG in 2000, Mr. Cera has worked in a series of advancing positions in the sports and entertainment facility management industry including tenures at SMG facilities in Florida, Georgia, and most recently as the General Manager at CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, LA. Prior to CenturyTel Center, Mr. Cera served as Director of Booking at the Gwinnett Center in Gwinnett, GA, and as Director of Event Services at the now named Bank of Atlantic Center in Sunrise, Florida.
“I am extremely excited and honored to have been selected as the General Manager of the Stockton Arena, Bob Hope Theatre, Stockton Ballpark and Oak Park Ice Arena. They are outstanding facilities and I look forward to working with the community to help these facilities realize their full potential. The SMG staff and I will work diligently to bring quality entertainment to Stockton,” stated Cera.
SMG reached an agreement with the City of Stockton to provide booking, programming and general operations for the Stockton venues, effective February 25, 2011. The Stockton City Council unanimously (7-0) approved the five-year Management Agreement, with a five-year renewal option, on January 25, 2011. "We are so pleased that SMG is moving quickly to get the right people in place to make our facilities a success," said Mayor Ann Johnston. "We welcome Mr. Cera to Stockton and look forward to working with him."
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