POLLSTAR RANKS 32 SMG-MANAGED ARENAS IN TOP 200 VENUES WORLDWIDE

West Conshohocken, PA (January 13, 2014) - SMG-managed arenas completed another outstanding year with 32 arenas appearing on Pollstar Magazine’s annual list of the Top 200 Arena Venues.   Manchester Arena took the top SMG spot, finishing the year ranked third in the world with more than 1 million concert tickets sold. Leading the way in the United States was the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., which ranked 28th in the continental United States.  The rankings, which were released last week, are determined by tickets sold worldwide for concerts and shows during 2014.

“Last year was another outstanding year for SMG as we increased the number of SMG managed arenas on the TOP 200 List,” said SMG President and CEO Wes Westley.   “Congratulations to all of our buildings that made Pollstar’s annual list,” added Westley. 

In all, SMG arenas in the Top 200 accounted for more than 5.6 million concert tickets sold in 2014.  Several SMG Arenas had fantastic years culminating in their return to the Top 200 List in 2014 including Richmond Coliseum, Pensacola Bay Center, and North Charleston Coliseum.  

The complete list of SMG-managed venues on Pollstar’s rankings includes:

Arenas:

Manchester Arena

Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM

First Direct Arena

Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM

Konig-Pilsener Arena

Oberhausen, GERMANY

Metro Radio Arena

Newcastle upon Tyne, UNITED KINGDOM

Odyssey Arena

Belfast, UNITED KINGDOM

Coliseo de Puerto Rico

San Juan, PUERTO RICO

BOK Center

Tulsa, OK

Van Andel Arena

Grand-Rapids, MI

Smoothie King Center

New Orleans, LA

Verizon Wireless Arena

Manchester, NH

Save Mart Center

Fresno, CA

Times Union Center

Albany, NY

Chesapeake Energy Arena

Oklahoma City, OK

CenturyLink Center

Bossier City, LA

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

Jacksonville, FL

Richmond Coliseum

Richmond, VA

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Lincoln, NE

INTRUST Bank Arena

Wichita, KS

Mohegan Sun Arena At Casey Plaza

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Royal Farms Arena 

Baltimore, MD

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Uniondale, NY

Huntington Center

Toledo, OH

Pensacola Bay Center

Pensacola, FL

Stockton Arena

Stockton, CA

Laredo Energy Arena

Laredo, TX

Peoria Civic Center Arena

Peoria, IL

Long Beach Arena

Long Beach, CA

North Charleston Coliseum

North Charleston, SC

Selland Arena

Fresno, CA

Rogers K-Rock Centre

Kingston, CANADA

John Paul Jones Arena

Charlottesville, VA

DCU Center

Worcester, MA

UNIQUE CRAFT BEER BAR BREWHAUS BROS. NOW OPEN AT INTRUST BANK ARENA

(Wichita, Kan.) – INTRUST Bank Arena has remodeled and rebranded an upper level concourse concession stand into a brand-new destination space for fans. Brewhaus Bros., a unique craft beer bar, is now open at section 207. 

Construction on Brewhaus Bros., the brand-new destination space on the west end of the upper level concourse, began in December. Brewhaus Bros. is a unique craft beer bar and takes the place of the former Dog Pound concession stand at section 207. Brewhaus Bros. will proudly serve craft beers locally brewed in Wichita and across the Kansas region. The bar features 14 taps which will rotate through craft beers. The beer menu initially includes Thunder Blonde and What Winter? Ale from Wichita Brewing Co. in Wichita, Kan., Tornado Alley IPA and Old Town Brown from River City Brewery in Wichita, Kan., Teter Rock Kolsch and Warbeard Irish Red form Walnut River Brewing Company in El Dorado, Kan., Gutch English Ale and Thrasher IPA from Defiance in Hays, Kan., 8-Bit Pale Ale and Pub Ale from Tallgrass in Manhattan, Kan., Ad Astra Ale and Oatmeal Stout from Freestate Brewing Company in Lawrence, Kan. and Unfiltered Wheat and Pale Ale from Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Mo.

In addition, the stand will feature a food menu of tasty snacks that pair well with craft beer. Brewhaus Bros. signature items include an Italian Hot Beef Sandwich, Pub Cheese and Chips, a Charcuterie Plate, a Cheddar Ale Bread Bowl Soup, and SAVOR… Seasoned Pretzels. Seating for more than 90 guests, through a mixture of cocktail tables and traditional tables, was also added to the concourse area outside the concession stand. 

“This brand-new destination space offers a new, unique experience for our guests while also providing an additional concourse seating area for fans to relax at,” commented Greg Read, SAVOR Regional Director of Food & Beverage at INTRUST Bank Arena. “We’re pleased to bring this selection of 14 locally brewed craft beers to our guests and to have the opportunity to cater to the craft beer crowd. This is an excellent addition to our already wide variety of food & beverage offerings, and we’re excited for fans to experience this new location.” 

Brewhaus Bros. will also serve as the setting for a Wichita Thunder Season Ticket Holder lounge. Season ticket holders must present their season ticket holder card to receive entry into the lounge area and season ticket holders who utilize the lounge will have access to seating areas in Section 209. Brewhaus Bros. will exclusively serve season ticket holders during Wichita Thunder hockey games, with the exception of games that utilize the upper bowl of the arena. For all events where the upper bowl of the arena is being used, Brewhaus Bros. will be open to the public. 

PINNACLE BANK ARENA IS FIRST ARENA IN NATION TO OFFER MAMAVA LACTATION SUITE

Mayor Chris Beutler today helped cut the ribbon on the Bryan Health Nursing Nook for breastfeeding mothers and their babies at Pinnacle Bank Arena.  The free-standing kiosk produced by Mamava of Vermont is the first in the nation to be placed in a public arena. It is sponsored by Bryan Health and the West Haymarket Joint Public Agency (JPA).

“We are very proud that Lincoln and Pinnacle Bank Arena are leading the way in supporting breast-feeding,” said Mayor Beutler, Chair of the JPA.  “We have set a goal to become the healthiest city in the nation, and one of the ways we can accomplish that is to support nursing mothers.  The health benefits of breastfeeding are undeniable.   In 2010, the Journal of Pediatrics reported that if 90 percent of U.S. mothers nursed exclusively for the first six months of a child’s life, the nation would save 13 billion dollars in medical costs and 900 infant lives every year.”

“This project is meaningful to Bryan as it furthers our devotion to families in our community and extends our commitment to Pinnacle Bank Arena by making it even more welcoming and accommodating,” said Bob Ravenscroft, Bryan Health Vice President for Advancement. “This is a win-win for everyone involved, and Bryan is pleased to take a leading role.”

The suite features seating for two people, a fold-down table and power outlet for a breast pump, space for a stroller, soft lighting and a mirror.   Mamava launched its first unit in August 2013 at the Burlington, Vermont airport and has since installed units at a mall, grocer, private offices and colleges.  The Bryan Health Nursing Nook is just the eleventh to be installed, and it is the first in Nebraska.

“We are thrilled that Pinnacle Bank Arena will be the very first sports and entertainment center to install a Mamava lactation suite,” said Sascha Mayer, Mamava Co-Founder.  “Our goal is to transform the culture of breastfeeding so it is a more widely accepted and inviting experience for all mamas.  We applaud Lincoln and Pinnacle Bank Arena for recognizing this need for both Arena visitors and employees.”

Since the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act, employers are required to provide their employees who are nursing mothers with reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom location to express breast milk for one year after the child’s birth.  Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz said the Nursing Nook is an enhancement to the location already provided for Arena employees.

“We are always looking to be more accommodating and sensitive to the needs of our guests,” said Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz.  “The lactation suite will offer comfort and privacy to nursing mothers.”

Arena patrons can access the suite by visiting the Arena Guest Services Station on the main concourse behind Section 112 and asking for the key.  The Nursing Nook is in the northwest corner of the main concourse.

Pinnacle Bank Arena is managed by SMG, and more information is available at pinnaclebankarena.com.  For more information on Mamava, visit mamava.com.

SMG APPOINTS TWO INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS TO KEY POSITIONS

For Immediate Release

Conshohocken, PA – SMG, the worldwide leader in venue management, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to join its team. Leonard Bonacci has been named a Regional Vice President of the Stadiums and Arenas Division and Patrick Talty has been named General Manager of the new Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium in Minneapolis.

Leonard Bonacci

Bonacci brings impressive stadium management credentials to SMG, having worked for nearly 17 years as a Senior Executive for the Philadelphia Eagles organization. There, Bonacci was responsible for directing all game day and special event management duties of Lincoln Financial Field as the Vice President of Operations.  Bonacci was also responsible for the booking and event creation for ancillary events at Lincoln Financial Field, including the bidding and solicitation of events including the Army v. Navy game, NCAA Lacrosse, international soccer, and other large events.

Bonacci has worked for SMG in a consulting capacity over the last 6 months with a focus on the new Minnesota Stadium project where SMG serves as a facility manager. As a Regional Vice President for the SMG Stadium and Arena Division, Bonacci will continue to oversee SMG’s operation of the new Minnesota facility in addition to other responsibilities. He will be based in SMG’s corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA and will report to Stadium and Arena Division Executive Vice President, Doug Thornton.

“Leonard is a seasoned industry professional with extensive NFL stadium management experience. His understanding of stadium operations will be a great asset to us, as we continue to grow our stadium business,” said Thornton. “We are delighted to have him join us full-time.” 

Patrick Talty

Talty joins SMG from the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), where he most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Live Events. There, he was part of the senior leadership team and was responsible for the global touring and event marketing of more than 420 live events annually while maintaining business operations.

“Patrick is a talented, experienced industry professional,” stated Thornton. “His NFL facility management experience coupled with his event booking and marketing skills provide a perfect combination for us in Minneapolis. We are very excited to have him join SMG and he will be a great addition to our Minnesota team.”

In addition to his promoter background, Talty also has extensive experience in stadium and arena management.  From 2009 – 2012, he served as General Manager of Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, a multi-venue complex that included a 45,000 seat soccer stadium, as well as other sports and recreational facilities.  While there, he was responsible for the oversight and management of a multi-facility sporting complex, and oversaw several major events including the 2009 & ‘10 FIFA Club World Cup, the 40th UAE National Day Celebration, and the first WWE Raw World Tour in Abu Dhabi.

JOHN PAUL JONES ARENA RECOGNIZED AS 2014 GREEN ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR

(Charlottesville, VA – December 5, 2014) SMG managed John Paul Jones Arena has been recognized by the Virginia Green Program as the Green Attraction of Year.  The arena was one of 12 partners chosen as Virginia Green Travel Stars, the highest level of recognition in the program.  John Paul Jones Arena will receive the award at the Virginia Green Travel Conference at the Science Museum of Virginia next week. 

The Virginia Green Travel Star Awards is the recognition program of the Virginia Green program, Virginia’s voluntary initiative to encourage green practices in the state’s tourism industry. The program is run through a partnership between the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association.

Virginia Green now has more than 1550 tourism partners that have self-certified that they are engaged in a wide range of green practices and commitments. Virginia Green partners include hotels, restaurants, parks, museums, festivals and events, wineries and breweries, welcome centers, and supporting organizations – all aspects of Virginia’s tourism industry. The program also challenges green-minded consumers to Travel Green by choosing Virginia Green partners whenever they travel in Virginia by searching for Virginia Green at www.VirginiaGreenTravel.org.

This is the 5th year of the Virginia Green Travel Star Awards. Recipients are those Virginia tourism businesses that have distinguished themselves by embracing green practices in their operations and supporting green tourism efforts in Virginia. Participants applied in the categories of (1) Green Programs of the Year; (2) Most Innovative Green Projects; and (3) Green Supplier of the Year. This year, Virginia Green chose 12 partners as Virginia Green Travel Stars, the highest level of recognition in the program. Virginia Green is also awarding 16 Virginia Green Travel Leader awards for exemplary commitments to green practices in 2014.

2014 Virginia Green Travel Star Award Winners:

·       Green Attraction of the Year: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville

·       Green Brewery of the Year: Port City Brewing, Alexandria

·       Green Hotel of the Year: Lorien Hotel & Spa, Alexandria

·       Green Inn / Cabins of the Year: Shadow Mountain Escape, Luray

·       Green Restaurant of the Year: Local Roots Restaurant, Roanoke

·       Green Winery of the Year: North Gate Vineyard, Purcellville

·       Green Supporting Organization of the Year: Norfolk International Airport

·       Green Supplier of the Year: Natural Organic Process Enterprise, Richmond

·       Most Innovative Green Projects:

·       Hyatt Regency Reston Laundry Project, Reston

·       Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program, Richmond

·       Inns at Montpelier Virginia Green Project, Montpelier

2014 Virginia Green Travel Leader Award Winners:

·       Adventure Kayak Tours, Chesapeake

·       Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, Charlottesville

·       Blue Mountain Escape, Linden

·       Broad Appétit, Richmond

·       Clay Corner Inn, Blacksburg

·       Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Richmond

·       Mountain Song Inn, Floyd

·       Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center

·       Oak Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast, South Boston

·       Richmond Multisports, Richmond

·       Salamander Resort and Spa, Middleburg

·       Sandbridge Blue Realty, Virginia Beach

·       The Westin Richmond

·       University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg

·       Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach

·       Virginia Living Museum, Newport News

SMG WICHITA SET TO HOST THOUSANDS OF GUESTS IN DOWNTOWN WICHITA THIS WEEK

Wichita, KS (December 2, 2014) – INTRUST Bank Arena is set to host thousands of guests in downtown Wichita this week. Two concerts and a Wichita State men’s basketball game will take place at INTRUST Bank Arena beginning this Thursday through Saturday. 

“Between Eric Church, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and the Wichita State game, we’re anticipating hosting more than 30,000 guests at our venue this week,” said A.J. Boleski, SMG General Manager. “Our mission statement reads that we’re in the business of creating memories, through world-class entertainment, one guest at a time. This week, we’re looking forward to the opportunity to create thousands of lasting memories and raving fan experiences for our guests.” 

Eric Church’s ‘The Outsiders World Tour’ kicks off the busy week on Thursday, December 4 at INTRUST Bank Arena. The concert features special guests Dwight Yoakam and Halestorm. Limited tickets are still available for the concert which starts at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Fans who purchased seats in designated paperless ticketed areas are reminded that they will need to bring the credit card they used for purchase and a government-issued ID to the venue on the night of the event for entry. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a rock holiday tradition, returns to INTRUST Bank Arena Friday, December 5 with their live debut of The Christmas Attic. Tickets are still available and range from $34.50 to $74.50. The show begins at 8:00 p.m. and doors will open at 7:00 p.m. 

For the fifth consecutive year, the Wichita State men's basketball team will compete downtown at INTRUST Bank Arena. The Shockers, who have enjoyed success in their previous four appearances at INTRUST Bank Arena, will face the Saint Louis Billikens Saturday, December 6. Limited tickets are still available for the game which tips off at 5:00 p.m. Doors for the game will open to the public at 3:30 p.m. 

SMG Venues to Host Four Upcoming NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships

West Conshohocken, PA (December 1, 2014) - SMG-managed facilities were awarded four bids when the NCAA announced host sites for upcoming NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships last month. The Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, La.) was selected to host the Women’s Final Four in 2020 and the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Stockton Center (Stockton, Calif.) and Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City, Okla.) were selected as hosts for upcoming regional play.

“We appreciate the NCAA’s continued confidence in SMG-managed facilities to host women’s basketball championships at the highest level. The venues awarded championships worked tirelessly to secure these bids, and will work diligently to ensure the fans, athletic departments and student-athletes have an unforgettable experience during their time at our venues,” said Doug Thornton, Executive Vice-President Stadiums and Arenas.

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host the Women’s Final Four for a record fourth time in 2020, with games played April 3 and April 5. The arena previously hosted national championships in 2004 and 2013.

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, which opened earlier this year, was awarded its first bid for 2016, which will also be the first championship games ever played in the state of South Dakota. The Stockton Center also received its first hosting opportunity in 2017.

“The committee continues to look for new markets and venues in which to play the championship and were pleased that new hosts like Sioux Fall and Stockton joined the other more veteran sites in providing a home for our championship,” said Dru Hancock, chair of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and senior associate commission at the Big 12 Conference.

Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Okla., will serve as a host site in 2017. It had previously hosted regionals in 2008, 2009 and 2013.