OKLAHOMA CITY, OK. (December 19, 2009) – More than 250 senior citizens enjoyed a holiday meal prepared and served by staff members of SAVOR and Levy Restaurants, the food and beverage providers of Ford Center.
The traditional Christmas dinner consisting of: ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce and a signature dessert was offered to the members of the Oklahoma Housing Authority’s Marie McGuire and Walter Jeltz Senior Center. The first annual Christmas dinner is a tradition that both SAVOR and Levy Restaurants hope to continue to provide in the future.
“We wanted to give back to our community and honor our senior citizens,” said Samuel Brooks, SAVOR Midwest Regional Director and General Manager of Food and Beverage at the SMG managed Ford Center.
"We care about the people in our community," said Joe Guthrie, Director of Operations for Premium Services for Levy Restaurants at Ford Center. "This dinner was truly special and we all enjoyed giving back and celebrating the holidays with everyone at the center."
The Christmas dinner was an opportunity to showcase the working relationship both SAVOR and Levy Restaurants share while providing the best in premium dining services and concessions for all of Ford Center’s events.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
SMG Facilities Continue to Rack Up Awards
In a year where SMG was awarded a stunning 25 Prime Site Awards, had executives recognized for industry leadership, and been recognized by the EPA for environmental stewardship, we can add two more awards to the roster. The Atlantic City Convention Center and Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority have received 2009 MeetingNews Planners’ Choice Award, and the Hawai'i Convention Center has won Business Traveler Magazine's 2010 Best in Business Travel award in the category of Best Conference or Convention Center: City, for the second year in a row! Congratulations and thanks go out to all our facilities for their success and hard work. It's nice to be recognized for a job well done.
SMG is Awarded Sioux Falls Contract Renewal
SMG, the nation's leading facility management company, was awarded a contract renewal for both the Sioux Falls Arena and the Orpheum Theater. The city of Siux Falls chose SMG over Global Spectrum, as both companies competed for the three-year contract. The city chose SMG through a competitive proposal process in which it says SMG presented the strongest bid to operate both facilities. The city says SMG was awarded the deal because it put forth a strong bid of financial incentives and has a long standing history of working with the city.
"We've had good experiences with them over the years of managing a 50-year-old Arena as well as the Orpheum Theater and we know they are very familiar with the buildings and operations," city planner Mike Cooper said.
SMG has managed the Arena since 1985, previously under the name Ogden Allied. The company began managing the Orpheum in 2003.
“SMG has a positive record of experience with both facilities,” Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson said in a press release. “No tenants or user groups expressed any dissatisfaction with the level of service and many endorsed SMG as a management company."
“I am also impressed with SMG’s commitment to the Orpheum Theater. They have invested considerable effort to turn that facility into a thriving center of activity for Sioux Falls,” the Mayor continued, “This was a very strong proposal. We will immediately see a guaranteed cost savings to the city both this year and by contract in years to come.”
"We've had good experiences with them over the years of managing a 50-year-old Arena as well as the Orpheum Theater and we know they are very familiar with the buildings and operations," city planner Mike Cooper said.
SMG has managed the Arena since 1985, previously under the name Ogden Allied. The company began managing the Orpheum in 2003.
“SMG has a positive record of experience with both facilities,” Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson said in a press release. “No tenants or user groups expressed any dissatisfaction with the level of service and many endorsed SMG as a management company."
“I am also impressed with SMG’s commitment to the Orpheum Theater. They have invested considerable effort to turn that facility into a thriving center of activity for Sioux Falls,” the Mayor continued, “This was a very strong proposal. We will immediately see a guaranteed cost savings to the city both this year and by contract in years to come.”
Monday, November 16, 2009
TEXAS COUNTRY LEGENDS!
Friday, November 20 @ 7:00 pm
BEAUMONT, TX, November 2, 2009 – Spend an evening with three of the best Texas Country Music Legends as Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush and Gene Watson perform for you at Ford Exhibit Hall on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm!
Johnny Rodriguez was the 1st successful Latin American country music singer. His debut album went to #1 on the “Top Country Albums” chart and led to his CMA nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. Over the course of his career, he has released 26 albums and charted 45 singles, with six #1 hits. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Johnny Bush began his career working in Willie Nelson’s band, who paid for Bush to cut his first album. He later signed with RCA, where he scored a top ten hit with his song “Whiskey River,” which later became Willie’s signature song. In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Gene Watson built a reputation for soulful ballads in the classic country tradition. He has recorded over 20 albums with hits such as “Fourteen Carat Mind” and “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to see these Texas Country Music Legends when they come to Ford Exhibit Hall on November 20! Doors are at 6:00 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ford Park Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $29.50; all seating is general admission.
BEAUMONT, TX, November 2, 2009 – Spend an evening with three of the best Texas Country Music Legends as Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Bush and Gene Watson perform for you at Ford Exhibit Hall on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 7:00 pm!
Johnny Rodriguez was the 1st successful Latin American country music singer. His debut album went to #1 on the “Top Country Albums” chart and led to his CMA nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year. Over the course of his career, he has released 26 albums and charted 45 singles, with six #1 hits. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Johnny Bush began his career working in Willie Nelson’s band, who paid for Bush to cut his first album. He later signed with RCA, where he scored a top ten hit with his song “Whiskey River,” which later became Willie’s signature song. In 2003, he was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Gene Watson built a reputation for soulful ballads in the classic country tradition. He has recorded over 20 albums with hits such as “Fourteen Carat Mind” and “You’re Out Doing What I’m Here Doing Without.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to see these Texas Country Music Legends when they come to Ford Exhibit Hall on November 20! Doors are at 6:00 pm and the show begins at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ford Park Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $29.50; all seating is general admission.
JASON ALDEAN with guest Luke Bryan coming to Ford Arena
WIDE OPEN TOUR
w/ special guest
LUKE BRYAN
Saturday, January 29, 2010!
BEAUMONT, TX, September 28, 2009 – SMG, management company of Ford Park, is pleased to announce JASON ALDEAN with guest Luke Bryan coming to Ford Arena on Friday, January 29, 2010!
After selling two million copies of his first two albums, topping the charts with five smash hits, racking up award nominations and hitting every stop on the requisite “new artist” tour circuit for the last three years, country rocker Jason Aldean is running full throttle into 2010 on the momentum of the release of his third album, Wide Open with hits “She’s Country” and “Green Tractor.”
As the title implies, Wide Open celebrates the unlimited opportunities life offers, while recognizing the all-too-familiar speed bumps along the way. “Wide Open is the only way I know how to live,” explains Aldean. “. . . I’m pretty much an open book. I understand there may be hitches along the way, but if I’m in, I’m in no matter what.”
Though known for his unapologetic, southern-rock style, Aldean’s musical influences also reflect the more traditional end of the spectrum.
With a calendar full of dates and a power-packed set anchored with hits and highlighted by new material, Aldean has hit the road the only way conceivable —wide open.
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, November 14 @ 10:00 am at Ford Park Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $34.75 and $27.75 (additional fees will apply).
About Ford Park
Ford Park is strategically located on Interstate Highway 10 between Houston and Lake Charles and serves a market area of 1.5 million people with-in a one hour drive. Ford Park consists of the 14,000 seat Ford Pavilion, the 8,500
seat Ford Arena – home to the ABA Southeast Texas Mavericks, the 48,000 sq. ft. Ford Exhibit Hall with 8 meeting rooms and a business center, Ford Midway with ag barns & 9-acres of paved festival grounds, Ford Fields with 12 ball diamonds, a Regional Visitors Center, and several other privately developed and managed businesses complimentary to Ford Park. For additional information, visit www.fordpark.com
w/ special guest
LUKE BRYAN
Saturday, January 29, 2010!
BEAUMONT, TX, September 28, 2009 – SMG, management company of Ford Park, is pleased to announce JASON ALDEAN with guest Luke Bryan coming to Ford Arena on Friday, January 29, 2010!
After selling two million copies of his first two albums, topping the charts with five smash hits, racking up award nominations and hitting every stop on the requisite “new artist” tour circuit for the last three years, country rocker Jason Aldean is running full throttle into 2010 on the momentum of the release of his third album, Wide Open with hits “She’s Country” and “Green Tractor.”
As the title implies, Wide Open celebrates the unlimited opportunities life offers, while recognizing the all-too-familiar speed bumps along the way. “Wide Open is the only way I know how to live,” explains Aldean. “. . . I’m pretty much an open book. I understand there may be hitches along the way, but if I’m in, I’m in no matter what.”
Though known for his unapologetic, southern-rock style, Aldean’s musical influences also reflect the more traditional end of the spectrum.
With a calendar full of dates and a power-packed set anchored with hits and highlighted by new material, Aldean has hit the road the only way conceivable —wide open.
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, November 14 @ 10:00 am at Ford Park Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $34.75 and $27.75 (additional fees will apply).
About Ford Park
Ford Park is strategically located on Interstate Highway 10 between Houston and Lake Charles and serves a market area of 1.5 million people with-in a one hour drive. Ford Park consists of the 14,000 seat Ford Pavilion, the 8,500
seat Ford Arena – home to the ABA Southeast Texas Mavericks, the 48,000 sq. ft. Ford Exhibit Hall with 8 meeting rooms and a business center, Ford Midway with ag barns & 9-acres of paved festival grounds, Ford Fields with 12 ball diamonds, a Regional Visitors Center, and several other privately developed and managed businesses complimentary to Ford Park. For additional information, visit www.fordpark.com
Arvest Winterfest to return to Downtown Tulsa
WHAT: MAJOR ENHANCEMENTS PLANNED FOR DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL INCLUDE NEW LOCATION, LARGER ICE RINK, AND TALLER TREE
WHERE: Outside BOK Center on Third Street, Between Denver & Frisco Avenues
WHEN: November 27, 2009-January 4, 2010
COST: Free outdoor entertainment
$8.00 (includes skate rental)
$5.00 (with your own skates)
$5.00 (children three and under)
“There is something for the entire family this holiday season at Arvest Winterfest in Downtown Tulsa.
SMG and the BOK Center have made significant enhancements to this year’s festival that are certain to impress you including a much larger ice rink, a wonderful new location, and an even taller Christmas Tree”
- John Bolton, General Manager
Families are invited to ice skate beneath the skyline again this year at Arvest Winterfest, the area’s largest outdoor holiday celebration in Downtown Tulsa. Major enhancements are slated for the festival including a new location, a larger frozen ice surface, an even taller tree, and the addition of a warming and hospitality tent. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s festival, open daily (weather permitting, excluding Christmas) from November 27, 2009 through January 4, 2010.
Arvest Winterfest will move from last year’s confined location on Frisco Avenue to an expansive site on Third Street in front of the BOK Center between Denver and Frisco Avenues. The focal point will be a larger 60’ x 150’ ice rink that will be flanked by a warming tent on one end for parents and spectators to watch skaters in climate-controlled comfort. The ice rink will be open to the public and prices are $8.00 (with skate rental), $5.00 (with your own skates), and $5.00 for children three and under. Group and corporate rates are available.
Just steps from the rink will be Oklahoma’s tallest Christmas Tree. The massive 44’ tree will feature 35,700 glowing lights, 109,534 individual tips, and a diameter at the base of nearly 30 feet. The magically-lit tree will provide an ideal backdrop for perfect holiday photographs.
A variety of outdoor live entertainment is slated for Fridays and Saturdays on the ONEOK Stage during Winterfest. Local nonprofit groups, school choirs and bands, and musicians from area churches will all share the stage.
Winterfest promises something for the entire family whether it’s delicious holiday concessions like gingerbread lattes, Polish sausage, eggnog, or apple cider, or an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride through the streets of downtown.
A variety of weekly promotions are scheduled during the festival. Every Monday, patrons can skate at half price with a donation of a non-perishable can of food to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. On Tuesdays, visitors can skate for only $4.00 with the donation of a new unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army’s holiday toy drive. On Sundays, parents are invited to bring their children to meet “Segway Santa,” a jolly fellow who will make appearances around the plaza from 1:00-4:00PM greeting guests, taking complimentary photographs, and handing out candy canes.
The Tulsa Figure Skating Club, the region’s only organization sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association, is scheduled to perform ten exhibitions at the Arvest Ice Rink at Winterfest. The rink will be closed for a half hour on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons as Tulsa's rising figure skating stars take the ice. The public is invited to watch the holiday routines free of charge.
On December 12, the annual PSO Holiday Parade of Lights will take a brand new route through Downtown Tulsa and will proceed down Denver Avenue just in front of Arvest Winterfest. The parade will include a variety of spectacular floats, marching bands, dance teams, and giant helium balloons. Spectators are encouraged to set up chairs on the sidewalks along Denver Avenue and on the front plaza of the BOK Center, and are then invited to enjoy ice skating at Winterfest or the Tulsa Oilers vs. Texas Brahmas hockey game at 7:35PM inside the arena following the parade.
Arvest Winterfest compliments a stellar line-up of shows inside the BOK Center. Tickets are still available for all Tulsa Oilers hockey games, Curious George Live, KISS, Daughtry, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Winterfest 2009 is presented by ARVEST Bank. Live entertainment on the plaza is compliments of ONEOK. Gold sponsors are Flintco, Reasor’s, and Bank of Oklahoma. Silver sponsors include Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino, LDF Companies, Doubletree Hotel-Downtown, Borden, Frontier International Trucks, and Mazzio’s. The official media partners are KTUL-TV NewsChannel 8, Tulsa Business Journal, Urban Tulsa Weekly, and Cox Radio, Inc.
A full Arvest Winterfest calendar with prices and daily hours of operation is available online at bokcenter.com. For more information contact Jeff Nickler, Special Events Manager at (918) 894-4254. For group ice skating rates, please call (918) 894-4242.
Paige Laughlin
Marketing Manager
WHERE: Outside BOK Center on Third Street, Between Denver & Frisco Avenues
WHEN: November 27, 2009-January 4, 2010
COST: Free outdoor entertainment
$8.00 (includes skate rental)
$5.00 (with your own skates)
$5.00 (children three and under)
“There is something for the entire family this holiday season at Arvest Winterfest in Downtown Tulsa.
SMG and the BOK Center have made significant enhancements to this year’s festival that are certain to impress you including a much larger ice rink, a wonderful new location, and an even taller Christmas Tree”
- John Bolton, General Manager
Families are invited to ice skate beneath the skyline again this year at Arvest Winterfest, the area’s largest outdoor holiday celebration in Downtown Tulsa. Major enhancements are slated for the festival including a new location, a larger frozen ice surface, an even taller tree, and the addition of a warming and hospitality tent. Over 100,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s festival, open daily (weather permitting, excluding Christmas) from November 27, 2009 through January 4, 2010.
Arvest Winterfest will move from last year’s confined location on Frisco Avenue to an expansive site on Third Street in front of the BOK Center between Denver and Frisco Avenues. The focal point will be a larger 60’ x 150’ ice rink that will be flanked by a warming tent on one end for parents and spectators to watch skaters in climate-controlled comfort. The ice rink will be open to the public and prices are $8.00 (with skate rental), $5.00 (with your own skates), and $5.00 for children three and under. Group and corporate rates are available.
Just steps from the rink will be Oklahoma’s tallest Christmas Tree. The massive 44’ tree will feature 35,700 glowing lights, 109,534 individual tips, and a diameter at the base of nearly 30 feet. The magically-lit tree will provide an ideal backdrop for perfect holiday photographs.
A variety of outdoor live entertainment is slated for Fridays and Saturdays on the ONEOK Stage during Winterfest. Local nonprofit groups, school choirs and bands, and musicians from area churches will all share the stage.
Winterfest promises something for the entire family whether it’s delicious holiday concessions like gingerbread lattes, Polish sausage, eggnog, or apple cider, or an old-fashioned horse and carriage ride through the streets of downtown.
A variety of weekly promotions are scheduled during the festival. Every Monday, patrons can skate at half price with a donation of a non-perishable can of food to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. On Tuesdays, visitors can skate for only $4.00 with the donation of a new unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army’s holiday toy drive. On Sundays, parents are invited to bring their children to meet “Segway Santa,” a jolly fellow who will make appearances around the plaza from 1:00-4:00PM greeting guests, taking complimentary photographs, and handing out candy canes.
The Tulsa Figure Skating Club, the region’s only organization sanctioned by the United States Figure Skating Association, is scheduled to perform ten exhibitions at the Arvest Ice Rink at Winterfest. The rink will be closed for a half hour on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons as Tulsa's rising figure skating stars take the ice. The public is invited to watch the holiday routines free of charge.
On December 12, the annual PSO Holiday Parade of Lights will take a brand new route through Downtown Tulsa and will proceed down Denver Avenue just in front of Arvest Winterfest. The parade will include a variety of spectacular floats, marching bands, dance teams, and giant helium balloons. Spectators are encouraged to set up chairs on the sidewalks along Denver Avenue and on the front plaza of the BOK Center, and are then invited to enjoy ice skating at Winterfest or the Tulsa Oilers vs. Texas Brahmas hockey game at 7:35PM inside the arena following the parade.
Arvest Winterfest compliments a stellar line-up of shows inside the BOK Center. Tickets are still available for all Tulsa Oilers hockey games, Curious George Live, KISS, Daughtry, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Winterfest 2009 is presented by ARVEST Bank. Live entertainment on the plaza is compliments of ONEOK. Gold sponsors are Flintco, Reasor’s, and Bank of Oklahoma. Silver sponsors include Osage Million Dollar Elm Casino, LDF Companies, Doubletree Hotel-Downtown, Borden, Frontier International Trucks, and Mazzio’s. The official media partners are KTUL-TV NewsChannel 8, Tulsa Business Journal, Urban Tulsa Weekly, and Cox Radio, Inc.
A full Arvest Winterfest calendar with prices and daily hours of operation is available online at bokcenter.com. For more information contact Jeff Nickler, Special Events Manager at (918) 894-4254. For group ice skating rates, please call (918) 894-4242.
Paige Laughlin
Marketing Manager
SETX MAVERICKS HOST ABA TIP-OFF CLASSIC!
The Southeast Texas Mavericks will host the Inaugural American Basketball Association’s Tip-Off Classic at the SMG Managed Ford Arena on November 19 and 21, 2009.
The Mavericks will be hosting the top teams in the ABA at the Tip-Off Classic. Defending ABA Champions the Kentucky Bisons will be joining the Mavericks at the Classic along with ABA newcomer the Bluegrass Stallions and another top ranked ABA team the Music City Stars.
The Mavericks’ own 2008-09 ABA MVP and ABA Rookie of the Year DeRon Rutledge and Currye Todd will be featured along with former CBA All-Star and Syracuse University star Josh Pace.
The ABA Defending Champions Bisons will return the outstanding guard tandem of Mike Wells and Mike James. High flying forward Kenny Jones also returns for another season with the Bisons. The Bluegrass Stallions of Lexington, KY will feature former University of Kentucky standout players Wayne Turner and Bobby Perry. The Music City Stars from Nashville, TN will be led by two of the top players on this level of professional basketball in forwards Donte’ Jones and Odell Bradley.
The opening games will have Bluegrass and Music City facing off at 6:00 PM on Thursday night, November 19 and the 8:30 PM nightcap game will have the SETX Mavericks (ranked # 2 in the Pre-Season ABA Power Rankings) hosting the ABA Champion Kentucky Bisons (ranked # 1). Tip-off for the second game will be at 8:30 PM.
The ABA Tip-off Classic will continue on Saturday night, November 21 with a consolation game and championship game at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM respectively.
Tickets start at $8.00 and are On Sale NOW at the Ford Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Don’t miss the Tip-Off of the ABA season right here in Beaumont, TX at Ford Arena.
For more information on the SETX Mavericks go to: www.setxmavs.com or call 409-951-5500.
The Mavericks will be hosting the top teams in the ABA at the Tip-Off Classic. Defending ABA Champions the Kentucky Bisons will be joining the Mavericks at the Classic along with ABA newcomer the Bluegrass Stallions and another top ranked ABA team the Music City Stars.
The Mavericks’ own 2008-09 ABA MVP and ABA Rookie of the Year DeRon Rutledge and Currye Todd will be featured along with former CBA All-Star and Syracuse University star Josh Pace.
The ABA Defending Champions Bisons will return the outstanding guard tandem of Mike Wells and Mike James. High flying forward Kenny Jones also returns for another season with the Bisons. The Bluegrass Stallions of Lexington, KY will feature former University of Kentucky standout players Wayne Turner and Bobby Perry. The Music City Stars from Nashville, TN will be led by two of the top players on this level of professional basketball in forwards Donte’ Jones and Odell Bradley.
The opening games will have Bluegrass and Music City facing off at 6:00 PM on Thursday night, November 19 and the 8:30 PM nightcap game will have the SETX Mavericks (ranked # 2 in the Pre-Season ABA Power Rankings) hosting the ABA Champion Kentucky Bisons (ranked # 1). Tip-off for the second game will be at 8:30 PM.
The ABA Tip-off Classic will continue on Saturday night, November 21 with a consolation game and championship game at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM respectively.
Tickets start at $8.00 and are On Sale NOW at the Ford Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com. Don’t miss the Tip-Off of the ABA season right here in Beaumont, TX at Ford Arena.
For more information on the SETX Mavericks go to: www.setxmavs.com or call 409-951-5500.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
THE 2009 EL MINA SHRINE CIRCUS IS COMING TO FORD ARENA
7 Spectacular Shows of Circus Excitement, October 16th – 18th at Ford Arena
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ALLOW A FAMILY OF FOUR TO ATTEND FOR JUST $38.00!
Beaumont, TX) October 13, 2009 – World class circus fun and endless excitement returns to Beaumont for one dazzling weekend in October as the magnificent El Mina Shrine Circus performs an amazing show for families and children of all ages. The Ford Arena will be bursting with the dynamic sights, sounds, smells and family fun found only at the El Mina Shrine Circus! Tickets and more show info are available online at www.beaumontcircus.com
This year’s circus is the biggest and best ever. Featuring performers from over 15 countries along with the most talented performing animals in the world today, the El Mina Shrine Circus will bring smiles and thrills to young and old alike as the most original form of family entertainment, the circus, comes to town.
All new lighting and sound will dazzle the audiences, putting the spot light on some of the most amazing circus acts to ever come to Minneapolis, including:
• Miss Stevana’s Royal Friesian Stallions from Holland
• The Hawthornes Tigers – World’s Largest Tiger Act in the US
• Miss Gena – World Renowned Juggler and Monte Carlo Medalist
• The Bilea’s – Masters of Illusion
• The Human Cannonball World Record Holder
• And the Shrine Elephants!
The El Mina Shrine Circus is the only interactive circus in the world! Audience members are allowed into the circus rings before, during intermission and after the show. Guests get to meet the performers up close, play games, and even get a chance to ride the elephants and ponies. Doors open one hour before show time.
The El Mina Shrine Circus brings affordable family fun to everyone. Ticket prices are $18 for General Admission, $22 for Reserved, and $26 for VIP. The El Mina Shrine Circus is making special discounts available to help make the circus affordable for all families. Coupons are being distributed throughout Beaumont and may also be redeemed online. Buy one get one free offers are available for ALL SHOWS!
About Our Hosts: The Shrine Circus is a major fundraiser for the El Mina Shriners. Well known for their civic involvement and colorful participation in parades, Shriners International is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. Sam Khoury, Potenate of El Mina Shrine commented, “The El Mina Shriners are thrilled to bring affordable family entertainment to the families of Beaumont. During these tough economic times we have extended special discount offers and are keeping ticket prices lower than almost any live entertainment in town. Every child should get to go to the circus and we are making that possible by keeping our event within everyone’s reach. We are especially glad to be producing our circus at the exceptional Ford Arena and look forward to a great circus.” For more information or to contact the Shriners, please visit www.elminashriners.org
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ALLOW A FAMILY OF FOUR TO ATTEND FOR JUST $38.00!
Beaumont, TX) October 13, 2009 – World class circus fun and endless excitement returns to Beaumont for one dazzling weekend in October as the magnificent El Mina Shrine Circus performs an amazing show for families and children of all ages. The Ford Arena will be bursting with the dynamic sights, sounds, smells and family fun found only at the El Mina Shrine Circus! Tickets and more show info are available online at www.beaumontcircus.com
This year’s circus is the biggest and best ever. Featuring performers from over 15 countries along with the most talented performing animals in the world today, the El Mina Shrine Circus will bring smiles and thrills to young and old alike as the most original form of family entertainment, the circus, comes to town.
All new lighting and sound will dazzle the audiences, putting the spot light on some of the most amazing circus acts to ever come to Minneapolis, including:
• Miss Stevana’s Royal Friesian Stallions from Holland
• The Hawthornes Tigers – World’s Largest Tiger Act in the US
• Miss Gena – World Renowned Juggler and Monte Carlo Medalist
• The Bilea’s – Masters of Illusion
• The Human Cannonball World Record Holder
• And the Shrine Elephants!
The El Mina Shrine Circus is the only interactive circus in the world! Audience members are allowed into the circus rings before, during intermission and after the show. Guests get to meet the performers up close, play games, and even get a chance to ride the elephants and ponies. Doors open one hour before show time.
The El Mina Shrine Circus brings affordable family fun to everyone. Ticket prices are $18 for General Admission, $22 for Reserved, and $26 for VIP. The El Mina Shrine Circus is making special discounts available to help make the circus affordable for all families. Coupons are being distributed throughout Beaumont and may also be redeemed online. Buy one get one free offers are available for ALL SHOWS!
About Our Hosts: The Shrine Circus is a major fundraiser for the El Mina Shriners. Well known for their civic involvement and colorful participation in parades, Shriners International is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. Sam Khoury, Potenate of El Mina Shrine commented, “The El Mina Shriners are thrilled to bring affordable family entertainment to the families of Beaumont. During these tough economic times we have extended special discount offers and are keeping ticket prices lower than almost any live entertainment in town. Every child should get to go to the circus and we are making that possible by keeping our event within everyone’s reach. We are especially glad to be producing our circus at the exceptional Ford Arena and look forward to a great circus.” For more information or to contact the Shriners, please visit www.elminashriners.org
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Lynnwood Convention Center Names Additions to Team
SMG is proud to announce two new additions to its management team at the Lynnwood Convention Center in Lynnwood, WA.
Erin Mitchell re-joins the Lynnwood Convention Center team as Sales Manager. A Seattle native, with 26 years in the food and beverage industry, Erin is well-versed with a tremendous amount of experience in the hospitality and event planning field. Most recently, Erin was the Catering Director for Palisade in Seattle, WA. Erin previously worked for the Lynnwood Convention Center as Catering Sales Manager from November 2005 to January 2007.
Erin Mitchell| 425.640.7615 | emitchell@lynnwoodcc.com
Erica Heininger joins the Lynnwood Convention Center as Administrative/Marketing Assistant. Most recently the Clinical Administrative Assistant for PeaceHealth Medical Group in Bellingham, WA. Erica has over nine years of customer service and marketing experience and has worked in a variety of different organizations from healthcare to non-profit. Erica is a 2004 graduate of Washington State University.
Erica Heininger | 425.640.7627| eheininger@lynnwoodcc.com
"We are pleased to add Erin and Erica to our team. Erica brings a wealth of creativity and will enhance our marketing and public relations efforts," said Kelvin D. Moore, CMP, SMG's general manager for the Lynnwood Convention Center. "And Erin's previous experience with the facility and her vast local industry-related knowledge makes her a perfect addition to our sales team."
Erin Mitchell re-joins the Lynnwood Convention Center team as Sales Manager. A Seattle native, with 26 years in the food and beverage industry, Erin is well-versed with a tremendous amount of experience in the hospitality and event planning field. Most recently, Erin was the Catering Director for Palisade in Seattle, WA. Erin previously worked for the Lynnwood Convention Center as Catering Sales Manager from November 2005 to January 2007.
Erin Mitchell| 425.640.7615 | emitchell@lynnwoodcc.com
Erica Heininger joins the Lynnwood Convention Center as Administrative/Marketing Assistant. Most recently the Clinical Administrative Assistant for PeaceHealth Medical Group in Bellingham, WA. Erica has over nine years of customer service and marketing experience and has worked in a variety of different organizations from healthcare to non-profit. Erica is a 2004 graduate of Washington State University.
Erica Heininger | 425.640.7627| eheininger@lynnwoodcc.com
"We are pleased to add Erin and Erica to our team. Erica brings a wealth of creativity and will enhance our marketing and public relations efforts," said Kelvin D. Moore, CMP, SMG's general manager for the Lynnwood Convention Center. "And Erin's previous experience with the facility and her vast local industry-related knowledge makes her a perfect addition to our sales team."
World Wide Wresling Returns to Ford Arena with a Bang
It will be Monday, December 7 @ 7:00 pm with tickets going on sale SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 @ 10 AM
LAST TIME IN BEAUMONT THIS YEAR!
SEE ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE SMACKDOWN & ECW SUPERSTARS
INCLUDING:
CM PUNK
REY MYSTERIO
MATT HARDY
JOHN MORRISON
KANE
THE GREAT KHALI
CHRISTIAN
WILLIAM REGAL
TOMMY DREAMER
SHELTON BENJAMIN
THE DIVAS!!
…and many more!!
Card subject to change.
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 am, with prices at $50, $40, $30, $20, $15 plus $3 facility fee per ticket. Tickets will be available at Ford Park Box Office; all Ticketmaster outlets, including H.E.B. on Dowlen Rd., FYE at Central Mall and the Beaumont Civic Center; Ticketmaster charge by phone at 800-745-3000; or www.ticketmaster.com
LAST TIME IN BEAUMONT THIS YEAR!
SEE ALL OF YOUR FAVORITE SMACKDOWN & ECW SUPERSTARS
INCLUDING:
CM PUNK
REY MYSTERIO
MATT HARDY
JOHN MORRISON
KANE
THE GREAT KHALI
CHRISTIAN
WILLIAM REGAL
TOMMY DREAMER
SHELTON BENJAMIN
THE DIVAS!!
…and many more!!
Card subject to change.
Tickets go on sale on Saturday, October 3 at 10:00 am, with prices at $50, $40, $30, $20, $15 plus $3 facility fee per ticket. Tickets will be available at Ford Park Box Office; all Ticketmaster outlets, including H.E.B. on Dowlen Rd., FYE at Central Mall and the Beaumont Civic Center; Ticketmaster charge by phone at 800-745-3000; or www.ticketmaster.com
Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga” Coming To The DCU Center In Worcester, MA December 16
- Kanye West and Lady Gaga today officially announced dates for one of the most anticipated tours of the year - “Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga.” After months of planning, the multi-platinum artists will unite for 34 shows in 34 cities that will stretch musical boundaries with their distinctive performance styles and production. The tour will make its only Massachusetts stop at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA on December 16. “Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga” will be produced by Live Nation.
In just five years, Kanye West has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, and garnered 30 Grammy nominations and 12 Grammy wins. His celebrated tours, including '07's groundbreaking and critically lauded 'Glow in the Dark Tour,' have played to more than one million fans the world over and have proven him to be a major touring force.
“Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga” is the follow-up to Lady Gaga’s sold-out international “Fame Ball” tour. Her album, “The Fame,” has sold more than four million copies worldwide, and her singles have sold over 25 million digital copies. Lady Gaga is only the third artist in history to have three #1 songs ("Just Dance," "Poker Face," and "LoveGame") from a debut album.
Show time, on sale date and pricing information will be announced at a later date. Fans may visit www.dcucenter.com and join the free Fan Club to receive up-to-date information. Kanye West fan club information can be found at www.FameKillsTour.com.
In just five years, Kanye West has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, and garnered 30 Grammy nominations and 12 Grammy wins. His celebrated tours, including '07's groundbreaking and critically lauded 'Glow in the Dark Tour,' have played to more than one million fans the world over and have proven him to be a major touring force.
“Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga” is the follow-up to Lady Gaga’s sold-out international “Fame Ball” tour. Her album, “The Fame,” has sold more than four million copies worldwide, and her singles have sold over 25 million digital copies. Lady Gaga is only the third artist in history to have three #1 songs ("Just Dance," "Poker Face," and "LoveGame") from a debut album.
Show time, on sale date and pricing information will be announced at a later date. Fans may visit www.dcucenter.com and join the free Fan Club to receive up-to-date information. Kanye West fan club information can be found at www.FameKillsTour.com.
11 SMG Facilities to Host NCAA Division I Tournament Games and Final Four for 2010 - 2012.
SMG is proud to announce that the NCAA has granted Division I Tournament games for 2011 and 2012 to six additional SMG-managed venues, including both Final Four rounds to be held at Reliant Park in Texas and the Louisiana Superdome, respectively. These, when added to the SMG-managed facilities already hosting Tournament games for 2010, brings the total of host facilities managed by SMG to 11. We’d like to offer our well-earned congratulations to those facilities and their staffs and thank them for all the hard work, which allowed such an honor.
The breakdown of SMG-Managed Facilities hosting the tournament, tournament round and year are as follows:
2010 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• Dunkin Donuts Arena (Providence, RI) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Ford Center (Oklahoma City, OK) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Jacksonville Arena (Jacksonville, FL) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) – Regionals
2011 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• BOK Center (Tulsa, OK) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) – Regionals
• Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) – Final 4
2012 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• Consol Energy Center (Pittsburgh, PA) - 1st/2nd Rounds
• Nationwide Arena (Columbus, OH) - 1st/2nd Rounds
• Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, LA) – Final 4
“Being granted these tournament games is a great accomplishment for all of us at SMG,” said Wes Westley, President and CEO of SMG. “Our goal in every venue we manage has always been to bring in top-notch events, whether it’s concerts, conventions, or sporting events. These tournament games are a tribute not only to the venues and the people who run them, but also to the communities where they reside, and will provide a substantial economic boost and raise the national profile of each locale. We’re very proud.”
The breakdown of SMG-Managed Facilities hosting the tournament, tournament round and year are as follows:
2010 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• Dunkin Donuts Arena (Providence, RI) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Ford Center (Oklahoma City, OK) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Jacksonville Arena (Jacksonville, FL) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) – Regionals
2011 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• BOK Center (Tulsa, OK) – 1st/2nd Rounds
• New Orleans Arena (New Orleans, LA) – Regionals
• Reliant Stadium (Houston, TX) – Final 4
2012 NCAA TOURNAMENT
• Consol Energy Center (Pittsburgh, PA) - 1st/2nd Rounds
• Nationwide Arena (Columbus, OH) - 1st/2nd Rounds
• Louisiana Superdome (New Orleans, LA) – Final 4
“Being granted these tournament games is a great accomplishment for all of us at SMG,” said Wes Westley, President and CEO of SMG. “Our goal in every venue we manage has always been to bring in top-notch events, whether it’s concerts, conventions, or sporting events. These tournament games are a tribute not only to the venues and the people who run them, but also to the communities where they reside, and will provide a substantial economic boost and raise the national profile of each locale. We’re very proud.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd is Coming to Pensacola
One of Southern Rock’s legendary bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd is set to take over the Pensacola Civic Center on Friday, November 13th! The touring veterans are world famous for classics that everyone knows by heart, like the immortal songs Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird. The “God & Guns” Tour rolls out in support of the band’s album of the same name, due to be in stores on September 29th.
Show Information
Friday, November 13th 8pm
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Friday, September 25th at 10am. Ticket prices are $75.50, $50.50, $40.50, and $30.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
Show Information
Friday, November 13th 8pm
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Friday, September 25th at 10am. Ticket prices are $75.50, $50.50, $40.50, and $30.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
DAUGHTRY ANNOUNCES PENSACOLA STOP ON HEADLINE TOUR!
Daughtry has launched a 36-date U.S. arena tour to support the group's new studio album, Leave This Town and a Pensacola Civic Center performance is scheduled for December 2nd! The opening acts will be main support Theory Of A Deadman and opener Cavo.
The tour announcement happens while Leave This Town continues its impressive streak of success. The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold more than a half million copies in five weeks. The album's first single, "No Surprise," is the band's fourth #1 hit, a rare feat for any recording artist.
After finishing a sold out club tour this month, Chris Daughtry says the band is busy preparing for its upcoming arena tour. "We dreamed about how it would feel playing these songs to packed arenas, and we're excited to get our chance," Chris says. "We have a great show planned and can’t wait to hit the road to share it with our fans."
Leave This Town is Daughtry's first album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 and its second consecutive No. 1 album, selling 269,299 copies sold in its first week of release.
Show Information
Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:30pm
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Saturday, September 26th at 10am. Ticket prices are $42.50 and $32.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
The tour announcement happens while Leave This Town continues its impressive streak of success. The album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, sold more than a half million copies in five weeks. The album's first single, "No Surprise," is the band's fourth #1 hit, a rare feat for any recording artist.
After finishing a sold out club tour this month, Chris Daughtry says the band is busy preparing for its upcoming arena tour. "We dreamed about how it would feel playing these songs to packed arenas, and we're excited to get our chance," Chris says. "We have a great show planned and can’t wait to hit the road to share it with our fans."
Leave This Town is Daughtry's first album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 and its second consecutive No. 1 album, selling 269,299 copies sold in its first week of release.
Show Information
Wednesday, December 2nd, 7:30pm
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Saturday, September 26th at 10am. Ticket prices are $42.50 and $32.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
KISS ALIVE 35” 2009 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SET TO ROCK PENSACOLA ON OCTOBER 19th, 2009 !
Sure to be the band’s most amazing tour ever, KISS has announced that their “KISS Alive 35” 2009 North American tour, will arrive at the Pensacola Civic Center on October 19th, 2009. Celebrating 35 years of rocking the world like no other, KISS will treat their legions of fans to a set of some of rock’s greatest hits, including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” and “Detroit Rock City,” as well as songs from the band’s new album SONIC BOOM. The tour stop is a special treat for Pensacola fans, considering the band opened the Pensacola Civic Center in 1985. “It’s amazing that the venue is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year”, says facility General Manager Cyndee Pennington, “we’re thrilled to kick off the building’s birthday with the same band that started it all 25 years ago!”
This incredible show will feature a new stage set, pyro effects that only the “hottest band in the world” could deliver, and all-new costumes. KISS ALIVE 35 North America also marks the first leg of the world’s first fan-routed tour – in which more than 10,000 individual cities across Canada and the U.S. mounted their own unique campaigns to bring KISS to their towns. Buckcherry will be main support on all of the upcoming U.S. and Canadian dates.
SONIC BOOM — KISS’ highly-anticipated album, and its first new material in 11 years — will be released exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com and Sam’s Club retail locations beginning October 6. Produced by the band’s Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, the album is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band’s recent, record-breaking KISS ALIVE 35 South American tour.
More KISS information is available at www.KISSonline.com
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Saturday, September 19th at 10am. Ticket prices are $129.00, $79.00, $39.50, and $19.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
This incredible show will feature a new stage set, pyro effects that only the “hottest band in the world” could deliver, and all-new costumes. KISS ALIVE 35 North America also marks the first leg of the world’s first fan-routed tour – in which more than 10,000 individual cities across Canada and the U.S. mounted their own unique campaigns to bring KISS to their towns. Buckcherry will be main support on all of the upcoming U.S. and Canadian dates.
SONIC BOOM — KISS’ highly-anticipated album, and its first new material in 11 years — will be released exclusively at Walmart, Walmart.com and Sam’s Club retail locations beginning October 6. Produced by the band’s Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, the album is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band’s recent, record-breaking KISS ALIVE 35 South American tour.
More KISS information is available at www.KISSonline.com
Ticket Information
Tickets on sale Saturday, September 19th at 10am. Ticket prices are $129.00, $79.00, $39.50, and $19.50. Tickets are available at The Pensacola Civic Center Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).
DCU Center to Host Tune-ing Into Our Community
An Evening of Dance Performance, Live Music & Dancing will Benefit Several Local Charities in Worcester,MA
The SMG managed DCU Center welcomes “Tune-ing” Into Our Community to the Convention Center this Friday, September 18 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
An evening enriched with enchanting dance performances and the live sounds of the Tom Nutile Big Band will get toes tapping and fingers snapping, all while helping to support a worthy cause. The proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Abby’s House, Preservation Worcester, United Way, Worcester County Food Bank, and Worcester Children’s Friend.
Performances will feature Brazilian Samba dance and music by Samba Tremeterra; Belly Dancing by Nikki Traylor-Knowles, who placed first in the advanced category of the 2nd Annual Boston Belly Dance Contest; Ballroom Samba Dance by Matthew Perrone and Roxanne Skowran from Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and, live swing and jazz music by the Tom Nutile Big Band, consisting of 14 instrumentalists and a singer.
The event will be held in the Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom, with performances taking place from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and dancing from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets priced at $25.00 for the general public, $10.00 for students and $5.00 for WPI students will be available at the door. For advance reservations and more information, contact Hossein Hakim at Hakim@wpi.edu.
The SMG managed DCU Center welcomes “Tune-ing” Into Our Community to the Convention Center this Friday, September 18 from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
An evening enriched with enchanting dance performances and the live sounds of the Tom Nutile Big Band will get toes tapping and fingers snapping, all while helping to support a worthy cause. The proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Abby’s House, Preservation Worcester, United Way, Worcester County Food Bank, and Worcester Children’s Friend.
Performances will feature Brazilian Samba dance and music by Samba Tremeterra; Belly Dancing by Nikki Traylor-Knowles, who placed first in the advanced category of the 2nd Annual Boston Belly Dance Contest; Ballroom Samba Dance by Matthew Perrone and Roxanne Skowran from Worcester Polytechnic Institute; and, live swing and jazz music by the Tom Nutile Big Band, consisting of 14 instrumentalists and a singer.
The event will be held in the Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom, with performances taking place from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and dancing from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets priced at $25.00 for the general public, $10.00 for students and $5.00 for WPI students will be available at the door. For advance reservations and more information, contact Hossein Hakim at Hakim@wpi.edu.
Toby Mac's Gonna be at Hot Hearts at Ford Park in Beaumont, TX
Grammy winning artist, producer and songwriter TOBY MAC will perform at Hot Hearts as this event returns to Ford Arena on Friday, January 22 and Saturday, January 23! Hot Hearts has always combined the messages of the most effective youth communicators and the very best in contemporary Christian music with state of the art video and light shows for a high energy weekend.
Toby Mac’s 2007 Portable Sounds debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 and at #1 on the SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall Chart, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The singles “Made to Love” and “I’m For You” were the 2nd and 3rd most played songs on Christian Hit Radio Station that year. His 2008 live concert CD + DVD combo Alive & Transported won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel. His 4th studio release is set to drop in early 2010, but the first single released in August went #1 on Hot Christian Songs.
Saturday’s musical guest will be Lincoln Brewster. Brewster brings his songwriting, guitar virtuosity and vocals into play as his music speaks to the hearts of people who are hungry for non-traditional, passionate worship.
Also on the program are onetimeblind and speaker Clayton King. Breathing creative excellence into the world of speaking, onetimeblind uses skits and visuals representations, music, stories, humor and personal testimony to lead a new wave of communication. Returning this year, Clayton King preaches the gospel and so much more, and clearly knows how to reach today’s youth. He speaks in public schools on self-esteem, peer pressure, abstinence, making wise decisions and morality in an immoral world and well as to 200,000 annually on college campuses and national youth conferences in an honest and warm style.
Tickets can be purchased through Hot Hearts. Mail in registration to PO Box 215, Orange, Texas 77631 or visit www.hothearts.org for online registration. Ticket prices are as follows: early registration is open from October 31 – December 31 ($25 per ticket); late registration is January 1 – January 22 ($30 per ticket).
Event time on Friday is 6:15pm, with doors at 5:30pm. Saturday’s event times are 9-4pm, with doors at 8:30am.
Toby Mac’s 2007 Portable Sounds debuted at #10 on the Billboard 200 and at #1 on the SoundScan Contemporary Christian Overall Chart, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The singles “Made to Love” and “I’m For You” were the 2nd and 3rd most played songs on Christian Hit Radio Station that year. His 2008 live concert CD + DVD combo Alive & Transported won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel. His 4th studio release is set to drop in early 2010, but the first single released in August went #1 on Hot Christian Songs.
Saturday’s musical guest will be Lincoln Brewster. Brewster brings his songwriting, guitar virtuosity and vocals into play as his music speaks to the hearts of people who are hungry for non-traditional, passionate worship.
Also on the program are onetimeblind and speaker Clayton King. Breathing creative excellence into the world of speaking, onetimeblind uses skits and visuals representations, music, stories, humor and personal testimony to lead a new wave of communication. Returning this year, Clayton King preaches the gospel and so much more, and clearly knows how to reach today’s youth. He speaks in public schools on self-esteem, peer pressure, abstinence, making wise decisions and morality in an immoral world and well as to 200,000 annually on college campuses and national youth conferences in an honest and warm style.
Tickets can be purchased through Hot Hearts. Mail in registration to PO Box 215, Orange, Texas 77631 or visit www.hothearts.org for online registration. Ticket prices are as follows: early registration is open from October 31 – December 31 ($25 per ticket); late registration is January 1 – January 22 ($30 per ticket).
Event time on Friday is 6:15pm, with doors at 5:30pm. Saturday’s event times are 9-4pm, with doors at 8:30am.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Tickets on Sale Saturday August 15 for Dog Jam '09 at Ford Pavillion
BEAUMONT, TX, August 13, 2009 – What you have been waiting for is here! Tickets for the highly anticipated Dog Jam 09 will go on sale this Saturday, August 15 at 10 am.
DOG JAM 09, officially sponsored by Bud Light, comes to Ford Pavilion on Sunday, October 18 with headliner THE BLACK CROWES, already announced special guests SAVING ABEL and SEVENDUST along with newcomers TRUTH & SALVAGE CO. More band announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
This will be the fourth Dog Jam to be held at Ford Pavilion and is one of the most requested concert events by Southeast Texans.
THE BLACK CROWES
Founded in the late 80’s by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, The Black Crowes’ debut album in 1990 received multi-platinum certification, and produced such hits as “Hard To Handle,” “She Talks To Angels,” and “Twice As Hard.” Their second album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion with hits “Remedy” and “Thorn In My Pride” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s top 200 albums.
They spent much of the 90’s on tour with groups like ZZ Top and the Who, even opening for the Grateful Dead. Following a hiatus during which time singer Chris Robinson concentrated on solo projects, the brothers reformed the band in early 2005. They again hit the road, this time with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers among others. Most recent albums include Warpaint (2008) and, set to hit stores in September 2009, is Before the Frost…Until the Freeze.
SAVING ABEL
Currently at #5, Saving Abel has spent 18 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and is at #1 on the Big Dog 106 Playlist. Other hits include “Drowning Face Down” and “18 Days.” After touring with groups such as Nickleback and Hinder, Saving Abel will bring their blend of southern and alternative rock to Dog Jam 09!
SEVENDUST
Best known for hits such as “Praise,” “Angel’s Son,” “Driven,” “Enemy” (used as the official theme song for WWE Unforgiven 2003), Sevendust has had many songs become part of movie history from “My Ruin” heard in the Mortal Kombat soundtrack album to “Pieces” for the film Saw II.
DOG JAM 09, officially sponsored by Bud Light, comes to Ford Pavilion on Sunday, October 18 with headliner THE BLACK CROWES, already announced special guests SAVING ABEL and SEVENDUST along with newcomers TRUTH & SALVAGE CO. More band announcements to follow in the coming weeks.
This will be the fourth Dog Jam to be held at Ford Pavilion and is one of the most requested concert events by Southeast Texans.
THE BLACK CROWES
Founded in the late 80’s by brothers Chris and Rich Robinson, The Black Crowes’ debut album in 1990 received multi-platinum certification, and produced such hits as “Hard To Handle,” “She Talks To Angels,” and “Twice As Hard.” Their second album The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion with hits “Remedy” and “Thorn In My Pride” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s top 200 albums.
They spent much of the 90’s on tour with groups like ZZ Top and the Who, even opening for the Grateful Dead. Following a hiatus during which time singer Chris Robinson concentrated on solo projects, the brothers reformed the band in early 2005. They again hit the road, this time with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers among others. Most recent albums include Warpaint (2008) and, set to hit stores in September 2009, is Before the Frost…Until the Freeze.
SAVING ABEL
Currently at #5, Saving Abel has spent 18 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks and is at #1 on the Big Dog 106 Playlist. Other hits include “Drowning Face Down” and “18 Days.” After touring with groups such as Nickleback and Hinder, Saving Abel will bring their blend of southern and alternative rock to Dog Jam 09!
SEVENDUST
Best known for hits such as “Praise,” “Angel’s Son,” “Driven,” “Enemy” (used as the official theme song for WWE Unforgiven 2003), Sevendust has had many songs become part of movie history from “My Ruin” heard in the Mortal Kombat soundtrack album to “Pieces” for the film Saw II.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
SMG's Doug Thornton, Senior VP Stadiums and Arenas Named 3rd on Time's Picayune's Most Influential Sports List
SMG Senior Vice President, Doug Tornton has been chosen by the Times-Picayune as the 3rd most powerful/influential person on the south Louisiana sports scene.
The list was selected using a formula that included evaluating a person's capability to effect significant change -- or to prevent significant change -- on sports. Also considered was how the individuals rated versus their peers; how much money they control, generate, or influence; how long people have exercised power; and their long-term impact on a sport or the larger world of sports.Here is what they had to say:
3. Doug Thornton, SMG V.P.
On the surface, Thornton's role seems pretty simple -- manage the Superdome and the adjacent New Orleans Arena, home of the Saints and the Hornets. But since joining SMG in 1997, Thornton, who oversees seven separate municipal accounts in the Gulf Coast area, has become a vital cog in the Louisiana sports landscape.
He was the chief negotiator on behalf of the state in signing lease agreements with the Saints and the Hornets. Both deals appear to be win-win deals for both sides. And he was largely responsible for getting both venues operating after Katrina.
"This has to be one of the greatest comeback stories in American Sports history," Thornton said. "Never before has a city had to face such a broad range of challenges with its market and sports infrastructure. I think what makes this story so compelling is the way our community has rebounded and dealt with those challenges."
SMG offers congratulations to Doug Thornton and the whole SMG team in Louisiana for this achievement.
The list was selected using a formula that included evaluating a person's capability to effect significant change -- or to prevent significant change -- on sports. Also considered was how the individuals rated versus their peers; how much money they control, generate, or influence; how long people have exercised power; and their long-term impact on a sport or the larger world of sports.Here is what they had to say:
3. Doug Thornton, SMG V.P.
On the surface, Thornton's role seems pretty simple -- manage the Superdome and the adjacent New Orleans Arena, home of the Saints and the Hornets. But since joining SMG in 1997, Thornton, who oversees seven separate municipal accounts in the Gulf Coast area, has become a vital cog in the Louisiana sports landscape.
He was the chief negotiator on behalf of the state in signing lease agreements with the Saints and the Hornets. Both deals appear to be win-win deals for both sides. And he was largely responsible for getting both venues operating after Katrina.
"This has to be one of the greatest comeback stories in American Sports history," Thornton said. "Never before has a city had to face such a broad range of challenges with its market and sports infrastructure. I think what makes this story so compelling is the way our community has rebounded and dealt with those challenges."
SMG offers congratulations to Doug Thornton and the whole SMG team in Louisiana for this achievement.
SMG Regional Vice President Sandie Aaron is Named Venues Today 2009 Woman of Influence
SMG would like to congratulate Sandie Aaron for being named one of Venues Today’s 2009 Women of Influence in the July issue. Ms. Aaron, who is responsible for overseeing 14 buildings in 9 cities, is shown as an able administrator, savvy businesswoman, and a formidable presence among promoters.
The article in Venues Today chronicles her rise from receptionist to one of SMG’s top executives, a long and trying journey which has culminated (though far from ended) with Ms. Aaron’s cherishing, “ the fact that I can get up in the morning and can’t wait to go work.”
For more, see the July 2009 issue of Venues Today, and congratulations to Sandie.
The article in Venues Today chronicles her rise from receptionist to one of SMG’s top executives, a long and trying journey which has culminated (though far from ended) with Ms. Aaron’s cherishing, “ the fact that I can get up in the morning and can’t wait to go work.”
For more, see the July 2009 issue of Venues Today, and congratulations to Sandie.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A New Look for Osceola Heritage Park's Website
SMG-Managed Osceola Heritage Park (OHP) has just launched a new website offering a cleaner description of the five venue, 120-acre entertainment complex.
OHP teamed up with one of the leading Central Florida web design companies, Designzillas, to create the new website. The goals for the new website were to create a whole new look, layout and a cleaner directive and navigational approach. This can be seen with the upcoming events, more news and tabbed
sections on the home page. Some other key changes are the highly visual event images, a more user friendly calendar of events, a featured video section and a smoother, and more organized structure for our visitors.
“Our patrons, clients and partners will enjoy our new website. We’re excited about the fresh new look. It brings us up to date with the cutting edge technology that entertainment venue websites are using today,” said Robb Larson, General Manager of Osceola Heritage Park.
To view the new website, or for information on Osceola Heritage Park events, visit www.ohpark.com.
OHP teamed up with one of the leading Central Florida web design companies, Designzillas, to create the new website. The goals for the new website were to create a whole new look, layout and a cleaner directive and navigational approach. This can be seen with the upcoming events, more news and tabbed
sections on the home page. Some other key changes are the highly visual event images, a more user friendly calendar of events, a featured video section and a smoother, and more organized structure for our visitors.
“Our patrons, clients and partners will enjoy our new website. We’re excited about the fresh new look. It brings us up to date with the cutting edge technology that entertainment venue websites are using today,” said Robb Larson, General Manager of Osceola Heritage Park.
To view the new website, or for information on Osceola Heritage Park events, visit www.ohpark.com.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
SMG-Managed BOK Center in Tulsa Will Host Inaugural Rock ‘n Rib Festival
"We invite the community to join us for this celebration of food and music in Downtown Tulsa. We expect the Rock ‘n Rib Festival to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the streets outside our arena for award-winning barbecue and entertainment by thirteen fantastic regional bands."
- John Bolton, General Manager
Bring your appetite and some wet naps! The SMG-managed BOK Center announces a new festival that will fill the streets of Downtown Tulsa with the scent of barbeque sauce and the sound of live music. The Rock ‘n Rib Festival presented by Rib Crib BBQ & Grill will take place on Third Street and Frisco Avenue adjacent to the arena and will feature four days of championship barbeque, mouth-watering concessions, and performances by thirteen regional bands.
The focus of the celebration is ribs. Just steps from the BOK Center’s iconic glass wall, seven award-winning teams from across the country will showcase their championship rib recipes. These entrepreneurs compete around the world and pride themselves on their cooking techniques, unique barbeque sauces, beans, and coleslaw. A major component of the competition is showmanship and vendors decorate their space with everything from thirty-foot high banners and flags, to giant trophies, to enormous inflatable cowboys. Chefs interact with the crowd and often tell jokes, dress in themed attire, and place stickers on new customers with their company logos or slogans (such as "Lick My Ribs" and "I Got Sauced").
After taking care of their appetite, guests can enjoy free live music on the Rock ‘n Rib Festival Outdoor Stage courtesy of ONEOK, Inc. Thirteen regional bands including Admiral Twin, My Solstice, the Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band, and The Red Dirt Rangers will provide daily entertainment. Each evening features a different genre of music- ranging from reggae to classic rock to red dirt/country. On Friday evening at 7:00PM, "Live Bait," a Jimmy Buffett cover band from Tampa, FL will treat the crowd to a beach party atmosphere, complete with beach balls, a limbo stick, and colorful leis. A full list of bands and entertainment schedule is available online.
The Rock ‘n Rib Festival 2009 is presented by Rib Crib. Live entertainment on the outdoor stage is compliments of ONEOK, Inc. Plaza sponsors include Anheuser-Busch, Frontier International Trucks, Crowne Plaza Hotel, US Foodservice, Cargill Meats, and Downtown Tulsa Unlimited. The official media partners are FOX23, Urban Tulsa Weekly, and Cox Radio, Inc.
More information on the Rock ‘n Rib Festival and profiles of all of rib vendors are available at www.bokcenter.com. Questions may be directed to Jeff Nickler, Special Events Manager at (918) 894-4254.
- John Bolton, General Manager
Bring your appetite and some wet naps! The SMG-managed BOK Center announces a new festival that will fill the streets of Downtown Tulsa with the scent of barbeque sauce and the sound of live music. The Rock ‘n Rib Festival presented by Rib Crib BBQ & Grill will take place on Third Street and Frisco Avenue adjacent to the arena and will feature four days of championship barbeque, mouth-watering concessions, and performances by thirteen regional bands.
The focus of the celebration is ribs. Just steps from the BOK Center’s iconic glass wall, seven award-winning teams from across the country will showcase their championship rib recipes. These entrepreneurs compete around the world and pride themselves on their cooking techniques, unique barbeque sauces, beans, and coleslaw. A major component of the competition is showmanship and vendors decorate their space with everything from thirty-foot high banners and flags, to giant trophies, to enormous inflatable cowboys. Chefs interact with the crowd and often tell jokes, dress in themed attire, and place stickers on new customers with their company logos or slogans (such as "Lick My Ribs" and "I Got Sauced").
After taking care of their appetite, guests can enjoy free live music on the Rock ‘n Rib Festival Outdoor Stage courtesy of ONEOK, Inc. Thirteen regional bands including Admiral Twin, My Solstice, the Fabulous Midlife Crisis Band, and The Red Dirt Rangers will provide daily entertainment. Each evening features a different genre of music- ranging from reggae to classic rock to red dirt/country. On Friday evening at 7:00PM, "Live Bait," a Jimmy Buffett cover band from Tampa, FL will treat the crowd to a beach party atmosphere, complete with beach balls, a limbo stick, and colorful leis. A full list of bands and entertainment schedule is available online.
The Rock ‘n Rib Festival 2009 is presented by Rib Crib. Live entertainment on the outdoor stage is compliments of ONEOK, Inc. Plaza sponsors include Anheuser-Busch, Frontier International Trucks, Crowne Plaza Hotel, US Foodservice, Cargill Meats, and Downtown Tulsa Unlimited. The official media partners are FOX23, Urban Tulsa Weekly, and Cox Radio, Inc.
More information on the Rock ‘n Rib Festival and profiles of all of rib vendors are available at www.bokcenter.com. Questions may be directed to Jeff Nickler, Special Events Manager at (918) 894-4254.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Florence Civic Center Hosts Three Month Military Tribute
Pee Dee Region Has Rare Honor Of Hosting Three-Month Military Tribute
Florence, South Carolina (July 7, 2009) - Florence has been selected as the only South Carolina city to host The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute from the Civil War to Iraq. Coinciding with the passionate and graphic traveling exhibit will be several individual Armed Forces appreciation days throughout the November 2009 to February 2010 display period. More than two hundred thousand citizens, veterans and active duty military personnel are
expected to visit the SMG-managed Florence Civic Center and the adjacent Veteran’s Park Memorial during the three month calendar of appreciation. Honoring events include The American Soldier exhibit, five scheduled specific Armed Forces dates, multiple military concerts, United Service Organization (USO) Shows and various military tactical movement displays.
“We are proud to honor our current, retired and fallen soldiers of all United States Armed Forces,” said Dennis Smith, Sales Manager of the Florence Civic Center and Air Force veteran. “We have been proactive in seeking out these individual groups, military entertainers and The American Soldier exhibition. This is our way of showing our appreciation to those who protect the U.S. and to genuinely say, Thank You.”
A listing of these individual Armed Forces appreciation dates include the American Legion Day on November 21, 2009, Veteran’s of Foreign War Day on December 5, 2009, Marine Corps League Day on December 19, 2009, Vietnam
Veteran’s of America Day on January 9, 2010 and the Disabled American Veteran’s and Purple Heart Society Day on January 23, 2010. Each specific military tribute day will be held at the Florence Civic Center where guests will have the
opportunity to view The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute. An array of highly decorated military men and women along with influential guest speakers, have been invited to share their stories with attending guests.
In addition, plans are underway to host military concerts, USO Shows, tactical marching displays and military instrumental performances throughout the timeline. For more information, please frequent FlorenceCivicCenter.com
for updates and details.
Contributing organizations include EADS North America, Business of Entertainment Inc., STETSON An American Spirit, Nesmith Insurance Agency, Gilbert Construction, Pee Dee Kiwanis Club, City of Florence, Florence County, Pee Dee
Tourism, Florence Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Mr. B’s, Florence Civic Center and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina-Tricare Prime.
Florence, South Carolina (July 7, 2009) - Florence has been selected as the only South Carolina city to host The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute from the Civil War to Iraq. Coinciding with the passionate and graphic traveling exhibit will be several individual Armed Forces appreciation days throughout the November 2009 to February 2010 display period. More than two hundred thousand citizens, veterans and active duty military personnel are
expected to visit the SMG-managed Florence Civic Center and the adjacent Veteran’s Park Memorial during the three month calendar of appreciation. Honoring events include The American Soldier exhibit, five scheduled specific Armed Forces dates, multiple military concerts, United Service Organization (USO) Shows and various military tactical movement displays.
“We are proud to honor our current, retired and fallen soldiers of all United States Armed Forces,” said Dennis Smith, Sales Manager of the Florence Civic Center and Air Force veteran. “We have been proactive in seeking out these individual groups, military entertainers and The American Soldier exhibition. This is our way of showing our appreciation to those who protect the U.S. and to genuinely say, Thank You.”
A listing of these individual Armed Forces appreciation dates include the American Legion Day on November 21, 2009, Veteran’s of Foreign War Day on December 5, 2009, Marine Corps League Day on December 19, 2009, Vietnam
Veteran’s of America Day on January 9, 2010 and the Disabled American Veteran’s and Purple Heart Society Day on January 23, 2010. Each specific military tribute day will be held at the Florence Civic Center where guests will have the
opportunity to view The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute. An array of highly decorated military men and women along with influential guest speakers, have been invited to share their stories with attending guests.
In addition, plans are underway to host military concerts, USO Shows, tactical marching displays and military instrumental performances throughout the timeline. For more information, please frequent FlorenceCivicCenter.com
for updates and details.
Contributing organizations include EADS North America, Business of Entertainment Inc., STETSON An American Spirit, Nesmith Insurance Agency, Gilbert Construction, Pee Dee Kiwanis Club, City of Florence, Florence County, Pee Dee
Tourism, Florence Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Mr. B’s, Florence Civic Center and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina-Tricare Prime.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre receives Pollution Prevention Award
The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) honoured City of Toronto’s Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre with a Pollution Prevention Honourable Mention in the Greenhouse Gases Reduction category.
The Ontario Government is committed to pollution prevention and energy efficiency and appreciates public facilities such as Exhibition Place for the great work that is accomplished. Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre demonstrates great environmental leadership and is focused heavily on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and energy conservation across its grounds. The Exhibition Place GREENSmart program encompasses all environmental initiatives and lays the groundwork for Exhibition Place to serve as a model for other organizations and municipalities across the province.
Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre is committed to be a world leader in energy-efficient technologies and implemented a goal of energy self-sufficiency by 2010. Initiatives include: waste-diversion recycling, and composting programs rendering the site 80% waste-free by 2010; a wind turbine producing 1.2 million kilowatt hours of energy annually; geothermal and photovoltaic arrays; an urban forestry program including lake-water irrigation of the site; venue naming rights for Direct Energy Centre with fees earmarked for energy conservation projects.
About Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre
Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. The SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, owned by the City of Toronto and governed by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. Direct Energy Centre’s over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America. Designed for maximum efficiency, hi-tech service delivery and the optimum range of configurations, the venue is supported by a regional population of seven million in a diverse and dynamic economy. Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada. Exhibition Place is a member of Ontario's Environmental Leaders (OEL) Program. The OEL program is a voluntary leadership program that offers incentives to leading companies that commit to beyond compliance environmental improvements."
The Ontario Government is committed to pollution prevention and energy efficiency and appreciates public facilities such as Exhibition Place for the great work that is accomplished. Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre demonstrates great environmental leadership and is focused heavily on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and energy conservation across its grounds. The Exhibition Place GREENSmart program encompasses all environmental initiatives and lays the groundwork for Exhibition Place to serve as a model for other organizations and municipalities across the province.
Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre is committed to be a world leader in energy-efficient technologies and implemented a goal of energy self-sufficiency by 2010. Initiatives include: waste-diversion recycling, and composting programs rendering the site 80% waste-free by 2010; a wind turbine producing 1.2 million kilowatt hours of energy annually; geothermal and photovoltaic arrays; an urban forestry program including lake-water irrigation of the site; venue naming rights for Direct Energy Centre with fees earmarked for energy conservation projects.
About Exhibition Place at the SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre
Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.2 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. The SMG-Managed Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, owned by the City of Toronto and governed by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. Direct Energy Centre’s over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America. Designed for maximum efficiency, hi-tech service delivery and the optimum range of configurations, the venue is supported by a regional population of seven million in a diverse and dynamic economy. Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada. Exhibition Place is a member of Ontario's Environmental Leaders (OEL) Program. The OEL program is a voluntary leadership program that offers incentives to leading companies that commit to beyond compliance environmental improvements."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
SMG-Managed Pensacola Civic Center Wins Sixth Award
Venues Today, an entertainment industry publication, has named the Pensacola Civic Center among its “Top Stops” in the U.S. for the sixth month in a row. The June “Top Stops” list puts the SMG managed facility at #12 in the U.S. for the time period of April 16th to May 15th 2009. The building falls in the category of 5,000 to 10,000 seats and ranked at #11 in January, #12 in February, #8 in March, #12 in April, and #7 in May. A three-day weekend of Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy was the catalyst for the latest award, with 6 shows and over 17,000 attendees.
SMG In the News
Here are a few links you might want to check out featuring SMG and the facilities we manage:
Puerto Rico: Attracting the World, from Trade Show Week
Convention center prepares to be G-20 summit media hub, from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Private vs. public sector, from the Charlotte Sun
Puerto Rico: Attracting the World, from Trade Show Week
Convention center prepares to be G-20 summit media hub, from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Private vs. public sector, from the Charlotte Sun
SMG Oklahoma City Marketing Team Celebrates Wins at AMA-OKC Awards
Localized Radio City Christmas Spectacular Marketing Plan Wins Two Awards
The American Marketing Association Oklahoma City chapter (AMA-OKC) awarded the marketing team at SMG Oklahoma City two prestigious awards at a luncheon held on Thursday, June 11, 2009.
SMG Oklahoma City won the following awards:
* Award in Excellence – Integrated Marketing/PR
* Best of the Best – Integrated Marketing/PR (An award given as the best of all eight categories)
Focusing on a substantial email, direct mail and grassroots public relations campaign, SMG and its partner MSG Entertainment focused on educating the public about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and its debut to arenas. Throughout the campaign, numerous opportunities developed with the discovery of local ties to the performance as well as the overwhelming popularity of the Radio City Rockettes which drove impressive sales to the box office at Ford Center.
Highlights of the Marketing Campaign included:
* Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins as the VIP announcer for opening night of the show
* A press conference and master dance class with the Radio City Rockettes at the Ann Lacey School of American Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University (which boasts numerous Rockettes as alumni)
* A press conference focusing on fitness and diet with OKC Mayor Mick Cornett and Radio City Rockettes
* A proclamation of “Rockettes” day in Oklahoma City by OKC Mayor Mick Cornett on December 10, 2008
* A visit to local Tinker Air Force Base where the Radio City Rockettes performed for military families
* Two publicity tours with a total of 10 Radio City Rockettes at local radio, television, newspapers and magazines
“I am proud of our team for the hard work and creativity that went into successfully bringing this show to Oklahoma City for the first time,” said Tim Linville, Director of Sales and Marketing for SMG Oklahoma City. “Our team works hard to provide the best service possible to our clients and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Highlight of Results Achieved:
* 12 stories featured in seven different newspapers and magazines
* Generated 13 minutes 2 seconds in television broadcast news coverage
* Secured eight broadcasted in-studio radio interviews
* Achieved an 8.5% response rate from the direct mail piece
* Achieved an average 9.45% click-through from four separate email blasts
The American Marketing Association Oklahoma City chapter (AMA-OKC) awarded the marketing team at SMG Oklahoma City two prestigious awards at a luncheon held on Thursday, June 11, 2009.
SMG Oklahoma City won the following awards:
* Award in Excellence – Integrated Marketing/PR
* Best of the Best – Integrated Marketing/PR (An award given as the best of all eight categories)
Focusing on a substantial email, direct mail and grassroots public relations campaign, SMG and its partner MSG Entertainment focused on educating the public about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and its debut to arenas. Throughout the campaign, numerous opportunities developed with the discovery of local ties to the performance as well as the overwhelming popularity of the Radio City Rockettes which drove impressive sales to the box office at Ford Center.
Highlights of the Marketing Campaign included:
* Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins as the VIP announcer for opening night of the show
* A press conference and master dance class with the Radio City Rockettes at the Ann Lacey School of American Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University (which boasts numerous Rockettes as alumni)
* A press conference focusing on fitness and diet with OKC Mayor Mick Cornett and Radio City Rockettes
* A proclamation of “Rockettes” day in Oklahoma City by OKC Mayor Mick Cornett on December 10, 2008
* A visit to local Tinker Air Force Base where the Radio City Rockettes performed for military families
* Two publicity tours with a total of 10 Radio City Rockettes at local radio, television, newspapers and magazines
“I am proud of our team for the hard work and creativity that went into successfully bringing this show to Oklahoma City for the first time,” said Tim Linville, Director of Sales and Marketing for SMG Oklahoma City. “Our team works hard to provide the best service possible to our clients and I couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Highlight of Results Achieved:
* 12 stories featured in seven different newspapers and magazines
* Generated 13 minutes 2 seconds in television broadcast news coverage
* Secured eight broadcasted in-studio radio interviews
* Achieved an 8.5% response rate from the direct mail piece
* Achieved an average 9.45% click-through from four separate email blasts
Friday, June 12, 2009
Moscone Center Featured on the EPA Blog!
Congratulations to the SMG managed Moscone Center in San Francisco for being featured on the EPA's official blog Greenversations. The feature is all about the innovative approaches Moscone is taking toward recycling reusing and repurposing, as well as conservation in general. You can read about it here:
http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2009/06/11/moscone-center/
SMG proudly offers congratulations to all!
http://blog.epa.gov/blog/2009/06/11/moscone-center/
SMG proudly offers congratulations to all!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Pittsburgh's SMG-Managed David L Lawrence to host the G-20 Summit!
In news of international importance, this past Thursday the White House announced that Pittsburgh would be host to September's G20 Summit meeting in the David L Lawrence Convention Center. Pittsburgh and the Convention Center were picked in part because of their commitment to environmental conservation and innovation Congratulations to all at the David L Lawrence Convention Center and we look forward to the Summit.
Monday, June 1, 2009
SMG and Corpus Christi Sharks understand the value of a dollar.
SMG knows times are tough and in conjunction with the Corpus Christi Sharks and the local Champion Chevrolet / Honda dealer put together a super value night this past Saturday at Radiology Associates Field at the American Bank Center.
This past Saturday the tickets were only $10 and the first 2,009 attendees received a crisp new $1 bill at the door, courtesy of the Chevy/Honda dealer. The Centerplate menu that night featured $1 Hot Dogs, $1 Soda, and $1 Popcorn all game long.
"These are tough times for everyone and we recognize that", said Larry Linde, Corpus Christi Sharks Vice President/General Manager. "This is a fantastic deal for anyone looking for an inexpensive night out, especially families. Combine this with our Family Packs (four tickets for just $32) and you can bring a family a four and get hot dogs, sodas and popcorn for everyone for just $40". He added, "We wouldn't be able to do this alone. We're fortunate to have good partners like Champion Chevrolet / Honda, Centerplate, and SMG".
This past Saturday the tickets were only $10 and the first 2,009 attendees received a crisp new $1 bill at the door, courtesy of the Chevy/Honda dealer. The Centerplate menu that night featured $1 Hot Dogs, $1 Soda, and $1 Popcorn all game long.
"These are tough times for everyone and we recognize that", said Larry Linde, Corpus Christi Sharks Vice President/General Manager. "This is a fantastic deal for anyone looking for an inexpensive night out, especially families. Combine this with our Family Packs (four tickets for just $32) and you can bring a family a four and get hot dogs, sodas and popcorn for everyone for just $40". He added, "We wouldn't be able to do this alone. We're fortunate to have good partners like Champion Chevrolet / Honda, Centerplate, and SMG".
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
SMG-Managed Superdome and City of New Orleans are Awarded the 2013 Superbowl!
It's true! The Super Bowl is returning to New Orleans and the Louisiana Superdome 2013. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement today at a press conference during the owners’ meetings in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. And SMG couldn't be prouder or more pleased.
Super Bowl XLVII will be the 10th in New Orleans (tying it with Miami for the most Super Bowls) and the seventh in the Superdome, the most of any stadium.
SMG, the management company of the Superdome, worked closely with the other members of the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee in drafting the bid package. The city’s “team” included the New Orleans Saints, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, and other representatives of the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.
The awarding of the city’s first Super Bowl since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 signifies New Orleans’ return as the prime destination for the biggest sports events. The city will host four major national championships in a 16-month span:
* Jan. 2012—College Football’s BCS Championship Game, Superdome
* Apr. 2012—NCAA Men’s Final Four, Superdome
* Feb. 2013—Super Bowl XLVII, Superdome
* Apr. 2013—NCAA Women’s Final Four, New Orleans Arena
Mix in big-time annual events like the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the State Farm Bayou Classic, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the State Farm Prep Classic (state high school football championships), Tulane Green Wave home football games, the Monster Jam and the Supercross, along with NCAA men’s basketball regional action in 2010 and 2011, and you have a mother lode of Mega-sports for area fans.
And even those who may not care about sports are rubbing their palms over the massive economic impact attracted by this array of events. The hordes of visiting fans and the widespread and nearly constant media exposure are vital to the city’s hospitality industry, the lifeline of our economy.
The announcement followed a press conference in the Superdome on Apr. 30, when Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Saints owner Tom Benson announced a new agreement for the Saints to play in the Superdome through 2025. The new pact included a commitment by the State to make an additional $85 million in upgrades to the Superdome, sustaining it’s’ place among the world’s greatest sports and entertainment venues.
During the biggest rebuilding project of a stadium in US history following Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome’s interior received a complete facelift and several new features were added, including a spectacular video-scoreboard-ribbon board system and windows in the Dome’s four big Club Rooms. Work continues on replacement of the aluminum outer skin and new escalators providing access to the Club level.
The new upgrades will be accomplished between the 2009 and 2010 season and the following summer. They will include:
* New Sideline Seating--Complete replacement of the Plaza Level sideline seats, moving them closer to the action, resulting in improved sightlines, 3,100 additional sideline seats and improved disabled seating.
* Expanded Plaza Concourse—The Dome’s Plaza Level concourse will be widened by 50 feet, providing better access, more food service areas, more specialty stands, more souvenir stands and more restrooms.
* New Club Suites—Located under both sides of the new Plaza Level stands, the suites will have beautiful furnishings, a full service bar, and will be convenient to the sideline seats and parking in the Dome garages.
* More 300 Level Suites—The press box will be moved to the Terrace Level, and new suites will be added to the existing ones on the 300 Level.
* Additional New Features—Additional upgrades will be made to two restaurants located on the Plaza Level and to the team store.
Winning the Super Bowl bid for 2013 also gives valuable impetus to the development of the area between the Superdome and the central business corridor. The Benson family has announced plans to purchase the 26-story Dominion Tower and a cooperative agreement with the State for development of a Plaza Festival area on the adjacent property.
The result will be revitalization of an area important to the city’s economy while enhancing the gameday experience for sports fans.
Super Bowl XLVII will be the 10th in New Orleans (tying it with Miami for the most Super Bowls) and the seventh in the Superdome, the most of any stadium.
SMG, the management company of the Superdome, worked closely with the other members of the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee in drafting the bid package. The city’s “team” included the New Orleans Saints, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, and other representatives of the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.
The awarding of the city’s first Super Bowl since Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 signifies New Orleans’ return as the prime destination for the biggest sports events. The city will host four major national championships in a 16-month span:
* Jan. 2012—College Football’s BCS Championship Game, Superdome
* Apr. 2012—NCAA Men’s Final Four, Superdome
* Feb. 2013—Super Bowl XLVII, Superdome
* Apr. 2013—NCAA Women’s Final Four, New Orleans Arena
Mix in big-time annual events like the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the State Farm Bayou Classic, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the State Farm Prep Classic (state high school football championships), Tulane Green Wave home football games, the Monster Jam and the Supercross, along with NCAA men’s basketball regional action in 2010 and 2011, and you have a mother lode of Mega-sports for area fans.
And even those who may not care about sports are rubbing their palms over the massive economic impact attracted by this array of events. The hordes of visiting fans and the widespread and nearly constant media exposure are vital to the city’s hospitality industry, the lifeline of our economy.
The announcement followed a press conference in the Superdome on Apr. 30, when Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Saints owner Tom Benson announced a new agreement for the Saints to play in the Superdome through 2025. The new pact included a commitment by the State to make an additional $85 million in upgrades to the Superdome, sustaining it’s’ place among the world’s greatest sports and entertainment venues.
During the biggest rebuilding project of a stadium in US history following Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome’s interior received a complete facelift and several new features were added, including a spectacular video-scoreboard-ribbon board system and windows in the Dome’s four big Club Rooms. Work continues on replacement of the aluminum outer skin and new escalators providing access to the Club level.
The new upgrades will be accomplished between the 2009 and 2010 season and the following summer. They will include:
* New Sideline Seating--Complete replacement of the Plaza Level sideline seats, moving them closer to the action, resulting in improved sightlines, 3,100 additional sideline seats and improved disabled seating.
* Expanded Plaza Concourse—The Dome’s Plaza Level concourse will be widened by 50 feet, providing better access, more food service areas, more specialty stands, more souvenir stands and more restrooms.
* New Club Suites—Located under both sides of the new Plaza Level stands, the suites will have beautiful furnishings, a full service bar, and will be convenient to the sideline seats and parking in the Dome garages.
* More 300 Level Suites—The press box will be moved to the Terrace Level, and new suites will be added to the existing ones on the 300 Level.
* Additional New Features—Additional upgrades will be made to two restaurants located on the Plaza Level and to the team store.
Winning the Super Bowl bid for 2013 also gives valuable impetus to the development of the area between the Superdome and the central business corridor. The Benson family has announced plans to purchase the 26-story Dominion Tower and a cooperative agreement with the State for development of a Plaza Festival area on the adjacent property.
The result will be revitalization of an area important to the city’s economy while enhancing the gameday experience for sports fans.
SMG Gets Ten More Years with Times Union Center in Albany!
All of us here at SMG are happy to announce that our management contract with Albany County has been renewed for 10 years. SMG will now manage the Times Union Center through 2020.
Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “We are very pleased to enter into a new agreement with SMG, and continue our successful partnership. Under SMG management, the Times Union Center has generated a significant profit for County taxpayers and has become the premier sports and entertainment venue in the Northeast.”
SMG has managed the facility since its opening in 1990, with our contract being renewed for an additional 10 years in 2000, and then again this week. Since 1996, SMG has generated over $22 million dollars in net operating. A major factor contributing to that success is a hard working staff and SMG’s ability to balance a full event calendar.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said, “I would like to personally thank County Executive Mike Breslin and the Albany County Authority for the faith shown in SMG’s ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of the Times Union Center. SMG’s continued partnership with the City of Albany is a source of great pride for us.”
“SMG is thrilled to be entering a new contract with Albany County. We look forward to having another profitable 10 years, and bringing the best in entertainment to the Capital Region,” states Bob Belber, Times Union Center General Manager.
The arena’s annual calendar includes Siena College Basketball, Albany River Rats Hockey and Albany Firebirds Arena Football. In addition, a variety of family shows, concerts, trade shows and sporting events are held at the arena.
SMG has also secured the MAAC Basketball Championships, ECAC Hockey Championships, NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships and the NCAA has awarded SMG and the Times Union Center continuous tournaments including Basketball, Hockey and Wrestling. Notable performers in the arena’s Hall of Fame include The Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John and Frank Sinatra.
Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, “We are very pleased to enter into a new agreement with SMG, and continue our successful partnership. Under SMG management, the Times Union Center has generated a significant profit for County taxpayers and has become the premier sports and entertainment venue in the Northeast.”
SMG has managed the facility since its opening in 1990, with our contract being renewed for an additional 10 years in 2000, and then again this week. Since 1996, SMG has generated over $22 million dollars in net operating. A major factor contributing to that success is a hard working staff and SMG’s ability to balance a full event calendar.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said, “I would like to personally thank County Executive Mike Breslin and the Albany County Authority for the faith shown in SMG’s ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of the Times Union Center. SMG’s continued partnership with the City of Albany is a source of great pride for us.”
“SMG is thrilled to be entering a new contract with Albany County. We look forward to having another profitable 10 years, and bringing the best in entertainment to the Capital Region,” states Bob Belber, Times Union Center General Manager.
The arena’s annual calendar includes Siena College Basketball, Albany River Rats Hockey and Albany Firebirds Arena Football. In addition, a variety of family shows, concerts, trade shows and sporting events are held at the arena.
SMG has also secured the MAAC Basketball Championships, ECAC Hockey Championships, NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships and the NCAA has awarded SMG and the Times Union Center continuous tournaments including Basketball, Hockey and Wrestling. Notable performers in the arena’s Hall of Fame include The Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John and Frank Sinatra.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
News in from Pensacola!
This just in from the Pensacola Civic Center:
Pensacola, Fla – When Tinkerbell glided off the ice for the final Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy show on Sunday evening, Pensacolians were left with a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Six ice shows over Mother’s Day weekend attracted 17,000 guests to the SMG managed Pensacola Civic Center. Mickey and Minnie’s fans of all ages enjoyed performances from Disney favorites Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Tinkerbell and her friends. “We experienced huge success with High School Musical last year,” says General Manager Cyndee Pennington, “this year’s weekend dates and three additional performances really put the event over the top”. Attendance compared with last year’s Disney on Ice event was up by 4,410.
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SUPERSHOW AT THE PENSACOLA CIVIC CENTER!
WWE RAW, SMACKDOWN, & ECW ON JUNE 6th!
Pensacola, Fla – Experience all of you favorite WWE Superstars from RAW, SMACKDOWN, and ECW at the Pensacola Civic Center on Saturday, June 6th. Special Six Man Tag Team Match: John Cena teams with “The Game” Triple H and CM Punk as they face “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton, “The Rated R-Superstar” Edge and Chris Jericho. ECW Championship Match: Christian battles “The All American American” Jack Swagger. United States Championship Match: MVP defends the title against Matt Hardy. Plus many more of your favorite WWE Superstars! (card subject to change
Seems to belots going on in Pensacola these days. Stay tuned for more!
Pensacola, Fla – When Tinkerbell glided off the ice for the final Disney on Ice Worlds of Fantasy show on Sunday evening, Pensacolians were left with a little sprinkle of fairy dust. Six ice shows over Mother’s Day weekend attracted 17,000 guests to the SMG managed Pensacola Civic Center. Mickey and Minnie’s fans of all ages enjoyed performances from Disney favorites Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion King, and Tinkerbell and her friends. “We experienced huge success with High School Musical last year,” says General Manager Cyndee Pennington, “this year’s weekend dates and three additional performances really put the event over the top”. Attendance compared with last year’s Disney on Ice event was up by 4,410.
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SUPERSHOW AT THE PENSACOLA CIVIC CENTER!
WWE RAW, SMACKDOWN, & ECW ON JUNE 6th!
Pensacola, Fla – Experience all of you favorite WWE Superstars from RAW, SMACKDOWN, and ECW at the Pensacola Civic Center on Saturday, June 6th. Special Six Man Tag Team Match: John Cena teams with “The Game” Triple H and CM Punk as they face “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton, “The Rated R-Superstar” Edge and Chris Jericho. ECW Championship Match: Christian battles “The All American American” Jack Swagger. United States Championship Match: MVP defends the title against Matt Hardy. Plus many more of your favorite WWE Superstars! (card subject to change
Seems to belots going on in Pensacola these days. Stay tuned for more!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pensacola Civic Center gets Top Stops honors from Venues Today!
Venues Today, an entertainment industry publication, has named the Pensacola Civic Center among its “Top Stops” in the U.S. for the fourth month in a row. The April “Top Stops” list puts the SMG managed facility at #12 in the U.S. for the time period of February 16th to March 15th 2009. The building falls in the category of 5,000 to 10,000 seats and ranked at #11 in January, #12 in February, and #8 in March. Metal rockers Slipknot led the charge on February 19th for the latest ranking, followed by a weekend of Hot Rod Thunder Nationals in early March. For the first time ever, event organizers added a 3rd show for the Monster Trucks event on Saturday afternoon. Compared to 2008 numbers, the choice of three shows allowed an additional 2700 fans to get in on the action. It also paved the way for an increase of $39,000 in gross receipts.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Opening the Odysseum in Cologne, Germany
On April 2, 2009, SMG welcomed its newest facility to the SMG Network. The Odysseum, a premiere science center, opened to rave reviews in Cologne, Germany.
“The management of a science center represents a new and exciting area for SMG,” said John Sutherland, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of SMG Europe. “While somewhat of a departure from SMG’s more traditional lines of business, i.e. managing stadiums, arenas, theaters and convention centers, the fundamentals of SMG’s operational and marketing expertise still apply,” Sutherland added.
SMG is also providing food service at the facility through Savor, its food and beverage arm.
The whole concept of “edu-tainment,” i.e. making learning fun, inspired SMG’s approach to the facility. From the search for “Who Will be the Crazy Professor?” to the installation of the resident dinosaurs, SMG wanted to offer the very best in guest experiences.
In just its first ten days of operation SMG has welcomed approximately 14,000visitors. SMG will be involved in the opening of several other science centers in Germany in the near future.
links:
http://www.odysseum.de/
http://www.smg-europe.com/
Welcome to the SMG Blog!
Hello and welcome to SMG's brand new blog! We're going to be keeping things current and keeping you, our patrons and clients, up to date on whats going on around the SMG network in everything from major events like concerts and conventions, to Human Resources and hiring. We'll be providing informational links as well as an avenue for you to participate even more in our SMG community. Check back often!
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