BOK Center Awarded 2011 Top Arena Venue Excellence Award

ulsa, OK – June 10, 2011 – The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded the BOK Center the 2011 Venue Excellence Award.  This prestigious award is given annually to only one arena in the world and recognizes the best arena based on four criteria used to demonstrate the ways in which the venue has excelled in the management and operation of a public assembly venue.  The criteria for the award includes: Operational Excellence, Teambuilding/Professional Development, Safety and Security, and Service to the Community.

“The BOK Center and SMG, in receiving this award, put themselves at the pinnacle of venue management.  What the BOK Center has accomplished in just three short years is truly phenomenal,” said Dexter King, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers.

“As the world leader in venue management we expect the best and I'm happy to say that our management team in Tulsa has accomplished this goal in an amazing fashion,” commented Wes Westley, President and CEO of SMG.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett added "The BOK Center under SMG's leadership has truly shown what a successful public/private partnership should look like.  We couldn't have accomplished or received the praise, recognition, and acclaim without SMG, I especially want to give praise and thanks to John Bolton, the General Manager of the BOK Center.  Our receipt of this prestigious award is due in large part to Mr. Bolton's leadership and vision."

In accepting the award, John Bolton, General Manager of the SMG-managed facility, noted “To be recognized as THE BEST takes an amazing team and I'm proud to say we have that team with SMG both here in Tulsa and in our corporate headquarters in Philadelphia.  This award recognizes the hundreds of part-time and full-time employees who work every day to ensure our guests have an amazing experience.”

About IAVM:
Founded in 1924, the International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection to other venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, the IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide. IAVM provides unprecedented member value and is endowed with unlimited opportunities to partner and embrace industry affiliations.

Picture (from L to R): Dexter King, Joe Romano, Mayor Dewey Bartlett and John Bolton.

SMG in the News: SMG is lauded for its efforts in New Orleans

The Times-Picayune highlights SMG's achievements at the Superdome and New Orleans arena:

With the completion of an $85 million renovation project at the iconic  Superdome nearing an end and an onslaught of major events on tap at the building, local officials appear pleased with the job of the stadium's management company.

Ron Forman, chairman of the LSED -- the board appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to plan, finance, construct, develop, maintain and operate six state-owned sports facilities (including the Superdome and the adjacent New Orleans Arena) -- said the commission will recommend to the governor's office that SMG, the company that manages the Superdome and the Arena on behalf of the state, continue in its current role. ...

"(SMG) performs at a high level of expertise. Based on what they did after the devastation immediately following the hurricane (Katrina in 2005) and the continuing improvements that are taking place, the feeling of the LSED is that SMG is doing an outstanding job. We have met with the governor's officials, and we highly recommend that we continue to working with them."

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SMG in the News: Jacksonville Arena earns top honors

From the Jacksonville Daily Record: 

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena has been named as the best of Venue Today's “Top Stops” for Florida venues in its size category. ...

“SMG Jacksonville and the Veterans Memorial Arena have had an outstanding first quarter this year bringing successful and high-demand events to Jacksonville for the community and visitors to enjoy,” said Larry Wilson, general manager of SMG Jacksonville.

“We are grateful to have one of our facilities recognized by Venues Today and extremely proud to have been ranked No. 1 among other leading Florida venues,” he said.

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SMG in the News: ‘El Choliseo’ poised for its 4-millionth visitor

From Caribbean Business: 

More than one-third of Puerto Rico islanders have visited the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum— affectionately called "El Choliseo" by Puerto Ricans—according to this week's CARIBBEAN BUSINESS/ WOSO Radio/Gaither International poll, making it one of the most visited entertainment venues in the region. Ranked among the top-25 best arenas in the world, the Coliseum is preparing for its 4-millionth visitor.
...
In fact, the latest Pollstar report ranked Puerto Rico's Choliseo eighth in attendance among the top- 10 most frequented venues in the world and the second most visited in the Western Hemisphere—even ahead of such renowned venues as the Staples Center in Los Angeles; American Airlines Arena in Miami and the prestigious Wembley Arena in London.

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SMG-Tulsa Employees Raise Money For Local Pet Charities

On Wednesday afternoon, over 50 full and part-time SMG Tulsa employees participated in ‘Doggy's Day Out' at Joe Station Bark Park in downtown Tulsa to benefit local pet charities. The volunteer staff charity committee, SMG ROCKS This Town, organized the event as part of their mission to “strive to be the leader in both the entertainment industry and in our community to contribute to the quality of life in Oklahoma and create a lasting impact through community service and charitable giving.”  Employees donated funds which will go to the local Tulsa Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals and other pet charities. In return, they were able to bring their dogs to work and then to the dog park for an afternoon of fun.  Local vendors donated lunch for the staff to kick off the summer with a great charitable event.

“Employees have a passion for their dogs just like their children.  Getting to share them with others in a fun park-like setting while raising money to prevent cruelty to animals is a cause our employee committee felt strongly about supporting,” commented John Bolton, General Manager of SMG Tulsa.