Jason Aldean's Night Train Tour Rolls into Pinnacle Bank Arena

Jason Aldean's Night Train Tour played to a capacity crowd at the SMG managed Pinnacle Bank Arena on Thursday, September 19, 2013.

Backstage before the show are left to right:
Jim McCue, SMG Senior VP Entertainment; Tom Lorenz, Pinnacle Bank Arena GM; Jason Aldean; Brian O'Connel, Live Nation; and Charles Schilling, Pinnacle Bank Arena Assistant GM

SMG in the News: BOK Center Exceeding Expectations 5 Years Later

Originally posted at Tulsa World.

Five years are in the books, and Tulsa's BOK Center continues to defy financial expectations.

The downtown arena had its most lucrative year yet between July 2012 and June 2013, netting $1.7 million in profit as large events boosted attendance at a time when its early successes would have been expected to wane along with public interest.

But that hasn't happened.

"We've had success from the beginning, which is great, but I couldn't have predicted that the fifth year would be the best so far," BOK Center Manager John Bolton said.

Since its first show Sept. 6, 2008, the facility has accumulated a profit of $7.6 million, recorded attendance of 3,387,689 over 848 events, remitted $11.7 million in sales taxes and is credited with contributing at least $226.3 million to Tulsa's economy.

SMG Reorganizes Domestic Operations with Executive Promotions

SMG is pleased to announce that, effective today, President and CEO Wes Westley has reorganized its domestic lines of business in order to provide greater focus and oversight. Effective with this reorganization, Gregg Caren has been promoted to Executive Vice President for convention and exhibition centers, and Doug Thornton has been promoted to Executive Vice President for stadiums and arenas.

Both of these executives bring substantial knowledge and experience to their divisions. Their significant expertise will contribute greatly to the growth and success of these business lines. In their new capacities, Gregg and Doug will be responsible for the operation of their specific divisions and will report directly to Mr. Westley.

Additionally, at this time, SMG announces the promotions of Bob McClintock to COO of convention centers reporting to Gregg Caren; Harry Cann and Joe Romano to Senior Vice President for stadiums and arenas reporting to Doug Thornton; and Gary McAneney to Senior Vice President Finance reporting to John Burns, CFO.

“All of these moves strengthen SMG’s position in our lines of business, recognize and reward deserving executives, and position SMG to move forward positively into our bright and exciting future,” said Westley.

Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE Ribbon Cutting

A new era has begun for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the SMG-managed Pinnacle Bank Arena held its ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening weekend on Thursday, August 29 – Saturday, August 31.

A host of dignitaries were on hand for the opening of the $179 million, 15,000-seat facility in Lincoln’s Haymarket District, including speeches from Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, Pinnacle Bank Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz, SMG Senior Regional Vice President Joe Romano, University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska basketball coaches Tim Miles and Connie Yori. The event was kicked off by a performance from the University of Nebraska Pep Band and a routine by the Linh Quang Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe traditionally intended to bring good luck to new projects. A total of 11 speakers thanked voters, workers, crowd members, the city and the University of Nebraska.