SMG VENUES MAKE 2015 BILLBOARD MAGAZINE TOP 10 LISTS INCLUDING SOLDIER FIELD'S #1 GROSSING EVENT OF 2015!

Conshohocken, PA (December 22, 2015) - Billboard Magazine's 2015 Year End Top 10 Lists are out and SMG venues made several of the lists. First - the #l's on the list:

• Soldier Field (Chicago) - #1 Gross Boxscore for 2015: SMG's Soldier Field hosted the Grateful Dead July 3-5 which grossed $30,683,274 - making it the top grossing show of 2015 in any venue anywhere in the world.
• Royal Farms Arena (Baltimore) - #1 USA Venue for venues 10,001-15,000 seats. SMG's Royal Farms Arena hosted 347,083 attendees grossing $16,830,878 - making it the #1 Venue in the United States for its capacity.

Also, making Billboard's Year End Lists were:

• Manchester Arena (Manchester, England) - #3 Grossing Venue in the world for venues 15,001-Plus. SMG's Manchester Arena grossed $79,256,782 with attendance taping 1/132/711 and hosting 112 shows.
• Solider Field (Chicago) - #2 Grossing Stadium in the world. SMG's Soldier Field grossed $49/312,023 for 7 shows making with the #2 busiest stadium in the world.

Tim LeFevour, GM for SMG's Soldier Field, commented that the "venue was honored to be a part of the historical farewell Grateful Dead concerts this summer in Chicago. It was certainly the hottest ticket of the summer and from the year end rankings by Billboard Magazine it became honored as the hottest ticket of the year!"

"SMG venues in the USA and around the world continue to deliver high grosses and successful events," commented Wes Westley, President and CEO of SMG. "Our team of highly talented professionals continues to achieve great worldwide recognition," added Westley.

SMG TULSA'S WINTERFEST FEATURED IN PEOPLE MAGAZINE

(Tulsa, Okla.) December 18, 2015 – Each state in America has its own unique way of celebrating the Christmas season, so People Magazine listed 50 of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit, one for each state. In a story titled "Christmas Across America: A Unique Way to Celebrate the Holidays in Each State," SMG Tulsa's Winterfest was named as the most unique way to celebrate the Christmas season in Oklahoma. Check out the story here.

In seven short years, attendance for this event has soared from 35,000 visitors in 2008 to more than 150,000 in 2014. The seasonal celebration is open to the public for 52 days again this year. The extended season guarantees everyone a chance to enjoy skating beneath Tulsa's skyline while watching free entertainment from the outdoor stage and taking in the beautiful, gleaming holiday lights.

Winterfest includes a 9,000 square-foot outdoor ice rink and Oklahoma's tallest Christmas Tree that stands 44 feet tall and features 35,700 glowing lights.

“Winterfest has become the kick-off for the Holidays in downtown Tulsa,” said Jeff Nickler, SMG Tulsa General Manager. “As Oklahoma's best holiday tradition, we are excited to welcome our guests as they celebrate the season with family and friends." 

Royal Farms Arena's 2016 music lineup is its best in years

Taken from The Baltimore Sun.

After a year that saw a proposal for a new $450 million arena in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore's stalwart — Royal Farms Arena, established in 1962 — has positioned itself for one of its strongest years, musically, in recent memory.

The 2016 lineup — which includes Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan,Janet Jackson and Maroon 5 — is as impressive as Frank Remesch has seen since he became general manager in 2004, the Baltimore native said Thursday.

"You almost can't get any more diversified than that," Remesch said.

The arena's music schedule for next year includes: Brooks, for the first time in Baltimore, and Trisha Yearwood (Jan. 22-23; Jan. 29-30); Jackson (Feb. 29); Bryan, Little Big Town and Dustin Lynch (April 8); Rihanna and Travis Scott (April 9); Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago (April 12); Bieber (July 7) and Maroon 5 (Sept. 16). More concerts are still to be announced, Remesch said.

Beyond music, comedians like Jeff Dunham (Feb.12), Katt Williams (Feb. 14) and Mike Epps (April 1) are scheduled to perform. There are also the usual family-friendly shows ("our bread and butter," Remesch said) like the Monster Jam truck series (Feb. 26-28) and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (March 16-27).

Named a top venue for its size byBillboard magazine last year, the arena is no stranger to recognizable music talent. It hosted, this year, concerts by Prince, Motley Crue, the Eagles and Stevie Wonder.

But in other recent years — with exceptions like Kanye West & Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake and the Black Keys — the arena has not been consistent in drawing from the pop-music Zeitgeist.

Remesch said a myriad of factors contribute to why some years pop with relevancy more than others. Timing, good relationships with promoters and luck all matter.

"There's a lot of things at play," he said. "There's history [with promoters] and what you've done for people before, Baltimore supporting diverse events and having a little luck that the tours are out there that we're able to get."

In January, the Cordish Companies — owners of downtown's Power Plant Live entertainment complex — proposed a 15,000-seat arena that would replace Royal Farms Arena. The project, which would be built on Piers 5 and 6 in the Inner Harbor, would cost an estimated $450 million.

There was initial interest, along with questions about finances and traffic, from the city, but little else since. Others have suggested a significant renovation to the current arena instead of building a new one.

On Thursday, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said, via a statement, the city continues to consider the arena's future.

"As a city, we are proud that we have a high-performing, award-winning arena that continues to attract top talent," Rawlings-Blake said. "Baltimore is a proven entertainment and music destination. We continue to explore all options for the future."

For his part, Remesch supports a renovation that he said could transform the arena for $100 million.If a new one were built, he would not want it on the current site. He suggests that $450 million for a new arena might be hard to justify in a city with pressing needs. And the time it would take to build a new arena, Remesch argued, would also impede the momentum and goodwill the manager has built with concert promoters over the years.

"You're pushing a ball up a hill, right?" he said. "We're doing it, though. Once you stop, it's going back down. … We're a success story now. You have to think it through."

EPA Recognizes McCormick Place Food Service Provider for Outstanding Waste Reduction Efforts

SAVOR…Chicago remains committed to sustainable food service practices at the nation’s largest convention center

For Immediate Release 

CHICAGO, IL (November 19, 2015) — For the second consecutive year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized SAVOR…Chicago for outstanding waste reduction efforts in the category of Sports and Entertainment Venues for its initiatives at McCormick Place. SAVOR…Chicago is the food and beverage provider for McCormick Place.

SAVOR…Chicago was recognized for its use of sustainable material management practices to decrease wasted food at the nation’s largest convention center. SAVOR…Chicago was one of six winners in the category of “Data-driven Improvement by Sector” representing the highest percentage of wasted food diversion and prevention in their sector for 2014.

“The MPEA is committed to being at the forefront of sustainability throughout our food service operations and the convention campus,” said Lori Healey, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, owners of McCormick Place. “We are proud to set the standard for the meetings and convention industry and remain committed to upholding these environmentally- friendly standards for our customers and the environment as we continue to strive to further enhance innovation as it relates to sustainability.”

“SAVOR…Chicago is delighted to be recognized by the EPA for our ongoing efforts to reduce food waste at McCormick Place. We are proud to partner with MPEA to have a state-of-the-art sustainability initiative and are fully committed to improving sustainability at every step,” said Doug Bradley, SAVOR… Vice President of Culinary Operations. “We are all invested in making McCormick Place a model of effective large-scale sustainable food operations.

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About MPEA: 

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) owns McCormick Place, the largest exhibition and meeting facility in North America and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. The North, South and West Buildings as well as the Lakeside Center offer 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. Located along Chicago’s lakefront, McCormick Place offers 173 meeting rooms, the 4,249 seat Arie Crown Theater and one of the largest ballrooms in the world.

ORPHEUM RENEWS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH SMG

Wichita, KS (November 13, 2015) - The Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, Ltd. is pleased to announce that it has renewed its management agreement with SMG, the world leader in venue management, effective January 1, 2016.

The Orpheum, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts and cultural organization, originally entered into a management agreement with SMG in September 2013 for a period of two years. The Orpheum recently renewed its contract with SMG for an additional five years through the year 2020.

SMG will continue its management of the programming, marketing and operations of the theatre and all of its productions, rentals and community events. SMG will also ensure that the theatre’s programming will continue to be active and diverse with a wide array of quality entertainment for all ages. SMG will work with the Orpheum to ensure that it continues to fulfill its mission to serve the community by partnering with community groups to utilize the theatre for a variety of events.

“We are very pleased with our relationship with SMG. They have been good partners and we look forward to five years of continuing improvement in the attendance and the diverse booking we have enjoyed with SMG,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Orpheum Theatre, Harvey Sorensen.

With an annual attendance of over 65,000 people, the Orpheum’s partnership with SMG will ensure the long-term stability and growth of the theatre’s technical side of the operations, while the Orpheum’s Board and President remain focused on its Capital Campaign.

“SMG is extremely excited for the opportunity to continue its partnership with the Orpheum Theatre,” said General Manager of SMG Wichita, AJ Boleski. “The Orpheum is a critical piece of Wichita’s history and we look forward to continuing to assist in carrying out its mission through booking a diverse lineup of events and attracting top-notch events to Wichita.”

SMG’s Theatre Director at the Orpheum Theatre is Barney Byard. Byard will continue to manage the facility and its SMG staff. Byard is also responsible for booking acts at the Orpheum Theatre. The Theatre will continue to fund and maintain its own operating budget.

Frank Lapsley Appointed As New General Manager of The North Charleston Coliseum

Conshohocken, PA (November 13, 2015) - Beginning November 16, Frank Lapsley will take over as the new General Manager of the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, SC.

“I look forward to working with the SMG team in North Charleston and becoming an active part of the community,” said Lapsley. “We will continue to build on the legacy of these first-class facilities.”

Frank Lapsley will be transferring from his current position as the General Manager of the SMG-managed Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord, NC in order to fill the opening at the coliseum. “Frank is an engaging leader,” said SMG Regional Vice President, Leonard Bonacci. “His charismatic leadership style has been successful in leading the team at Cabarrus Arena and Event Center for the past 10 years. That, combined with his 25 years in the sports and entertainment industry, makes for an exciting future.  We are thrilled to have Frank as part of our team in North Charleston.” Kenny Robinson, Cabarrus Arena’s Director of Operations, will be assuming an interim GM role after Lapsley’s departure.

“The City of North Charleston welcomes Frank Lapsley as the new General Manager of the North Charleston Coliseum, Performing Arts Center and Convention Center,” said R. Keith Summey, Mayor of the City of North Charleston. “He brings many years of experience and successes to our venues. The city has been providing quality events to the community since 1993 and we look forward to continuing this excellence with Frank and SMG.“

SMG Wins In Two Categories In Venues Today’s 2015 Hall of Headlines Awards

Conshohocken, PA (November 11, 2015) - After receiving nominations in all five categories of the Hall of Headlines Awards, SMG took home awards in two: News and Ops & Tech. Doug Thornton, SMG Executive VP, and Regional VPs Steve Tadlock and Michael Krouse won the award from Venues Today’s News category, while Jim McCue, SVP, and John Bolton, VP, won for Ops & Tech.

Presented each year, the Hall of Headlines Award is Venues Today’s most prestigious honor. Awards are given in five different categories: News, Booking, Marketing, Ops & Tech, and Concessions. Recipients are nominated and elected by Venues Today readers, and the awards are given to the candidates who have made a difference in the facilities industry during the year.

The News honor was given to Doug Thornton, Steve Tadlock, and Michael Krouse for leading the effort in winning the contract for the iconic Los Angeles Greek Theatre. After many months of work in an extremely competitive process that was covered by national media, SMG was awarded the contract from the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

SMG’s Jim McCue and John Bolton were awarded the Ops & Tech honor for developing a specialized tool that allows SMG facilities to attain higher and consistent standards and results, with a dedicated web-based intranet marketing support services site. Along with the specialized tool, McCue and Bolton also started a company-wide Best Practices program. In order to effectively integrate the Best Practices program and adequate corporate oversight of facility marketing via a network of Regional Directors of Marketing that serve 68 arenas, 61 theaters, and 13 stadiums in the SMG network, SMG utilizes the intranet website as a central repository for the best practices programs, sample venue marketing plans, sales plans, press releases, social media plans, public relations plans, media-buying contracts, operating standards and more.

Summit League Basketball Championships to Remain in Sioux Falls Through 2022

League and Sioux Falls Sports Authority exercise five-year option

ELMHURST, Ill. – The Summit League and Sioux Falls Sports Authority have exercised the option years of their long-term agreement that will keep The Summit League Basketball Championships in Sioux Falls through 2022. The five-year option from 2018-2022 was part of the original contract announced in Oct. 2012.

“Sioux Falls not only has been a tremendous host of The Summit League Basketball Championships, it has become a home,” said Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple. “It is truly remarkable to continually see the bar raised and have attendance records broken each year. This tournament is synonymous with Sioux Falls thanks to the support of our fans, many of whom plan their calendars around the event. The Summit League Basketball Tournament has been a tremendous success story and the league is excited about furthering the long-term growth of this premier event.”

Since 2009, The Summit League Basketball Championships have been played before record crowds in Sioux Falls, making the city the longest-running continuous host of the event. The Sioux Falls Arena was home to The Summit League Basketball Championships from 2009-14 and the event began a new era in 2015 by moving into the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

“In 2009, we were honored to have the privilege to host the first Summit League Basketball Championships in Sioux Falls,” said Sioux Falls Sports Authority Executive Director Wes Hall. “Now seven years later, as we enter into our new agreement to continue as the host through 2022, we are still honored to have the privilege of hosting one of the most successful tournaments in the country. This extension shows the faith The Summit League has in us to host a great tournament and we look forward to putting on a great show for many years to come.”

Including a total attendance of 60,007, which smashed the previous mark by an astounding 33 percent, the 2015 Summit League Basketball Championships set 11 all-time men’s and women’s attendance records. The men’s semifinal round drew 10,153 spectators, the highest total for any tournament session in league history. The women’s tournament posted the nation’s top single-session attendance figure (8,171 for the first quarterfinal) and the second-best championship game (6,926) and tournament average (6,099) marks in 2015.

The Summit League’s top five men’s/women’s combined total tournament, women’s tournament and women’s championship game attendance marks along with the top two men’s tournament figures have been recorded in Sioux Falls.

By the end of the current agreement, Sioux Falls will have hosted 14 consecutive Summit League Basketball Championships from 2009-2022. That stretch will extend league records for both consecutive and total tournaments hosted (14) by more than double the previous mark of five. By 2022, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (eight) and Sioux Falls Arena (six) venues will have each eclipsed the previous single-site hosting record.

This year’s “March to the Summit” reaches its pinnacle at The Summit League Basketball Championships, March 5-8 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. The Summit League and Sioux Falls Sports Authority will host the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball Sioux Falls Regional, March 25 & 27 at the same venue.

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ABOUT SUMMIT LEAGUE BASKETBALL

The Summit League offers 19 championship sports and has a combined enrollment of over 120,000 at nine institutions, including four located in top 60 U.S. metro populations and two land-grant universities. Member institutions include: Denver (University of Denver), Fort Wayne (Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne), IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis), North Dakota State University, Omaha (University of Nebraska Omaha), Oral Roberts University, the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University and Western Illinois University. Called “March’s Best-Kept Secret” by USA Today, The Summit League Basketball Championships further established itself as one of the nation’s top tournaments by smashing league attendance figures in 11 categories, including total attendance by an astounding 33 percent, at the new Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. For more information about the league and to "See The Summit", visit www.thesummitleague.org, follow Summit League Basketball on Twitter @summithoops and watch the weekly “Inside The Summit League” show at www.thesummitleague.org/itsl.

ABOUT THE SIOUX FALLS SPORTS AUTHORITY

The Sioux Falls Sports Authority was formed in 2006 by community leaders to recruit major sporting events to the Sioux Falls area. The organization attracts international, national, regional and state sporting events. It is run by a board of directors made up of 15 community members, an executive director, and project director. The organization has hosted the Summit League Basketball Championships since 2009. In 2016, the Sioux Falls Sports Authority will host the Summit League Basketball Championships, the NCAA DII Wrestling National Championships, the NCAA DII Women’s Basketball Elite 8, the NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Regional, and the NCAA DII Women’s Volleyball National Championship. For more information, visit www.sfsportsauthority.org.

SMG to serve as interim management contractor for Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum, Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center

SMG, the country’s leading entertainment and venue management company and manager of the Knoxville Convention Center, is pleased to provide the City of Knoxville with management services for the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center in an interim capacity.

The City of Knoxville today announced plans for a transition to private, third-party management of the city’s largest special event facilities, as has always been the case at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Because of its existing vendor status with the City of Knoxville as manager of the Knoxville Convention Center, SMG agreed to provide management services to the additional facilities at its current contractor rate as the city prepares a bid process to identify a permanent private management service. SMG has successfully managed the Knoxville Convention Center since its opening in 2002.

“We have been very impressed with SMG’s work at the Convention Center, and they have the level of professional expertise we need to keep our venues operating while we pursue a longer-term solution to our management needs,” said Christi Branscom, deputy to the mayor and the City’s chief operating officer. “SMG will ensure a great experience for the audiences, performers, sports teams and event organizers who use our facilities.”

SMG’s Knoxville Convention Center General Manager Mary Bogert will serve as the general manager of the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and Chilhowee Park facilities. SMG Regional Vice President Craig Liston also will be located in Knoxville to provide additional support during the interim.

“The Civic Auditorium and Coliseum and Chilhowee Park are versatile facilities that provide popular entertainment and events to the community,” Liston said. “With our 13 years of managing the Knoxville Convention Center, we have the experience and talented staff in place to begin providing management services immediately. We are pleased to be in a position to offer this assistance to our partner, the City of Knoxville, as it transitions to private management of these facilities.”

SMG’s local leadership team will manage existing city employees, oversee all events and will be charged with bookings at both facilities.

Built in 1961, the Civic Auditorium and Coliseum is the largest city-owned facility in Knoxville and is conveniently located downtown near Interstate 40. The coliseum seats 6,500 guests and has 22,000 square feet of exhibit space. The building also houses a 2,500-seat auditorium; 10,000-square-foot exhibit hall; and 4,800-square-foot ballroom.

The facility is home to the Knoxville Ice Bears hockey team and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s News Sentinel Pops Series, as well as a host site for large touring shows throughout the year, including Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center is an 81-acre, multi-purpose venue, which includes a 57,100-square-foot exhibition hall, three-acre lake, bandstand, 4,500-seat amphitheater, barns, arenas, playground and picnic shelters.  Chilhowee Park is home to the annual Tennessee Valley Fair and events and festivals throughout the year.

SMG Hosts Industry Leaders at IEBA

Conshohocken, PA (October 22, 2015) - SMG, the worldwide leader of public facility management, hosted industry leaders from CAA, WME, Live Nation, Nederlander concerts, Bill Rogers Presents, NS2, Frank Productions, Feld Entertainment, and others at an SMG luncheon at the International Association of Entertainment Buyers Conference held in Nashville, TN from October 10-12.  SMG announced they have been selected by Onondaga County to manage the new 17,000 capacity Lakeview Amphitheater in Syracuse, NY as well as introduced Becky Colwell as the new GM of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

SMG also sponsored the Promoter’s Alley event during the conference, connecting SMG venues with event promoters throughout the USA and Canada.  “Our SMG-managed venues met with event promoters to discuss the biggest acts and attractions for our arenas, theaters, and stadiums and our sponsorship of this event allows SMG venues to further their relationships,” said Jim McCue, SMG Senior Vice President of Entertainment.

SMG also sponsored a private luncheon connecting over 50 agents and promoters with SMG’s venue General Managers and Booking Executives.  “There is an ease of doing business with SMG in our family of venues and continuing to make connections with our key partners is critical to our future success,” said John Bolton, SMG Vice President of Entertainment and a member of the IEBA Board of Directors.  

SMG Receives 12 Nominations for Venues Today’s Hall of Headlines Awards

Conshohocken, PA (October 22, 2015) - This December, Venues Today will be presenting its “most prestigious award”, the Hall of Headlines, with SMG receiving an outstanding 12 nominations. The categories featured in the nominations include News, Bookings, Operations and Tech, Marketing, and Concessions with SMG nominated in all 5 categories.

SMG’s Executive Vice President Doug Thornton was nominated in the News category, along with Regional Vice Presidents Steve Tadlock and Michael Krouse for leading the effort in acquiring the management contract for the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

Staff at three SMG venues were nominated for Bookings. Tim LeFevour, GM of Chicago’s Soldier Field was nominated for hosting the last of the Grateful Dead’s Fare Thee Well farewell shows, bringing out more than 213,000 fans to the stadium for three sold out performances and generating $6.74 million in revenue. Booking nominations also included Jeff Nickler, GM, and Michael Owens, Director of Booking at the BOK Center, Tulsa, OK as well as Chris Semrau, AGM, of the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, SD. The BOK Center finished its busiest fiscal year since opening its doors 6 years ago. The venue hosted a two-week Garth Brooks residency that included 7 sold out shows, along with the only One Direction arena date on their North America tour, and many other successful events. Hosting their own series of outstanding shows, the Premier Center brought in 22 different national touring acts, including sold out performances by The Eagles, Ed Sheeran, Luke Bryan, and other notable acts.

For Operations and Tech, SMG SVP Jim McCue and VP John Bolton were nominated for developing a specialized tool with a dedicated web-based intranet marketing support services site, enabling SMG facilities to achieve higher and consistent standards and results. The BOK Center’s Casey Sparks, AGM, and John Dodd, Director of Operations, also received nominations for completing a $100,000 ecologically sustainable new exterior landscaping project that included a massive rock garden, inspiring the trending #rocktheBOK social media hashtag.

Marketing nominations included Intrust Bank Arena’s GM, AJ Boleski, and Director of Sales and Marketing, Christine Pileckas. Celebrating the venue’s 5th year, Boleski and Pileckas helped organize the 5th Anniversary Concert Series while promoting highlights and achievements of the venue’s last 5 years and presenting an outlook at what’s planned for the next five. Also nominated was Meghan Doyle, Director of Marketing for the BOK Center, for organizing an extensive marketing campaign for Garth Brooks’s two-week residency. Brandon Tattersall, Box Office Manager, Rogers K-Rock Centre, received a nomination for launching a newly-designed website in order to create a stronger connection with the venue’s social media platforms, improve the timeliness of the information posted, and personalize the venue’s image by including profiles, pictures, and videos.

Included in the Concessions category were nominations for the BOK Center, the Santander Arena in Reading, PA, and the Intrust Bank Arena. Kelly Ortiz, AGM/Food and Beverage, and Chaning Queen, Premium Services Food and Beverage Manager, helped the BOK Center launch its new bar concept, Copper Stills, a bar that prepares craft cocktails by 10 highly-trained, skilled bartenders. EJ Randolph, Food and Beverage Director, Santander Arena, introduced $1 refills for the hockey season, resulting in 4,500 units sold in only 4 months, generating a $40,000 incremental increase. Intrust Bank Arena’s Greg Read, Regional Director of Food and Beverage, received a nomination for introducing the Brewhaus Bros. craft beer bar that features 14 local craft beers on tap and has since increased revenues at the concession stand location by 30%.

Voting is currently underway for the nominees.

SMG Names Becky Colwell General Manager of The Greek Theatre

Conshohocken, PA (October 12, 2015) - SMG announced today the appointment of Becky Colwell as General Manager of the SMG-managed Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

An industry veteran, Ms. Colwell brings extensive experience in amphitheater management.  For the past thirteen years, Becky has served as General Manager of the SMG-managed Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, North Carolina, where she has overseen all aspects of the operations at the 7,000 seat facility that has played host to an impressive list of national touring acts and festivals.  Under Colwell’s leadership the Koka Booth Amphitheatre was voted Best Outdoor Amphitheater by readers of the Independent Weekly.

Colwell was selected after an extensive search that included both candidates from within SMG and the facility management industry.  According to SMG Executive Vice President Doug Thornton, it was Colwell’s experience in amphitheater management and positive working relationships with tenants and promoters that made her the right choice.  “Becky has demonstrated an ability to increase the programming at Koka Booth, while also balancing the interest of the constituents there,” said Thornton. “That experience, coupled with the experience she has working with top-line artists will serve her well as she represents us at the Greek.”

Colwell, a North Carolina native is eager and honored to start work at the Greek.  “In our world there are venues we consider iconic; the ones that other amphitheaters aspire to be. That’s how industry leaders, performers and patrons feel about The Greek. It plays host to an eclectic mix of top touring acts and is situated in an amazing city and community for entertainment. I consider it an honor to have been granted this opportunity and I’m looking forward to getting the 2016 season started,” stated Colwell.

“Becky understands the balance between serving the interests of a successful facility operation while mitigating quality of life impacts to the neighboring residential community. We are confident her direct experience in these areas will prove to be an excellent fit for all stakeholders of The Greek Theatre,” said Steve Tadlock, SMG Regional Vice President who will oversee operation of the account for the company. 

In addition to her years of experience at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Colwell also served as the Director of Sponsorship & Premium Sales at Raleigh’s Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and is a graduate of Auburn University.

SMG, the world’s largest venue management company was selected by the Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department on September 22, 2015 to manage the iconic Greek Theatre and will assume management responsibilities effective November 1, 2015.

PBR Built Ford Tough Series at the SMG-Managed Tucson Convention Center becomes most watched PBR event on CBS in more than four years

PUEBLO, Colo. – On Sunday, Oct. 4, 2.3 million people tuned in to watch the PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) Cooper Tires Take the Money and Ride, presented by Jack Daniel’s, event from the Tucson Convention Center broadcast on CBS Television Network.

The 1.61HH rating, marks the most-watched PBR event on CBS in more than four years. The second most-watched event was the 2010 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals with 1.7 million viewers.

“We are wrapping up the first year of our long-term broadcast agreement with CBS and we’ve seen significant ratings growth throughout the year,” said PBR CEO Sean Gleason. “We are looking forward to an exciting World Finals that will certainly keep the momentum rolling.”

CBS Sports Network will next broadcast the PBR’s Built Ford Tough World Finals live from Las Vegas on Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 p.m. ET; and on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m. ET. The world’s Top 40 bull riders will be competing for a total purse of $2.3 million, including the $1 million PBR World Championship title for the season’s best bull rider.

CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network are the exclusive television home of the PBR on broadcast and cable. BFTS telecasts are produced for the PBR under a multi-year agreement with David Neal Productions, a Los Angeles-based production company led by 34-time Emmy® Award winner and Peabody Award winner David Neal, who serves as executive producer.

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 About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)

The world’s premier bull riding organization began as a dream of 20 bull riders 23 years ago and is now a global sports phenomenon. PBR broadcasts reach more than half a billion households in 40 nations and territories around the world, and more than 3 million fans attend live events each year. On its elite Built Ford Tough Series, the PBR features the Top 35 bull riders in the world and the top bulls in the business. The televised Built Ford Tough Series, the BlueDEF Velocity Tour, the Touring Pro Division and the PBR’s international circuits in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico have paid more than $140 million in earnings to its athletes. Twenty-seven men have earned more than $1 million, including three-time World Champion Silvano Alves who, in just 54 months, won more than $5.2 million to become the richest bull rider in history. In May 2015, PBR was acquired by WME | IMG, the global leader in sports, entertainment, media and fashion. For more information on the PBR, go to PBR.com, or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/PBR, Twitter atTwitter.com/PBR, and YouTube at YouTube.com/PBR.

INTRUST BANK ARENA CELEBRATES TWO MILLION TICKETS SOLD AND HONORS LUCKY GUEST

Wichita, KS (October 1, 2015) – The SMG-managed INTRUST Bank Arena hosted its two millionth ticketed fan at last Thursday’s Florida Georgia Line concert. Delania Taylor was surprised at the concert with the news that she was the lucky two millionth guest.

INTRUST Bank Arena staff presented Taylor and her guest with a prize package including upgraded concert tickets from the upper level to the lower level, a meet and greet with Florida Georgia Line, a commemorative ticket which was then autographed by Florida Georgia Line, a commemorative concert poster, and more.

“We’re excited to have reached such an incredible milestone in just our sixth year of operation,” said SMG General Manager, AJ Boleski. “Having sold two million tickets is an outstanding accomplishment and a huge testament to the support this community shows our facility. We’re in the business of creating memories, one guest at a time, and are looking forward to creating those memories for the next two million fans.” 

INTRUST Bank Arena reached its one millionth ticket sold in 2012 at the sold out Jason Aldean concert. Since opening in January 2010 with a sold out Brad Paisley concert, INTRUST Bank Arena has hosted many of the nation’s top tours including the Foo Fighters, Fleetwood Mac, George Strait,  Bob Seger, Elton John and Billy Joel, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Bon Jovi and more. In addition to concerts, the Arena has proven to be a great venue for college athletics hosting the Wichita State University men’s basketball, Kansas State University men’s basketball, NCAA 2011 Women’s Basketball Championship first and second rounds and being named a future site for the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship first/second rounds.

Upcoming events at INTRUST Bank Arena include Ariana Grande (Oct. 6), Def Leppard (Oct. 10), Shinedown & Breaking Benjamin (Oct. 16), Wichita State University men’s basketball vs. Utah (Dec. 12), Kansas State University men’s basketball vs. Colorado State (Dec. 19), Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Dec. 22) and more. For a full list of upcoming events and information on how to purchase tickets, please visit www.intrustbankarena.com.

SMG TO MANAGE ICONIC GREEK THEATRE

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA (September 28, 2015) - On Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Board voted unanimously to approve SMG’s management agreement to operate the iconic Greek Theatre, which concluded the selection process of a private, third-party operator under the Board’s new ‘Open Venue’ model. The historic Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles and is currently operated by Neederlander Concerts. 

In its transition to an Open Venue model, the Parks Department conducted a competitive selection process, which involved evaluating proposals from two venue management firms – Global Spectrum L.P. d/b/a Spectra and SMG. The Board’s evaluation panel ranked SMG the highest based on several scoring criteria. 

SMG will provide full management and operational services for the Greek under an agreement that will have a one (1) year term, with two (2) successive one-year options that can be exercised at the discretion of the Board. 

“We are very excited to be working with SMG at the Greek,” said Mike Shull, General Manager of the Los Angeles Depart-ment of Recreation and Parks. “They manage some of the most recognizable facilities in the world.” 

SMG is expected to assume its new role, effective November 1, 2015. The Greek Theatre season starts April 15 and runs through October 31 each year. Promoters and event organizers have already submitted a significant number of requests for date holds through a lottery conducted by the Parks Department. SMG and the Park Board are estimating the venue will host approximately 70 live events next season, which is consistent with the past. 

“We welcome the Greek Theatre to our SMG family of facilities,” said Wes Westley, SMG’s President and CEO. “We are honored to have been selected and are looking forward to getting started.” 

“Everyone in the industry knows the Greek Theatre and we are honored that the Park Board has chosen SMG to operate its crown jewel,” said Doug Thornton, SMG’s Executive Vice President. “There are so many features that make this facility unique. We recognize the legacy of the venue, its significance to the community and the standard of care that is needed to operate within the confines of a neighborhood environment. We look forward to working with all of the promoters to offer the best in live entertainment, while preserving the legacy of this great facility.” 

BOK CENTER WELCOMES FIVE MILLIONTH FAN

(Tulsa, Okla.) September 25, 2015 – BOK Center hit another monumental milestone this evening at the Florida Georgia Line concert. At around 6:05 PM, the five millionth fan walked through the doors and had their ticket scanned. That lucky person was Hunter Orcutt from Tulsa who was attending with the concert with her husband, Alan. 

Orcutt had her seats to the concert upgraded to the first row, she got to meet both Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line prior to the show and she received an assortment of other prizes.

General Manager Jeff Nickler and Assistant General Manager Casey Sparks were present to meet Orcutt to congratulate her for being the winner.

"I never win anything, this is so insane," said Hunter Orcutt. "This is me and my husband's first time to BOK Center. We just moved here from Dallas and our seats tonight were in section 308, row Q. This is the best night ever!" 

In addition to the celebration going on inside BOK Center on Friday night, there was also a commemoration to the milestone event displayed outside as well. The BOK Tower in downtown proudly displayed "5M" in lights on the south side of the building for the evening. There was also a celebratory display of lights on the BOK Center plaza at the main entrance provided by Intergrity Lighting. 

"It's a testament to the incredible long-standing support of the Tulsa community that we're able to reach this milestone and we couldn't be more grateful," said BOK Center General Manager Jeff Nickler. "We are rewarding this five millionth fan as a tribute to all of the people who have ever attended an event at the arena."

Jim Gaffigan’s Cotagious tour sells out Lincoln’s Pinewood Bowl Theater.

Jim Gaffigan’s Contagious tour played to a sellout July 31 at Lincoln’s Pinewood Bowl Theater.  SMG – Lincoln’s General Manger Tom Lorenz and Mammoth Live’s Jeff Fortier present Jim with some unique Nebraska gift items to celebrate the occasion.

Venues Today ranks Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena number 3 in the world by attendance and number 6 in the world by gross ticket sales for venues of 10,001-15,000 seats for the first half of 2015.

The report ranks the arena number 1 in the U.S. in both categories. View the rankings from the image below, taken from Venues Today:

Premier Food Services Provides Catering Services For Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015

Los Angeles, CA (July 31, 2015) – Premier Food Services is proud to have provided food and beverage services for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015). In previous years, Premier Food Services’ parent company SMG hosted the competitions in 2001 at the George M. Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, AK, followed by holding the 2003 Special Olympics World Games closing ceremony at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the first World Games held outside of the United States. Carrying the torch in 2015, Premier provided food and beverage services for athletes, guests, and event personnel during this year’s Games.

“Premier Long Beach is proud to be a Silve

r Champion of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games,” said Veronica Quintero, regional general manager, Premier Food Services.

Premier arranged food services for four different Long Beach venues from July 20 through August 2. The venues included Alamitos Beach, Belmont Pier, Marine Stadium, and Aquarium of the Pacific, where Premier provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the volunteer workforce, along with lunches and snacks for athletes during the competition days. Premier also provided snacks for honored guests and families of the athletes as well as lunches for the Special Olympics World Games officials.

“Premier is proud to be part of the Special Olympics World Games,” said Paul Tazar, managing director, Premier Food Services. “Our team has provided chef-inspired, locally sourced, sustainable menus at multiple on and off-site locations, showcasing California culinary creativity to athletes, honored guests, families, Special Olympics officials and spectators from around the world.”

The 2015 World Games was the largest sports and humanitarian event hosted by Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games, with more than 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and 500,000 spectators in attendance.

The World Games were hosted for nine days from July 25-August 2 and featured 25 Olympic-type sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Half Marathon, Handball, Judo, Kayaking, Open Water Swimming, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Softball, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, and Beach Volleyball. These Games showcase the unlimited potential of people with intellectual disabilities – one of the largest disability populations in the world.

To learn more about the 2015 World Games, visit www.LA2015.org.

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About the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015) 

With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as Honorary Hosts. Current Founding Champions and sponsors include: The Coca-Cola Company, Mattel, Deloitte, Toyota, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, OUE Skyspace Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Davis Elen Advertising, Microsoft, Toys“R”Us, The Walt Disney Company, Google, UPS, Herbalife Nutrition, Los Angeles Times, AMC Theaters, La Opinión, Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, WWE, Los Angeles News Group, AEG, Annenberg Foundation, David Geffen, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, Panda Express, LA84 Foundation, and Knights of Columbus. LA2015, the Games Organizing Committee, is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information on the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LA2015.org and on social with #ReachUpLA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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About Premier Food Services 

Founded in San Diego in 1985, Premier Food Services is reinventing the hospitality industry. Rooted in its California heritage, Premier is passionate about creating chef-driven, seasonal menus inspired by diverse cultures and the unique West Coast lifestyle. Tailoring services to each of its 31 venues and their audiences, Premier prioritizes partnering with community vendors and giving back to others in the area who share a commitment to quality and sustainability. To learn more about how Premier is raising the bar on service and expertise, visit www.premierfoodservices.com.