PAUL McCARTNEY GETTING BACK “OUT THERE” IN THE U.S.A.

Charlottesville, VA (April 29, 2015) - Following an incredible 2014 which saw Paul McCartney's universally acclaimed Out There tour play 32 shows in 30 cities throughout South, Central and North America, Paul has confirmed June 23 at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA as the newest installment of the 2015 Out There tour.

Currently tearing through Japan and South Korea, and with confirmed headlines at Firefly Music Festival June 19 in Dover, DE, Wells Fargo Arena June 21 in Philadelphia, and Lollapalooza July 31 in Chicago, the Out There tour, as always, features music from the most beloved catalog in popular music, spanning Paul's entire career--as a solo artist, member of Wings and of course as a Beatle. The set list also includes material from Paul's most recent studio album NEW, a global hit upon its release in 2013.

The McCartney live experience is a once in a lifetime opportunity; in just three hours some of the greatest moments from the last 50 years of music are relived; music which for many has shaped the very soundtrack of their lives. Paul and his band have performed in a staggeringly impressive range of venues and locations, including outside the Coliseum in Rome, in Moscow's Red Square, Buckingham Palace, at the White House, a free show in Mexico to over 400,000 people, played the last ever show at  San Francisco’s Candlestick Park where The Beatles played their final concert, and even broadcast live into Space! Featuring Paul's band of the last 10+ years--Paul "Wix" Wickens (keyboards), Brian Ray (bass/guitar), Rusty Anderson (guitar) and Abe Laboriel Jr (drums)--the show never disappoints.

The tour also uses state of the art technology and production to ensure the entire audience has the best possible experience. With massive screens, lasers, fireworks, unique video content and, of course, the best songs in the world, a Paul McCartney show is so much more than just an ordinary concert. Paul's shows attract a multi-generational audience from different backgrounds all brought together by his music.

2015 is already off to an incredible start for Paul. He has appeared on the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards with Rihanna and Kanye West performing their smash hit collaboration “FourFiveSeconds," treated New York City to an intimate Valentine’s Day concert the night before appearing on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary special, and more recently inducted Ringo Starr into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With a sold out tour of Japan and South Korea currently underway and massive U.S., UK and Europe festival and arena engagements on the horizon, Out There 2015 is sure to be another amazing chapter for a living legend who continues to make history with his every move.

Tickets for the newly announced date will be on sale Monday, May 4 at 10am. 

Online: www.ticketmaster.com/venue/8997

By Phone: 1-888-JPJ-TIXS (888-575-8497)

In Person: John Paul Jones Arena Ticket Office

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. through Sunday, May 3 at 10 p.m.

Keep checking PaulMcCartney.com for further announcements.

PREMIER CENTER SMASHING SUCCESS

Sioux Falls, SD (April 29, 2015) - Denny Sanford Premier Center is on course to smash annual income projections in Sioux Falls, S.D., with $1.1 million in revenue after the first six months already approaching predictions for the year.

Revenue expectations for the first year of operation for the 12,000-seat, $117 million events center were in the range of $1.3 million, according City Finance Director Tracy Turbak.

The Premier Center also generated about $900,000 in sales tax revenue in the first six months.

“Without a doubt, we are in the black, far in the black with this facility,” Turbak said. “It’s no longer just a projection. It’s a reality.” The Premier Center has hosted more than 408,000 people at 94 events, including 11 sellouts, since opening Oct. 3 with Jason Aldean. In addition to concerts, the venue hosts sports including football, basketball, hockey and rodeos.

INTRUST BANK ARENA INTRODUCES WINGAPALOOZA

Wichita, KS (April 24, 2015) – SMG and INTRUST Bank Arena are pleased to introduce Wingapalooza on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 at INTRUST Bank Arena. The one-of-a-kind event will feature Wichita-area restaurants and chefs showcasing their best wings.

Wingapalooza will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the main arena floor and will include all-you-can-eat wings, a beer garden featuring select local craft beer options, and entertainment and music from a live DJ. Fans will have the opportunity to sample unique chicken wing recipes from the more than 20 restaurants and local chefs who will be showcasing their culinary flare and craft and competing for the best chicken wings in Wichita. Participating restaurants and chefs will vie for two awards at the event: a People’s Choice Award or “Lord of the Wings” and a Judge’s Choice Award.

“We’re excited to add Wingapalooza to the variety of events we strive to host at INTRUST Bank Arena,” said A.J. Boleski, SMG General Manager of INTRUST Bank Arena. “This unique type of event has been extremely successful in other cities. We look forward to not only showcasing the tremendous amount of culinary talent that Wichita has to offer, but also to the opportunity to provide our guests with the experience of tasting the best chicken wings in town.”

Tickets for the event are just $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets to Wingapalooza are limited and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at selectaseat.com, the INTRUST Bank Arena Box Office, by calling 855-755-SEAT (7328) or at participating Dillons locations. For more information on Wingapalooza, fans can visit www.intrustbankarena.com/wingapalooza.

Participating restaurants already on board to compete at the first Wingapalooza event include The Anchor, Douglas Avenue Chop Shop, Joe’s Old Town Bar & Grill, Wing Stop and The Monarch. Space is still available for local restaurants and chefs who are interested in competing at Wingapalooza. For more information on competing, please contact Josh Howell at josh.howell@intrustbankarena.com or 316-440-9013. INTRUST Bank Arena is proud to have iHeartMedia and Alt 107.3 as the radio sponsor for Wingapalooza. Additional sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Kris Wheeler at kris.wheeler@intrustbankarena.com or 316-440-9012.

Cobo Center wins recognition for energy efficiency

Detroit, MI (April 15, 2015) - Cobo Center has received the Sustain­ able Communities Champion Award from EcoWorks, a nonprofit organization based in Detroit that promotes energy efficiency, "green" building and sustain­ ability. The center has also received Green Venues Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Energy Office and is the largest Green Venues facility in the state.

"We are very pleased with the recog­nition that our environmental efforts have received," said Claude Molinari, assistant general manager of Cobo Cen­ter and regional director of operations Cobo Center on behalf of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority. "Green initiatives are a key component of our building operations."

Even as the build­ing goes through the final stages of a nearly $300 million upgrade and reno­vation, green initia­tives help  improve efficiency and reduce costs.

"Utilities are one of our largest expens­es, so energy management is critical to our operation," Molinari said. The us e of Detroit Thermal steam is monitored daily, sometimes  hourly, to ensure that consumption is in line with expectations. "Careful monitoring allows us to do a better job of conservation," Molinari added.

Reliability is also very important.

"As an events center, we know that 'the show must go on,"' Molinari said. "It's how we have to operate so we must have reliable heating." Molinari said he has great trust in Detroit Thermal and appreciates the fact that the company was proactive in helping the Center improve its metering system.

As a recent addition to its green initiatives, Cobo is having waste that cannot be recycled or composted taken to Detroit Thermal's sister company, Detroit Renewable Power. There the waste is converted to steam, which drives a turbine to produce electricity. The steam then goes through the Detroit Thermal system. In that way the Center is not adding anything to area landfills - and its waste becomes part of the fuel that heats its building. The process utilized by Detroit Renewable Power is called "combined heat and power" (CHP) and is twice as efficient as traditional power generation.

Cobo Center has become a jewel in the rejuvenation of downtown Detroit. Its striking new glass fagade is an exciting entrance into one of the largest contiguous exhibit venues in North America, and its new design allows for more flexible use of space. Although one of the most dramatic features of the renovation - the video wall - has yet to be completed, Cobo Center is already attracting more events and more conventions than ever before. The number of major bookings has doubled since 2011 , and the number of city-wide conventions has increased from six to 20.

Chesapeake Energy Arena Boasts Busy First Quarter of 2015

Oklahoma City, OK (April 6, 2015) - The beginning of 2015 was a strong one for the SMG-managed Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. The arena ranked 20^th in the United States and 50^th worldwide in ticket sales for the first quarter of 2015 according to Pollstar’s listing of the Top 100 arena venues.

This is the highest Chesapeake Energy Arena has ranked among U.S. venues in the first-quarter Pollstar chart since it was 18^th in 2008. It’s also the highest worldwide Pollstar ranking for the arena at the end of any quarter since it was 48^th at the end of the first quarter in 2013.

“It’s been a thrilling start to the year,” General Manager Gary Desjardins said. “I’d like to thank the event promoters and our staff for their hard work and dedication during these last three months. We look forward to more top acts coming to Oklahoma City throughout 2015.”

The first quarter of the year saw several exciting touring shows make their way to the arena, including four of the Top 10 selling tours according to Pollstar: Eric Church, the Harlem Globetrotters, Miranda Lambert and Winter Jam. Chesapeake Energy Arena also welcomed back Cirque du Soleil for seven performances of Varekai.

Along with the Globetrotters and Winter Jam, the arena welcomed other annual staples Professional Bull Riders and Monster Jam during the first three months of the year. It was also a quarter of firsts for the arena as Oklahoma native Charlie Wilson made his first stop there. Marvel Universe Live made its first ever trip to the state of Oklahoma with six performances.

In addition to these touring shows, Chesapeake Energy Arena hosted 20 Oklahoma City Thunder home games, four Oklahoma City Blue home games and an NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional in the first quarter of 2015.

The arena has already announced more big-name tours for this year, including two that were in Pollstar’s Top 10 from the first quarter: Fleetwood Mac April 17 and Foo Fighters Sept. 29. Other shows coming to the arena include Kevin Hart April 11, New Kids on the Block May 18, Eagles May 20, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey June 25-28, Def Leppard Aug. 10 and Shania Twain Aug. 12.

In March 2016, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Oklahoma City with first- and second-round games at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

A full schedule of upcoming events at Chesapeake Energy Arena can be found at ChesapeakeArena.com. The full Top 100 arena ranking and Top 100 tour ranking is available in the most recent issue of Pollstar.

ORPHEUM LAUNCHES BLOG IN SUPPORT OF PHASE 1 RESORATION PROJECT

Wichita, KS (April 6, 2015) – In February, Wichita’s historic Orpheum Theatre began Phase 1 of its final restoration project. Last week, the theatre launched a new blog and website that will serve to keep Orpheum fans and supporters informed about ongoing restoration in the historic theatre.

The website, www.ilovetheorpheum.com, features detailed explanations of restoration work, including photo galleries. Site visitors will also find information on the Orpheum’s Capital Campaign and Master Plan, including architects’ renderings. Blog contributors plan to follow the current project, revisit past projects, and look forward to the futures phases of restoration. Additionally, Orpheum fans can browse through photos of previous and current conditions, to compare to the work being done.

“We are excited to offer Orpheum fans the opportunity to follow along with our restoration project, giving them an inside look at the progress being made in the theatre,” said Mallory Rine, Marketing Coordinator. “As we work to raise funds for the final stages of restoration, it is important to us that the public has opportunity to see the progress as it is occurring.”

INTRUST BANK ARENA RANKED 16th BUSIEST ARENA IN THE UNITED STATES AFTER FIRST QUARTER

Wichita, KS (April 6, 2015) – The SMG-managed INTRUST Bank Arena finished as the 16th busiest arena in the United States and 44th in the world in Pollstar Magazine’s 2015 First Quarter Top 100 Arena Rankings. Rankings are based on tickets sold worldwide for shows played between 1/1/15 and 3/31/15.

“Finishing the first quarter ranked as the 16th busiest arena in the U.S. is a great way to kick off our 5th Anniversary year,” said A.J. Boleski, SMG General Manager. “We’ve hosted two 5th Anniversary Concert Series shows this quarter with Bob Seger and Fleetwood Mac, and also hosted back-to-back sold out concerts with Winter Jam and Miranda Lambert. It’s been an incredible run so far this year and we can’t wait to see what the rest of 2015 brings.”

Through the first quarter, INTRUST Bank Arena was the highest ranked SMG arena in the U.S. and hosted eight of the Top 100 Tours, including Winter Jam, Disney on Ice, Fleetwood Mac, Harlem Globetrotters, Miranda Lambert, Bob Seger, Cirque Du Soleil, and Sesame Street Live. Additionally, three more concerts INTRUST Bank Arena has scheduled for later in the year made the Top 100 Tours list and include Jason Aldean, Foo Fighters, and Ariana Grande.

The only U.S. arenas currently ranked ahead of INTRUST Bank Arena are: Allstate Arena (Chicago), Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, Tenn), American Airlines Arena (Dallas), Madison Square Garden (New York), SAP Center (San Jose, Calif.), Sprint Center (Kansas City, Mo.), Amway Center (Orlando, Fla.), Phillips Arena (Atlanta), Valley View Casino Center (San Diego), BB&T Center (Sunrise, Fla.), Toyota Center (Houston), Staples Center (Los Angeles), and Forum (Los Angeles), US Airways Center (Phoenix), and Oracle Arena (Oakland, Calif.).

SummitWBB Posts Nation’s Highest Tournament Attendance Figure

ELMHURST, Ill. (March 31, 2015)  – The Summit League owns the highest session attendance mark of any NCAA Division I postseason conference this season while figures for the championship game and the entire tournament average outpaced all but one conference. Three of the league’s crowds ranked among the nation’s top nine session draws.

The Summit League record March 7 quarterfinal crowd of 8,171 is higher than any session reported across Division I women’s basketball. Among league championship games, The Summit League’s 6,926 was the second-highest figure, outpacing all “big five” conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC). Additionally, The Summit League’s semifinal drew 6,704 spectators, placing it as the third-best nationally in that category. In total, three Summit League sessions (quarterfinal I, semifinal and championship) ranked among the nation’s top nine crowds.

Overall, The Summit League average attendance of 6,099 ranked second nationally and outpaced each of the “big five” conferences by over 1,000 fans per session.

“Our attendance figures are staggering,” said Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple. “When comparing our numbers nationally, and in particular against the ‘big five’ conferences, it shows the interest level for our event. I couldn’t be happier. These figures are a true testament to the support we receive from all of our fans and the Sioux Falls community. Producing these types of crowds further solidifies our women’s tournament as being one of the best in the nation.”

The Summit League will serve as host for the 2016 NCAA Women’s Regional at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center next March.

Below is a breakdown of 2015 Division I women’s basketball tournament attendance figures nationwide.

2015 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT ATTENDANCE FIGURES

SINGLE SESSION
Rank	Attendance	League	Session
1.	8,171	SUMMIT	Quarterfinal I
2.	8,000	West Coast	Championship
3.4. 5.	7,110	West Coast	Semifinal
	7,110	West Coast	Quarterfinal I
	7,110	West Coast	Quarterfinal II
6	7,108	ACC	Semifinal
7.	6,926	SUMMIT	Championship
8.	6,874	ACC	Championship
9.	6,704	SUMMIT	Semifinal
10.	6,677	American	Quarterfinal I

TOURNAMENT AVERAGE PER SESSION
Rank	Attendance	League
1.	7,333	West Coast
2.	6,099	SUMMIT
3.	5,911	American
4.	5,090	ACC
5.	4,231	Big 12
6.	3,999	Pac-12
7.	3,984	SEC
8.	3,361	Big Ten
9.	2,939	Mountain West
10.	2,641	SWAC

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Rank	Attendance	League
1.	8,000	West Coast
2.	6,926	SUMMIT
3.	6,874	ACC
4.	6,817	MEAC
5.	6,499	American
6.	5,819	SEC
7.	5,195	Mountain West
8.	4,864	Pac-12
9.	4,804	Big 12
10.	4,131	Big Ten

SEMIFINALS
Rank	Attendance	League
1.	7,110	West Coast
2.	7,108	ACC
3.	6,704	SUMMIT
4.	6,531	American
5.	6,059	Pac-12
6.	5,642	Big Ten
7.	5,524	SEC
8.	4,580	Big 12
9.	4,519	SWAC
10.	3,589	Southern

QUARTERFINALS
Rank	Attendance	League	Session
1.	8,171	SUMMIT	Quarterfinal I
2.	7,110	West Coast	Quarterfinal I
	7,110	West Coast	Quarterfinal II
4.	6,677	American	Quarterfinal I
5.	5,848	ACC	Quarterfinal II
6.	5,545	Pac-12	Quarterfinal II
7.	5,293	Big Ten	Quarterfinal I
8.	5,177	American	Quarterfinal II
9.	4,781	Big Ten	Quarterfinal II
10.	4,630	SEC	Quarterfinal I

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ABOUT THE SUMMIT LEAGUE

In its fourth decade of Division I athletics, 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. Previously known as the Mid-Continent Conference, The Summit League rebranded in 2007 and has since produced eight NCAA Champions along with over 65 All-Americans, 60 Academic All-America selections and numerous former student-athletes competing at the highest professional level. For more information about the league and to "See The Summit", visit www.thesummitleague.org, follow on Twitter @thesummitleague, download The Summit League's Front Row app, and watch the weekly "Inside The Summit League" show at www.thesummitleague.org/itsl.