Globetrotters Play On Spectrum Roof - Global Spectrum

Spring 2009 

Issue 47 

Global Spectrum 

To Manage Rio 

Rancho Arena 

The City of Rio Rancho, NM, 

selected Global Spectrum to 

manage the Santa Ana Star 

Center, the city’s three-year-old, 

6,500-seat arena, which is 

home of the Central Hockey 

League’s New Mexico Scorpions. 

In addition to Global Spectrum, 

two other Comcast-Spectacor 

companies will have an involvement 

with the Santa Ana Star 

Center. Front Row Marketing 

Services and New Era Tickets 

expect to provide services 

to the venue in 

the future. 

“We look forward 

to bringing our 

personalized 

customer service 

and our experienced staff to 

Rio Rancho to provide the City 

with the expertise it needs to 

revive and stimulate events, 

excitement, and enjoyment 

at the arena,” said John 

Page, Global Spectrum’s Chief 

Operating Officer. “It’s our intent 

to market the Santa Ana Star 

Center as a quality destination 

for the region where people will 

gather and enjoy Scorpions 

hockey and many other family 

shows and special attractions.” 

“I'm extremely excited about 

Global Spectrum taking over 

management of this facility,” 

Mayor Thomas Swisstack 

said. “Our customer experience 

is probably going to be 

elevated tenfold.” 

Globetrotters Play On Spectrum Roof 

As farewell gesture to the Wachovia Spectrum, Harlem Globetrotters play game against Washington Generals on roof of historic 

arena, which will be razed for Philly Live!, an entertainment and retail complex. Story on page 8. 

Global Spectrum Makes Positive Changes 

At Miami Beach Convention Center 

After less than six months of managing the 

Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami 

Beach, FL, Global Spectrum has been aggressive in 

making changes that have reduced 

energy costs for the City of Miami 

Beach, increased events, accelerated 

marketing efforts, and added 

amenities for people attending 

conventions, trade shows, and consumer shows at 

the 1.2 million-sq. ft. venue. 

Bob Balsam, Global Spectrum’s General Manager of 

the Miami Beach Convention Center, said numerous 

new 2009 bookings have been added to the event 

schedule for this year. They include The Great 

Merchandise Sale, The Super Floral Show, Miagreen, 

Mattech, VON 2009, Mediterranean Experience, 

Florida Boat Auction, Zetabid Real 

Estate Auctions, Entrepreneur 

Magazine, Giant Lender Home 

Foreclosure Auction, and the Hebrew 

Academy Gala. 

The building has hosted major events since Global 

Spectrum took over management in October, 

including the International Association of Exhibitions 

and Events, the Miami International Boat Show, NIKE, 

Art Basel, South Florida Auto Show, IBEX, Miami 

(Continued on page 17 ) 

(Continued on page 3) 

Around the Globe... 

Phillies Extend 

Contract 

P. 6 

Wrestlemania XXVI 

Set For Glendale, AZ 

P. 7 

Palm Beach 

Art Shows Up 

P. 13 

AHL Hockey Team 

For Abbotsford Centre 

P. 14 

Joan LaMahieu 

GM At Winery 

P. 17

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES 

Economic Challenges 

Create New Opportunities 

By Frank E. Russo, Jr. 

Global Spectrum 

Senior Vice President 

Business Development & Client Relations 

frusso@global-spectrum.com 

(860) 657-0634 

Difficult economic times present a 

growing number of cities, counties, 

and state-operated universities 

with the perfect opportunity to consider 

changing to private management for their 

arenas, stadiums, convocation centers or 

convention centers. 

This is the most active year in Global 

Spectrum’s nine-year history. This trend has 

gained momentum as we moved into 2009, 

and I see it continuing at a significant pace 

through at least next year. 

We have found that publicly-owned facilities 

are increasingly interested in private facility 

management in order to maximize use of 

their facilities and enhance revenues. 

While municipal budgets and services are 

being reduced and school endowments are 

losing value because of the economy, cities, 

counties, and universities view private management 

as a means to operate the facilities 

more competitively and more successfully, 

and also as a means to somewhat insulate 

these facilities from across-the-board cuts 

that will, in all likelihood, actually have a 

negative impact on event programming and 

revenue generation. 

Progressive government and university 

administrations are viewing privatization as 

a practical and politically acceptable way to 

reduce their own payrolls and create a more 

financially viable and competitive situation 

for their facilities. 

One of the myths I often hear about privatizing 

government employees is that they will 

lose their jobs when a private manager takes 

over. The truth is that the vast majority of 

these loyal and knowledgeable employees 

are retained when we assume management – 

at their current salaries, and most often, with 

improved benefits. 

Enlightened government officials and other 

facility owners clearly see the value in at least 

considering private management. The upside 

potential is simply too great to ignore. 

If the economy is dictating potential failure 

or underperforming public assembly 

facilities, now is the time to call Global 

Spectrum, which can provide an economic 

stimulus package for government and 

university public assembly facilities. 

In tough economic times, privatization offers our clients many 

advantages over continued self-operation, including: 

3601 S. Broad Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19148 

Phone 215.389.9530 

global-spectrum.com 

Design: 

Editorial: Ike Richman & Larry Rubin 

• A network of managed facilities creates event-booking leverage 

for each individual client: more events and better deals. 

• Depth of corporate support (professional staff) results in more comprehensive 

management, oversight and on-site assistance. This reduces stress, time, and 

budget impact on other governmental or university departments. 

• A private management company is often the most effective means for a 

city/county or university to balance competing departmental interests. 

• Facility staff will have greater opportunities for professional growth, 

advancement, and peer group contacts for problem solving. 

• A greater ability to manage the bottom line. 

• Other benefits provided by private management are: 

• Increased operating efficiency 

• Continuity 

• Fast reaction time to problems and opportunities 

• Shared database and industry research (comparable performance benchmarks) 

• Marketing and group sales support 

• Performance-based compensation for key management employees 

• A more efficient procurement process for goods and services 

• The ability to take risk to stimulate more event activity 

• The ability to make key revenue-generating investments 

2 THE GLOBE – The World of Global Spectrum

(continued from page 1) 

Miami Beach 

International Wine and Food Fair, Miami Tattoo 

Show, ArteAmericas, and the Miami Home 

Design and Remodeling Show. 

“We’ve been very busy making sure that we’re 

very busy,” Balsam said. “Miami Beach is a 

sensational place and we want the Convention 

Center to reflect the hospitality, service, and 

friendliness of the City of Miami Beach.” 

A very popular new event created by Global 

Spectrum is a series of Senior Dances. The 

first session drew 350 active seniors from 

Miami Beach for a few hours of dancing, fun, 

and friendship. Subsequent Senior Dances are 

scheduled for June, July, and September. 

A even more impressive success story in 

Miami Beach centers around Global 

Spectrum’s event booking and management 

responsibilities at the landmark Colony 

Theatre on Lincoln Road and the Byron 

Carlisle Theater, both owned by the City. 

Since assuming management and installing 

Gary Lund as Theatre Manager, both venues 

have seen significant increases in usage 

and attendance. 

Event days as a result of new bookings at the 

Byron Carlisle Theater increased an average 

of 34.3 percent between December 2008 and 

June 2009 over the same time last year. At the 

Byron Carlisle Theater, new event days 

increased by a staggering 81.5 percent 

average over last year’s event 

schedule between December 

and June. 

Jeff Rugg, Global Spectrum’s 

Marketing Manager at the Miami 

Beach Convention Center, said he has created 

a partnership with Perfect Wedding Guide, 

which will kick off during the summer with an 

Open House to bring prospective 

brides and grooms, and 

their families, to the Convention 

Center to see the great facilities 

available to them for a very 

special wedding celebration. 

The Marketing Department has 

also developed strategies to 

assist clients in the area of 

marketing, promotions, public 

relations, advertising, and sponsorships. 

Global Spectrum has saved the City of 

Miami Beach thousands of dollars in the 

operation at the Convention Center through 

implementation of a company-wide total 

environmentally conscious plan known as 

STEP UP (Global Spectrum Total Environmental 

Plan). When Global Spectrum assumed 

management of the Center in October, the 

savings in that month alone were $45,000. 

“We made sure when we arrived in Miami 

Beach that reducing facility costs with a 

more effective energy plan was one of 

our main goals,” said Balsam. “This program 

is designed to conserve 

energy, recycle goods, and 

promote a healthy environment 

for the Convention Center 

and City of Miami Beach.” 

In addition to these energy 

savings, Global Spectrum’s operations department 

has developed a single-stream recycling 

program intended to simplify the recycling 

process for the Convention Center, as well as 

its exhibitors and attendees at their consumer 

shows, tradeshows, and other events. 

“We are very pleased to learn of Global 

Spectrum’s successful energy and cost 

saving initiative, particularly when Miami 

Beach is thinking more green in a very 

challenging economy. On behalf of our 

CORPORATE NEWS 

Helping to STEP UP recycling efforts at Miami Beach Convention Center are (from left) Global Spectrum’s 

Bob Balsam, Miami Beach Convention Center General Manager; Larry Otto, Director of Operations; and 

Angelo Grande, Chief Engineer. 

residents, I want to commend Global 

Spectrum for its win-win efforts,” said 

Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower. 

Balsam said Global Spectrum is planning to 

add a business center, coffee shop, and 

restaurant to the 25-year-old Convention 

Center to make the facility more competitive. 

Global Spectrum has installed cell phone 

charging stations throughout the facility 

for the convenience of people attending 

conventions, meetings, and other events. 

“Event days as a result of new bookings at the Byron 

Carlisle Theater increased an average of 34.3 percent 

between December 2008 and June 2009. 

” 

Global Spectrum has also accelerated its 

focus on customer service at the Miami 

Beach Convention Center by implementing 

an aggressive “How You Doin’?” program. 

The unique, proprietary program creates 

an immediate and positive one-on-one 

relationship between the Global Spectrum 

employee and a guest of the venue. 

THE GLOBE – The World of Global Spectrum 3

Ovations Serves Up Spring Training Treats 

At Three MLB Parks 

Major League Baseball players reported for 

spring training in February in order to begin 

warming up for the 2009 Major League Baseball 

season. Reporting along with the players at three 

MLB ballparks was Ovations Food Services. 

Ovations served thousands of hungry fans 

attending games at Hohokam Stadium, Mesa, AZ, 

home of the Chicago Cubs; Space Coast Stadium, 

Viera, FL, home of the Washington Nationals; 

and Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, AZ, the spring 

training home of the Cleveland Indians. 

Ovations created foods and concession areas with “local appeal” 

that reflected the ballpark’s or team’s location, ethnic heritage, 

and/or unique food favorites. On hand were numerous portable 

carts, each featuring special food and beverage items, to reduce 

Hohokam Stadium, Mesa, AZ, spring training site for Chicago Cubs, increased size of Party 

Deck to accommodate groups of up to 300, offering fantastic views of field and action. 

Phone 215.389.9530 

comcast-spectacor.com 

Phone 215.389.9558 


Phone 813.948.6900 

ovationsfoodservices.com 

Phone 610.408.9460 

neweratickets.com 

Phone 215.218.7529 

frontrow-marketing.com 

World’s top Olympic gymnasts bundle up for visit to Mt. Rushmore before NBC-TV taping of Progressive Skating and 

Gymnastics Spectacular in Rapid City, SD. Facing cold are (front row, from left) Samantha Peszek, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, 

and Justin Spring, (back row, from left), Ivan Ivankov, Paul Hamm, Steven Disson, show producer, and Raj Bhavsar. Disson 

Skating partners with Comcast-Spectacor to produce live ice skating spectaculars. Progressive Skating and Gymnastics 

Spectacular aired on NBC-TV on January 18. 

4

long lines at the stands, group picnic areas, 

and an enlarged party deck at one venue, 

which catered to 300 fans. 

Fans at all of the ballparks were excited to 

see the names and products of local restaurants, 

giving them another reason to cheer 

the home team. 

Ovations’ concept 

of providing fresh 

food at its concession 

stands was a definite home run with 

fans attending games in Arizona and Florida. 

A sampling of local favorites served at the 

ballparks included a stand called Tamales, 

which was operated at Goodyear Ballpark by 

Raul & Theresa’s, a local restaurant in 

Phoenix; fall-off-the-bone barbecue and pork 

tenderloin sandwiches, both Chicago 

staples, were served at Hohokam Stadium; 

and fresh baked pizza, Philly cheesesteaks, 

and grilled sausage sandwiches served by 

Bizzaro Pizza, a local Brevard County pizza 

chain, were served at Space Coast Stadium. 

The new Goodyear Ballpark was the site of 

this year’s Cactus League Breakfast, which 

took place on February 24. The event drew 

ballpark managers from throughout 

Arizona and was a great opportunity for 

Ovations to show off the capabilities and 

design of the new ballpark. 

Ovations Food Services Grand Opening Team at new Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, AZ, Cactus League home of 

Cleveland Indians. 

FanOne On Top Of Digital Fan Game; 

Kudos From Eloqua 

New Era Tickets and FanOne have received 

the “Most Sourced Revenue Award” for 2008 

from the company’s marketing technology 

partner, Eloqua. 

FanOne has implemented over 20 sports 

teams and venues with digital fan marketing 

technology within the last two 

years. Ron Scrafano, FanOne’s lead 

Marketing Analyst, played a big part 

in this achievement. 

Scrafano has pushed the envelope by rolling out 

sophisticated multi-channel marketing campaigns 

for many of the company’s clients, including a 

recent Pocono Raceway Print-On-Demand and 

Personalized URL promotion. “It’s motivating for me 

to see the results we’re achieving in the sports and 

entertainment space,” said Scrafano. 

“Eloqua tells us that we’re pushing the uses of 

the tool and launching some of the most 

creative campaigns in sports advertising; 

that’s a big compliment to get from a world 

leader in marketing technology 

software,” he added. 

FanOne not only executes 

digital fan marketing 

communications, but 

also applies industryspecific 

best practices 

knowledge to each program they 

develop for their clients. ” 

Ron Scrafano, FanOne Marketing 

Analyst, holding Eloqua’s “Most 

Sourced Revenue Award.” 

5


Champion Phillies Extend 

Contract At Citizens Bank Park 

Major League Baseball’s World 

Champion Philadelphia Phillies have 

extended Global Spectrum’s contract to 

provide a full array of facility management 

services at Citizens Bank 

Park through the 2010 season. 

"Global Spectrum has done and 

continues to do great work for 

us at our ballpark,” said 

Phillies President David 

Montgomery. “They are an 

industry leader in managing similar 

properties, and we are very fortunate to 

have them as our partners in managing 

Citizens Bank Park.” 

Global Spectrum is responsible 

for the maintenance and 

cleaning of Citizens Bank 

Park, as well as for the supervision 

of sub-contractors, the 

maintenance and operations of 

electrical, heating and air 

conditioning systems, and for general 

repairs, including capital projects. 

In addition, Global Spectrum has helped 

Michel Sauers (left), Comcast-Spectacor Senior Vice President of Business Development, welcomes 

Singapore Sports Council’s Yu Khing (second from left) and Tow Heam (second from right) to Wachovia 

Center, Global Spectrum’s flagship arena in Philadelphia. With them is Mark Collins, Global Spectrum 

Managing Director. Global Spectrum Asia is working with Singapore Sports Council on Premiere Park, 

a soon-to-open 65,000-seat stadium and sports complex in Singapore. 

6 THE GLOBE – The World of Global Spectrum 

the Phillies secure live concerts for 

Citizens Bank Park through a relationship 

with Live Nation. The ballpark will 

host two shows with Elton John and Billy 

Joel on Thursday, July 30, and 

Saturday, August 1, 2009. 

Citizens Bank Park has also 

hosted three Jimmy Buffet 

concerts and one each from 

Bon Jovi and the Police. 

“The Phillies are a tremendous 

organization,” said Comcast-Spectacor 

President Peter Luukko. “Citizens Bank 

Park is the finest ballpark in Major 

League Baseball, and we are thankful to 

David and the Phillies for 

enabling us to help manage 

the facility for them.” 

The Phillies have had an 

excellent working relationship 

with Comcast-Spectacor, 

Global Spectrum’s parent 

company, on many matters over the 

years in the South Philadelphia Sports 

Complex District. 

Tom Mobley Set For Induction 

Into CIC’s Hall of Leaders 

Tom Mobley, Global Spectrum’s 

Senior Vice President of 

Convention Centers, will be 

inducted into the Convention 

Industry Council’s (CIC) Hall of 

Leaders, one of the highest 

honors and achievements in 

the meetings, conventions, 

Tom Mobley exhibition, and travel industry, 

at the 2010 Hall of Leaders Gala 

in January. The event will be held in conjunction 

with the Professional Convention Management 

Association’s Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX. 

Mobley was selected from a group of extraordinary 

nominees representing the most 

outstanding leaders and innovators 

in the industry. 

“We are extremely fortunate to 

have Tom and his expertise and 

knowledge of the convention 

center industry available to all of our convention 

center managers,” said John Page, Global Spectrum 

Chief Operating Officer. “He is incredibly talented 

and well connected within the industry, which is a 

major advantage to us and our clients.” 

“Tom is synonymous with excellence in the 

convention center industry,” said Karen Kotowski, 

CAE, CMP, CIC Chief Operating Officer. “He is the 

most respected leader in maximizing opportunities 

for his clients, the show organizers, and the cities in 

which he has worked. Global Spectrum is extremely 

fortunate to have Tom leading their charge in the 

convention center industry. He is a tremendous 

asset to the growth of Global Spectrum.” 

Nominated by the Center for Exhibition Industry 

Research (CEIR), Mobley has built a long and 

successful career in convention center operations, 

design, and development with successful terms in 

Baltimore, Jacksonville, Denver, Chicago, and 

Washington, DC. His focus on meeting his 

customers’ needs ensured that certain elements 

survived the design and value engineering 

process. His commitment led to design changes 

at McCormick Place, which increased the meetingto-exhibit-space 

ratio. 

Mobley serves as Chairman of the Board of the CIC. 

He is also a member of the Board of Directors of 

the Professional Convention Management 

Association Foundation, as well as former 

Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of the Center 

for Exhibition Industry Research. He also is a 

member of the American Society of Association 

Executives, Exhibition Services Contractors 

Association, Exhibitor Appointed Contractors 

Association, International Association of 

Exposition Managers, Professional Convention 

Management Association, and Tradeshow 

Exhibitors Association.


client SPEAK 

with Jim Grigsby 

Glens Falls Mayor John Diamond (second from left) and Ward Five Councilman Bennet 

Driscoll (left) at Global Spectrum’s flagship arena, the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, 

with John Page (right), Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer, and Jason Blumenfeld, 

General Manager of Glens Falls Civic Center. 

Wrestlemania XXVI Coming 

To University Of Phoenix Stadium 

After more than two years of marketing efforts and competition from 

multiple cities, the Global Spectrum-managed University of Phoenix 

Stadium in Glendale, AZ, has been selected to host Wrestlemania XXVI. 

The internationally broadcast “Super Bowl of Wrestling” will take place 

March 28, 2010, and involve over five days of events, including a 

charity golf tournament, interactive fan “Axxess,” and a 

Hall of Fame induction during “Mania” week. 

The event has traditionally drawn crowds in excess of 

70,000 and features top celebrities from the world 

of sports and entertainment. In addition to a worldwide 

television audience and attendees from 

more than 20 countries, the event is expected to generate 

as much as $50 million in direct economic impact for the 

City of Glendale and surrounding communities. 

“We are extremely pleased with the partnership we 

have forged with WWE to host this great event. WWE 

expressed to us that it was our staff’s dedication and 

creativity that ultimately led to their decision to select 

our facility, and it was the Global Spectrum team effort that made the 

difference,” said Global Spectrum’s Peter C. Sullivan, University of 

Phoenix Stadium General Manager. 

Assistant City Manager 

for Operations 

City of Roanoke, Virginia 

Jim Grigsby 

For the past several years, the City of 

Roanoke’s Civic Center was experiencing 

declining revenue which resulted in an 

increasing cash subsidy from the City’s 

budget. Staff was trying hard to reverse 

that trend, but for whatever reason (declining 

economy, cultural shift to other entertainment venues, 

marketing capacity) they were not successful in that effort. 

Outsourcing management of the facility appeared to be 

the best course of action. A request for proposal was 

drafted, interviews conducted and after a 

comprehensive vetting, political and 

contract negotiation process, a five-year 

contract was awarded to Global Spectrum. 

Global Spectrum’s transition team was 

extremely helpful and professional in setting the right tone, 

timing, and process. On January 1, 2009, the operation of the 

Civic Center was turned over to Global Spectrum. We feel the 

right organizational structure is in place to make the Civic 

Center a successful entertainment venue and economic 

development tool. Positive signs of new life are appearing in 

employee attitudes (“How You Doin’?”) with new and exciting 

shows in the pipeline and promoters leaving the facility with 

favorable remarks on the service they received. 

Global Spectrum developed and submitted a competitive 

financial package in response to the city’s RFP. They sent a 

professional team to Roanoke to pitch Global’s services. They 

were responsive to Roanoke’s needs during the contract 

negotiations. They staffed Roanoke with an aggressive 

General Manager who is diligent in keeping the City informed 

of the transition process and any problems. They deal with 

current City staff in a professional manner. 

The right people and support organization are in place to 

help us achieve our goal for the civic center. 

From left: Global Spectrum General Manager Peter C. Sullivan, WWE Chairman Vince 

McMahon, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, and WWE Senior Vice President – Special 

Events, John Saboor share spotlight during announcement that WrestleMania XXVI will 

be held at University of Phoenix Stadium next year. 


FACILITY NEWS 

Globetrotters On Roof For Spectrum Farewell 

The Harlem Globetrotters gave an unprecedented 

tribute to the soon-to-close Wachovia 

Spectrum by playing a game against the 

Washington Generals on the roof of the 

legendary arena on March 5. The historic 

game added to a yearlong 

celebration of the Spectrum, which 

will be razed at the end of 2009 

to make way for Philly Live!, an 

entertainment and retail complex. 

The game on the roof was announced on 

February 18 (from the roof of the Wachovia 

Center) and caused a wave of media 

publicity and word-of-mouth marketing of 

unprecedented levels. The hype also 

resulted in a significant jump in ticket sales 

for the two Globetrotters games at the 

Wachovia Center on March 8. The 18-day 

span from February 18 to March 8 sold 

$40,000 more in ticket sales for the Wachovia 

Center games than the same period in 2008. 

Highlights from the game on the roof 

were seen nationally, including ESPN’s 

SportsCenter, MSNBC, the Today Show, and 

the New York Times. Locally, it literally was 

covered by everyone, including the top fold 

of the front page of the 

Philadelphia Inquirer, full-page 

photos in the Philadelphia Daily 

News, and reporters from every 

TV station in the market. In all, 35 

members of the media joined 12 players and 

coaches to make the trek up 110 steps, a 

five-rung ladder, an approximate 30-foot 

stretch of catwalk, and a second 13-rung 

ladder to a hatch that opened to the 

temporary basketball court set up on the roof. 

The game lasted 19 minutes and 67 

seconds to commemorate the year the 

Spectrum opened and, would you believe it, 

the Globetrotters beat the Washington 

Generals, 36-24. 

David Archuleta Kicks Off 

Tour At Sandler Center 

The Global Spectrum-managed Sandler 

Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia 

Beach, VA, was the first stop on the first concert 

tour for pop vocal prodigy and American 

Idol finalist David Archuleta on February 24. 

David Ratliff, Sandler Center’s Director of 

Marketing, said media from across the 

country covered the sold-out concert by the 

affable and engaging young vocalist. 

The concert sold out 

weeks before the show, 

and the packed house 

of the Sandler Center 

was brimming with 

energy and excitement. When Archuleta 

finally took the stage, fans found he truly 

lived up to his fame. The night turned out to 

be an extraordinary success, with the 

audience standing for the entire show and 

the hall resounding with cheers and 

applause throughout the night. 

Archuleta made his mark on Virginia 

Beach, and the Sandler Center for the 

Performing Arts secured its position as a 

choice location for popular national and 

international touring artists. 

David Semon, General Manager, Sandler Center for the 

Performing Arts, Virginia Beach, VA, and American Idol 

finalist David Archuleta get ready for kick-off of 

Archuleta’s first concert tour on February 24. 

Tipping-off NCAA Basketball Tournament at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA, are (from left) Tim Murphy, 

Global Spectrum Regional Vice President; Don DiJulia, St. Joseph’s University Athletic Director; Tom O'Connor 

and Dave Worlock, NCAA representatives; and Marie Wozniak, Assistant Athletic Director/Communications, and 

Jim Brown, Assistant Vice President/Athletics Business Affairs, both at St. Joseph’s, host institution for first and 

second round games in Philadelphia. 


Annual Political 

Dinner At Richmond 

Convention Center 

The Greater Richmond Convention Center 

was the scene of the Democratic Party of 

Virginia’s annual Jefferson/Jackson Dinner 

with former President Bill Clinton as the 

guest speaker. The party's annual fundraiser 

drew 3,000 to the Convention Center. 

According to the local paper “Dolled-up 

Democrats plunked down roughly $175 for 

seats, earning the party an estimated 

$700,000 or more.”

FACILITY NEWS 

Operations Staff 

Scores At Record Pace 

At Iowa Events Center 

The Global Spectrum operations staff 

stepped up to the plate during one of 

the busiest eight-day stretches on 

record at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des 

Moines, IA. 

Immense planning, communication, 

and organization contributed to the 

success, making the transition of Wells 

Fargo Arena from rock concert to high 

school sports venue seamless. 

“This was a real test for our changeover 

crew,” said Matt Homan, General 

Manager. “The crew took on the challenge 

and passed with flying colors.” 

Over the weeklong 

period, the arena took 

on many forms. 

Changeover from a 

basketball court to ice 

hockey rink in 2.5 hours was just a 

warm-up for the hard working crew. 

Once the hockey game ended and the 

last fan left the building, preparations 

were underway to construct the stage 

for Motley Crue the next night. As the 

curtain closed on the last set, crews 

were already in place transforming the 

arena to accommodate the High 

School State Wrestling Tournament 

that would fill the arena over the next 

four days. State Wrestling ended, and 

the crew got to work setting up for 

Toby Keith’s Biggest & Baddest Tour 

the following night. 

National Pheasant Fest 

To Land At Iowa Center 

Pheasants Forever will return to the Iowa 

Events Center in Des Moines, IA, for the 

2010 National Pheasant Fest. 

The event first came to the state of Iowa 

and the Iowa Events Center for National 

Pheasant Fest 2007, Pheasants Forever’s 

third such event. Despite a heavy 

snowstorm on the Sunday of the event, 

fest-goers set a record for attendance, 

with 24,510 passing through the gates. 

“We’re bringing National Pheasant Fest 

back to Iowa for two reasons,” said 

Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and 

Quail Forever President and CEO. “We’d 

really love to set a new Pheasant Fest 

attendance record, and we know Des Moines 

is the place to do it.” 

National Pheasant Fest has become the 

nation’s largest event for upland hunters, 

landowners, sport dog owners, and 

wildlife habitat conservationists. The 

unique family event offers a wide variety of 

exhibits, seminars, dog training events 

and youth attractions. National Pheasant 

Fest 2010 will combine a national 

consumer show, habitat seminar series, 

and family events complete with puppies, 

tractors, shotguns, and art. 

Variety Club Telethon 

Raises $3.1 Million At Polk 

County Complex 

The 35th Annual 

Variety Club of 

Iowa’s 24-hour 

telethon took place at the Polk 

County Convention Complex 

on February 14-15. The event 

was attended by local celebrities 

Gold Medalist Shawn 

Johnson, Miss Iowa Chelsea 

Gauger, country favorite Jason 

Brown, and many others. 

The telethon, which aired live 

on statewide ABC networks, 

raised over $3.1 million for 

the Variety Club of Iowa. This 

was the first year the telethon 

took place at the Polk County 

Convention Complex. 

Students are wall-to-wall on Plaza in front of UCF Arena for Movies 

on the Plaza to enjoy showing of "Juno." 

Global Hosts Fun Events 

For Students At UCF Arena 

Global Spectrum is hosting free student events on 

the University of Central Florida campus in 

Orlando, including Movies on the Plaza in front of 

the UCF Arena and Power Bingo Night in the lobby. 

Movies on the Plaza, which is now in its second 

year, consists of a free movie screening on a 

two-story tall screen with surround sound and 

comfortable seating provided by the UCF Arena. 

Students and families were encouraged to arrive 

early and enjoy a live DJ, interactive entertainment, 

such as a XBOX Live Lounge and scavenger 

hunt, prize giveaways, and 

more. Crowds of up to 

5,000 have attended. 

Global Spectrum started 

something new this year 

with Power Bingo Night. Free and open to all 

students, bingo nights were created as an 

additional entertainment value to students who 

live on and off campus that is very affordable and 

fun. Each night, students have a chance to win gift 

certificates to restaurants in Knight’s Plaza, as well 

as free concert tickets and the grand prize of a 

$500 Visa card. 

Global Spectrum staff at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA, 

works on second of five changeovers in span of eight days; Over 

100,000 fans visited Wells Fargo Arena in one of busiest weeks on 

record at facility. 

Over 250 students gather in lobby of UCF Arena for Power 

Bingo Night. 


IN THE COMMUNITY 

Fargodome Responds To Community’s Needs 

During Devastating Floods In North Dakota 

The Fargodome in Fargo, ND, became a focal 

point in that city as the place where 

volunteers came to fill thousands of 

sandbags to be used to prevent 

the rampaging Red River and 

the spring thaw from flooding 

additional areas of the city. 

Rob Sobolik, Global Spectrum’s General 

Manager at the Fargodome, and his staff 

responded to the community’s needs and 

opened the Fargodome’s doors and facilities 

to the volunteers on a 24-hour basis. 

“In the Fargodome, thousands of people 

gathered not to watch a football game or a 

rodeo, but to fill sandbags. Volunteers filled 

thousands of them in just five 

days, working against the 

clock, day and night, with tired 

arms and aching backs,” said 

President Barack Obama in his radio 

address to the nation. 

“I’m so proud of our Global Spectrum 

people for rallying behind the community 

and providing hours and hours of their 

time to assist in the battle against the 

unpredictable flooding in our city,” 

Sobolik said. “Fargo is a wonderful 

community of very special people. We’re 

honored that the Fargodome could be a 

facility where everyone came together to 

help their neighbors.” 

“It’s really inspiring, very heart-warming,” 

said North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, 

who handed out hamburgers to hungry 

volunteers at the Fargodome. 

Fargo, ND, residents fill sandbags at Fargodome to aid and protect residents from rising Red River. 

Staff members at Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS, collect coats for 

Global Spectrum Charities’ Winter Coat Drive. Taking part are (from left) Vicki McQuain, 

Accountant; Kelly Barnes, Event Manager; Tracy Roberts, Director of Sales and Marketing; 

Laural Suminski, Event Manager; Tara Houx, Sales Manager; Brooke Taylor, Event Manager; 

Amy Worden, Sales Manager; and Aesha Beattle, Sales Manager. 

School Kids Learn About Convention 

Center Job Opportunities 

The Global Spectrum staff at the Greater Richmond 

Convention Center hosted a group of eighth-grade 

students from Henderson Middle School for a day 

of learning about the Convention Center’s day-today 

operations. 

The experiential learning trip included a presentation, a facility 

tour, and lunch with the staff. Arthur Williams, Director of 

Security at the GRCC, was a former Henderson student, and he 

shared his story of working his way up with Global Spectrum 

from a part-time employee to his current position as a director. 

Henderson’s story should inspire many of these kids. 

When asked what was their favorite part of the day, the 

overwhelming response from the class was “lunch.” They said 

the pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, and fries were a lot 

better than what they get at their school. 


IN THE COMMUNITY 

Abbotsford Residents Brave Frigid Cold To Donate Clothes 

Gusting winds, frigid temperatures, and an 

arena under construction did not stop the 

Global Spectrum team from partnering with 

The Salvation Army for the first annual 

Winter Clothing Drive at the Abbotsford 

Entertainment & Sports Centre in 

Abbotsford, BC. 

The theme to link the clothing 

drive with the May opening of the 

venue was: “Spring '09 is just 

around the corner…. Do your spring cleaning 

early, and give the gift of warmth.” 

“Even though our building is in the last phase 

of construction, we feel that we are an important 

part of the Abbotsford community,” said 

Trey Bell, General Manager of the 7,500-seat 

centre. “Our Global Spectrum team is 

committed to providing residents of the 

Abbotsford area with great entertainment 

and sports, first-class customer service, 

and outreach activities in the community.” 

Donations of gently loved 

winter coats, jackets, 

sweaters, winter shoes, 

scarves, boots, and gloves 

were accepted in the parking 

lot across what will be the main gates of 

the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports 

Centre on December 13. 

As a thank you, drawings for free gift 

certificates from local retailers went to 

the first 50 donors. 

Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre’s First Annual 

Winter Clothing Drive in frigid British Columbia weather 

provided warmth for needy families. Global Spectrum 

teamed with Salvation Army to conduct facility’s initial 

community event. 

Budweiser Events Center 

Staff Assist At Food Bank 

Global Spectrum employees at the Budweiser Events Center in 

Loveland, CO, rolled up their sleeves for the second consecutive 

year to work at the Larimer County Food Bank to help sort canned 

goods and repackage food for distribution to those in need. 

Last year, the food bank distributed 6.6 million pounds of food 

throughout the county. This year, according to the building’s staff, 

the number has significantly increased due to the economy and 

other factors in which families have found themselves. 

“Our hands-on participation with the Larimer County Food 

Bank provides our staff with a sense of accomplishment and 

satisfaction,” said Rick Hontz, General Manager. “I want to thank 

the 18 full-time staff members and interns who volunteered 

to help us give back to our friends in Larimer County.” 

Global Spectrum’s Tracy Roberts (left), Director of Sales and Marketing for 

Overland Park Convention Center, and Valerie Grizaffi (right), Director of Food 

& Beverage for ARAMARK, present OPCC’s annual $5,000 scholarship to 

students from Johnson County Community College (from left) Brett Garrett, 

Elmaia Darling, Edmie Metz, Rachelle Herod, and John Straub. 

Animals In Rodeo Raise Help 

For Animals In Shelter 

In conjunction with the World’s Toughest 

Rodeo on March 7, Everett Public Facilities 

District and Global Spectrum employees at the Comcast Arena at 

Everett wrangled over 200 pounds of pet food donations for the 

Everett Animal Shelter to aid alleged puppy mill canines. 

Rodeo attendees were encouraged to donate an item of 

non-perishable pet food to benefit the hundreds of animals 

currently being cared for by the Everett Animal Shelter. Donators 

were rewarded with a discount offer to the World’s Toughest 

Rodeo event. A total of 215 pounds, equal to three barrels of 

donations, were collected along with cash contributions. 

Budweiser Events Center staff takes break from volunteer work in front of Larimer 

County Food Bank. 


FACILITY NEWS 

Red Nose Runners 

In Columbia, SC 

The Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC, partnered 

with Ronald McDonald House Charities 

of Columbia and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & 

Bailey to host the third annual Red Nose Run. 

Over 450 runners took on the 10k 

and 5k courses that began and 

ended at Colonial Life Arena. 

Forecasts called for temperatures in 

the teens, but even the cold air 

couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 

runners who were there to support a good 

cause. Close to $20,000 were raised for the 

Columbia Ronald McDonald House, which 

provides families with a residence in proximity 

to the treatment hospital where their child 

is receiving care. 

Readying for Third Annual Red Nose Run are (from 

left) Daniel Webb, Marketing Coordinator; Sarah 

Olsgaard, Premium Services Coordinator; Zach Ellard, 

FELD Entertainment promoter; Karen Marinelli, Ronald 

McDonald House Events Coordinator, Ronald 

McDonald; Circusfit mascot Flip; Ringling Bros. 

Ambassadors of Laughter Sherry and Dave Gregg; 

Kelly Parker, arena intern; and Abey Coker, arena 

Director of Sales and Marketing. 

Colonial Life Arena 

Adds Viral “Chat Live” 

Colonial Life Arena’s newest marketing tool 

is a Chat Live option that was added to the 

colonialifearena.com website earlier this year. 

This option, which yielded great success, 

provides customers an opportunity to speak 

with box office staff if they have any 

questions regarding their ticket purchase or 

any other event or venue information. 

“It’s an excellent tool that has been added to 

the Customer Service Resource Kit that the 

box office provides to customers,” said 


Colonial Life Arena Assistant Box Office 

Manager Shannon Motley. “We have four to 

five live chat customers on a regular day and 

20 or more during an on-sale or show.” 

It puts a box office representative on the 

customer’s computer with just a quick click 

of the mouse. One customer said, “Thank 

you for this service, love it!” The 

Chat Live option is just another 

tool that Colonial Life Arena is 

using to keep an ongoing dialogue 

with potential customers. 

Serena, Roddick In Tennis 

Special At Colonial Life 

Men’s tennis star Andy Roddick joined 2008 

US Open Champion Serena Williams at 

Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC, with 

American newcomer John Isner and the WTA 

Tour’s Caroline Wonzniaki for Rock n’ 

Racquets, the annual tennis exhibition 

benefiting the Andy Roddick Foundation. 

The event featured the world’s most exciting 

tennis players competing in single and 

doubles exhibition matches with musical 

guest Gavin Rossdale. Before the event, 

children from a local Boys and Girls Club got 

a special lesson from Roddick and Williams. 

In addition, fans who purchased a ticket to 

the event were treated to an autograph 

session before the event, which included 

all of the tennis stars, Rossdale and University 

of South Carolina Women’s Head Basketball 

Coach Dawn Staley. 

Tennis star Andy Roddick (right) kneels with local kids 

from Columbia Boys and Girls Club during pre-show 

clinic at Colonial Life Arena by Roddick and 2008 US 

Open Champion Serena Williams. 

Record WWE Crowd 

At Glens Falls Center; 

Mayor Lauds Management 

Glens Falls’ (NY) largest wrestling crowd in 

almost two decades packed into the Global 

Spectrum-managed Glens Falls Civic Center on 

March 1 for World Wrestling Entertainment’s 

(WWE) Smackdown. 

An appreciative crowd of 5,265 was just 26 

shy of the 5,291 fans who attended a WWE 

wrestling event on April 4, 1990. 

“The WWE show at the Glens Falls Civic Center 

was our best night in Glens Falls since 1990,” 

said WWE Chairman 

Vince McMahon. “Global 

Spectrum has done an 

incredible job of putting 

the Civic Center back on the map in the sports 

and entertainment industry. We look forward to 

returning to Glens Falls and performing for our 

great fans in the Glens Falls Region.” 

“Global Spectrum has done a tremendous job of 

marketing the venue to the industry to attract 

new and exciting events for our customers,” 

said Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond. “Global 

Spectrum continues to rejuvenate the Civic 

Center for our residents to enjoy events.” 

“The industry is taking notice of what we’re doing 

here in Glens Falls,” said Global Spectrum’s 

Jason Blumenfeld, General Manager of the 

Glens Falls Civic Center. “The success of WWE 

Smackdown has brought attention to our 

facility. The WWE will certainly return, and we 

will see more similar attractions in the future.” 

18 Basketball Events In 18 

Days At Liacouras Center 

The Global Spectrum-managed Liacouras 

Center on the Temple University campus in 

Philadelphia hosted 18 basketball games 

from February 18 

through March 7. 

The games included 

Temple University 

men’s basketball, PIAA Public League 

Championships, PIAA City High School 

Championships, and the Harlem 

Globetrotters. 

"It was a great opportunity for us to showcase 

the Liacouras Center as a premier basketball 

venue in the City of Philadelphia," said Fran 

Rodowicz, General Manager of the Liacouras 

Center. "From the World Famous Harlem 

Globetrotters to local Philadelphia talent, fans 

had an impressive range of options to 

choose from, all at affordable price levels.”

Palm Beach Center “Art Show Season” 

Up Despite Down Economy 

Dealers at the American International Fine Art Fair at the Palm Beach 

County Convention Center reported excellent sales and large crowds 

during the annual five-day event. 

Despite current economic conditions, the Palm Beach County 

Convention Center’s art show season saw better-than-expected sales 

this year, with record-breaking attendance being 

reported by all three of the big shows. 

In the six years since the Palm Beach County 

Convention Center opened its doors, the Global 

Spectrum-managed facility has been the host site for three of the 

world’s most acclaimed art shows: the palmbeach3 Contemporary Art 

Fair, The American International Fine Art Fair, and the Palm Beach 

Jewelry, Art & Antique Show. 

The three unique shows bring more than 60,000 visitors from all over 

the world to downtown West Palm Beach each year and provide local 

hotels and businesses with a significant economic boost. 

“We have some of the most prestigious art galleries in the world 

exhibiting right here in our building during the months of January and February,” said General Manager 

Dave Anderson. “The spectacular collections of photography, art work, and jewelry showcased by the 

dealers really offer something for everyone.” 

The palmbeach3 Contemporary Art Fair reported a five percent increase in attendance over last year, 

with nearly 1,800 guests attending the Preview Evening on January 14. Dealers from 11 countries, 

including the U.S., Great Britain, France, and Germany, reported strong sales of post modern and 

contemporary art and photography. 

American International Fine Art Fair at Palm Beach County 

Convention Center. 

FACILITY NEWS 

A new 30-ft. high public art sculpture by renowned artist Barbara Grygutis, entitled 

“Wave,” at Palm Beach County Convention Center is lighting up downtown West 

Palm Beach, FL, skyline. Piece is composed of five, 30-ft. sculptural arcs made of 

perforated aluminum and kinetic LED lights. Lights cycle through shades of blue, 

evoking rolls of waves cascading onto shoreline at night. 

The American International Fine Art Fair 

welcomed a record-breaking 3,400 people 

to Vernissage, an opening night benefit for 

the Norton Museum of Art (February 3). 

Additionally, the popular Palm Beach Jewelry, 

Art & Antique Show’s diverse collections 

and high-caliber exhibitors drew a record 

attendance of more than 6,000 to the February 

13 Private Preview Party. Sales were strong 

during the run of the show and spanned every 

category of the more than 200,000 items 

available at the event. 

PBCCC Hosts Elite 

USGA Competition 

The Palm Beach County Convention 

Center hosted its first-ever Elite 

Qualifying USGA Gymnastics 

Competition (February 28 to March 

1) in West Palm Beach, FL. 

The exclusive event, usually held 

in Texas, hosted 600 top national 

gymnasts competing to quality 

for "Elite" status. This exclusive 

pool of gymnasts, a designation 

achieved by only approximately 

200 girls nationwide, is where 

selectors choose candidates for 

the U.S. National Team and the 

U.S. Olympic Team. 

Budweiser Events Center 

Highly Rated In CHL’s “Best” Poll 

The Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, CO, and its hockey team, the Colorado 

Eagles, were voted in the top three in 22 categories in the 2008-09 Central Hockey 

League’s Best of the Best poll. The poll, which is taken by league players, coaches, 

and broadcasters from each of the 16 teams, provides ratings in 46 diverse categories 

relating to hockey and the buildings in which the teams play. 

The Global Spectrum-managed Budweiser Events Center was voted in the top three for: 

best arena, best fans, best arena concessions, best cheerleaders/dance team, toughest 

building to win in, and best team ice. The Eagles’ Riley Nelson was voted best overall 

player in the league. 

“To have our ice voted ‘Best Ice’ in the league is a tribute to the tireless effort of our 

operations staff to keep the ice maintained,” said Rick Hontz, Global Spectrum’s 

General Manager of the Budweiser Events Center. “To be in the top three in 22 of 

the 46 categories is a testament to the commitment that everyone, including fans 

and players, has for their responsibilities at the Budweiser Events Center.” 

Budweiser Events Center’s ice crew is responsible for arena’s 

top rating in CHL poll’s ‘Best Ice’ category. 


CANADIAN FACILITY NEWS 

First Sold-Out Show 

At EnCana Events Centre 

The EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, B.C., sold out its 

first event on Valentine’s Day when 3,600 people, a quarter of 

the population of Dawson Creek, attended the motorcycle 

excitement of the FMX World Tour. 

“What an awesome show,” said 

Ryan MacIvor, Global Spectrum’s 

General Manager of the EnCana 

Events Centre. “I only wish the arena configuration for the FMX 

World Tour would have allowed us to add more seats; we certainly 

had the demand.” 

Building upon the success of the sell-out crowd was Carmella 

Winiandy, who was the winner of the “sweetheart of a deal” 

promotion that awarded her gift certificates worth more than 

$1,300 from local merchants. 

Global Spectrum’s staff at South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC, reflect western 

spirit of Penticton Invitational Open: Professional Bull Riding, held March 6-7. 

GM Centre Aids Humane 

Society After Fire Damage 

General Motors Centre in Oshawa, ON, was 

quick to provide assistance to the Humane 

Society of Durham Region 

following a tragic fire on 

December 17. 

Partnering with an upcoming 

show was the first step, and 

as fate would have it, the General Motors 

Centre was weeks away from hosting the 

world’s most famous dogs, the IAMS 

SuperDogs. 

Global Spectrum, SuperDogs, and IAMS 

donated nearly $7,000 for the Humane 

Society’s efforts to build a new shelter from a 

portion of ticket sales. 

With all of the storage space 

available, the General Motors 

Centre became the official housing 

location for donations, as 

the Humane Society didn’t have 

the space to accept any items. A donation 

box was decorated and positioned at the Box 

Office; all items will be stored until the 

Humane Society’s official location is built next 

year. 

“Global Spectrum is pleased and proud to 

have this opportunity to lend a helping 

hand to the Humane Society of 

Durham Region during this difficult 

time. These are extremely difficult 

times for those less fortunate, and it’s 

important for all of us to help in any 

way we can,” said Global Spectrum’s 

Vince Vella, General Manager of the 

General Motors Centre. 

Calgary Flames Move 

AHL Hockey Team 

To Abbotsford Centre 

The new Abbotsford Entertainment and 

Sports Centre in Abbotsford, BC, has been 

selected as the new home of the Calgary 

Flames American Hockey League (AHL) team. 

The league’s board of governors approved 

Calgary’s move of their top minor league 

team from Moline, IL, to Abbotsford in time 

for the start of the 2009-10 AHL season. It 

will be the League’s first team on the West 

Coast. The new ownership 

group is from 

Abbotsford. 

“We are very excited 

to be the new home 

of Calgary’s top 

minor league team,” said Global Spectrum’s 

Trey Bell, General Manager of the newly 

opened 7,000-seat arena. “I know the residents 

of the Abbotsford area will be enthusiastically 

supportive of the new team. The 

entire staff looks forward to the arrival of the 

team, players, and fans for the start of the 

2009-10 season.” 

Animal Care Attendants, Candi Yeo and Linda O’Neil, organize 

items donated and stored at General Motors Centre in Oshawa, 

ON, while new animal shelter is built. 

14 

Fans attending events at General 

Motors Centre in Oshawa, ON, filled 

donation boxes in main lobby for 

Humane Society of Durham Region.

FACILITY NEWS 

Chaifetz Center Hosts 

Largest Trivia Contest 

More than 1,000 sports enthusiasts in the St. Louis, 

MO, area proudly gathered at the Global Spectrummanaged 

Chaifetz Arena to be tested on every facet 

of their sports knowledge in the Sports Trivia 

Championship presented by Budweiser. 

The event, which benefited the St. Patrick Center, Missouri’s largest 

provider of services for the homeless, was the world’s largest sports 

trivia event of its kind. 

A competition list of 100 sports questions were read by all-time 

sports greats, including baseball Hall of Famer Lou Brock and 

Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee. It was hosted by Chris 

Rose and DeMarco Farr and televised on Fox SportsNet. 

Preparing for forthcoming appearance of Billy Joel and Elton John concert at Citizens 

Bank Park, home of the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies, are (from left) 

Comcast-Spectacor’s Ike Richman, the Phillie Phanatic, and David Chesler and Jim 

Sutcliffe, both of Live Nation. 

More than 1,000 sports enthusiasts jam University of Saint Louis’ Chaifetz Arena 

floor for Sports Trivia Championship, world’s largest sports trivia event. 

University of Phoenix Stadium: 

First-Time Host For CONCACAF Gold Cup 

The 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be played for the 

first time in the Phoenix, AZ, area when the prestigious 

international soccer competition comes to the Global 

Spectrum-managed University of Phoenix Stadium in 

Glendale, AZ, on July 12 for a doubleheader. 

University of Phoenix Stadium will be one of a record 

13 different U.S. city sites, more than twice the number previously used 

for the continental championship. 

Saint Charles Convention Center Turns 2008 Profit 

The Saint Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, MO, became the 

envy of convention centers throughout the country when it recorded 

a profit after only three years of operation. The center ended 2008 in 

the black by $10,141, which was $384,930 over its budgeted loss 

projection of $374,789 (unaudited). 

“It’s one thing to be able to beat budgeted loss numbers and lessen the 

financial burden on the city, but to be able to actually turn a profit on a 

facility that was not expected to do so is truly an amazing accomplishment,” 

said Shura Lindgren-Garnett, General Manager of the facility. “It 

has been thrilling for all the staff to contribute 

to this success story.” 

Opened in April of 2005, the convention center’s 

purpose was to add a convention and meeting 

facility component to an already developed historic destination within St. 

Charles. The center did that and more. Exceeding budget and feasibility 

expectations each year since its first partial year of opening, 2008 proved 

to be the best yet, not only surpassing these projected loss numbers, but 

actually operating at a profit. 

“We’re very proud of the outstanding work of all of our staff at the Saint 

Charles Convention Center,” said John Page, Global Spectrum Chief 

Operating Officer. “We look forward to continuing our successful partnership 

with the City of St. Charles.” 

Saint Charles Convention Center Staff 


ON THE MOVE 

Sally Pierce Named 

Assistant GM 

At South Okanagan 

Sally Pierce has been named 

Assistant General Manager 

of the South Okanagan 

Events Centre and 

Penticton Trade and 

Convention Centre in 

Penticton, British 

Columbia. 

The British-born Pierce joins Global Spectrum 

with 18 years of experience in the hospitality 

industry within Canada. Specializing in 

conventions and event planning, as well as 

hotel and tourism sales and marketing, 

Pierce spent many years with the Canadian 

Pacific Group (both Fairmont Hotels and 

Canadian Pacific Railway), based in the 

Canadian Rockies and Calgary. 

“We are very lucky to have Sally join our 

team,” said Curtis Webb, General Manager of 

the South Okanagan Events Centre and 

Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. “She 

has a great understanding of our industry and 

will help drive us to new heights. We look for 

her to be our main strategist for future 

growth, both locally and regionally.” 

Jen Grinspan Joins 

Sovereign Bank Arena 

As Marketing Director 

Jen Grinspan has joined 

Global Spectrum as Director 

of Marketing at the 

Sovereign Bank Arena in 

Trenton, NJ. 

Sally Pierce 

Jen Grinspan 

She formerly had been with Nassau 

Broadcasting Company where for the past 

three years she served as a Senior Account 

Executive for 94.5 WPST-FM. Earlier, she 

was an Account Executive for Greater 

Media (radio) in Philadelphia, PA. She 

graduated from Temple University with a 

B.A. in Communications in 2003. 

“We are very fortunate to have Jen join us 

and continue our 

outstanding marketing 

efforts,” said 

Global Spectrum’s Jeff 

Schumacher, General Manager of the 

Sovereign Bank Arena. “She is a proven 

talent in the entertainment and radio 

industry. We are confident she will create 

exciting opportunities for our events and 

our customers here in Trenton.” 

Kehm Promoted To Assistant GM 

At Chaifetz Arena 

Bob Kehm was promoted 

by Global Spectrum to 

Assistant General Manager 

of Chaifetz Arena on the 

campus of Saint Louis 

University in St. Louis, MO. 

He had been the facility’s 

Director of Marketing. 

Kehm, a five-year Global Spectrum employee, 

is expanding his marketing and public 

relations efforts for Chaifetz Arena to include 

booking and scheduling events, assisting 

in the day-to-day operations 

of the facility with special 

attention to all financial aspects 

of operating the new home 

of Billikens basketball and 

other events and attractions. 

“Bob continues to flourish as an outstanding 

marketer of this facility and with his expanded 

roles, he will further pursue opportunities of 

making the Chaifetz Arena a ‘must play’ venue 

in the Midwest,” said Global Spectrum Regional 

Vice President and General Manager Mike 

Scanlon. “His passion for Saint Louis University 

and his love for this venue make him an incredible 

asset to the community and the university.” 

Prior to moving to St. Louis in September of 

2007, Kehm was a Marketing Manager for 

the Global Spectrum-managed Wachovia 

Complex in Philadelphia, PA. He also served 

as a Marketing Coordinator for then Global 

Spectrum-managed Kemper Arena/American 

Royal Center in Kansas City, MO. Kehm graduated 

from Saint Louis University in 2004 

with a B.A. in Business Administration. 

Chris Campbell 

To Marketing Director 

At John Labatt Centre 

Chris Campbell has joined 

Global Spectrum as Director 

of Marketing at the John 

Labatt Centre in London, 

ON, Canada. 

Bob Kehm 

Chris Campbell 

He has an excellent 

reputation in 

the London area for his marketing expertise. 

He has developed a good rapport with the 

Downtown London Business Community, 

where the John Labatt Centre is located. 

A graduate of the University of Western 

Ontario, Campbell had been a consultant 

in the London Region for sponsorship 

acquisition and project management. 

Shashank Gairola Promoted 

To General Manager At Northwest 

Georgia Trade & Convention Center 

Shashank Gairola, who has 

moved up the Global 

Spectrum ladder in only four 

years, has been promoted to 

General Manager of the 

Northwest Georgia Trade 

and Convention Center in 

Dalton, GA. He had been 

serving as interim GM 

since Global Spectrum took 

over the 40,500-sq. ft. 

entertainment and exhibition 

venue on January 1. 

Shashank Gairola 

“We have been extremely impressed with 

Global Spectrum since they took over 

management of our Center,” said Board 

Chairman Harvey Neal. “Shashank has shown 

quality leadership and an incredible amount 

of dedication to surpassing all of our expectations 

for Northwest Georgia Trade and 

Convention Center. We’re very excited for his 

appointment as full-time General Manager.” 

Prior to relocating to Dalton, Gairola was the 

Assistant General Manager of the Global 

Spectrum-managed Colonial Life Arena in 

Columbia, SC. Earlier, he was Assistant 

General Manager for the Global Spectrummanaged 

Liacouras Center on the campus of 

Temple University in Philadelphia. He began 

his public assembly facility management 

career with Global Spectrum at the Wachovia 

Center in Philadelphia as an Event 

Manager. He graduated from Temple 

University in May of 2005 with a B.A. in 

Business Administration. 

“Shashank has quickly developed a plan for 

the Trade Center, and has become heavily 

involved in the community,” said Dave 

Anderson, Global Spectrum Regional Vice 

President. “He will be a tremendous asset to 

the Trade Center, to the Authority, and to the 

community.” 

This issue of the Globe, as 

well as the latest news updates 

and happenings, are available at 

Global-Spectrum.com. 


ON THE MOVE 

McMullin Takes 

Post At Duke 

Energy Center 

Neil McMullin, who has 

headed operations at two 

Neil McMullin smaller Global Spectrum 

facilities, has been promoted 

to Assistant General Manager of the Duke 

Energy Center, a 750,000-sq. ft. Global 

Spectrum-managed convention center in 

Cincinnati, OH. 

“Neil brings several years of industry 

experience to our convention center,” said 

Ric Booth, Global Spectrum’s General 

Manager at the Duke Energy Center. “He has 

multiple experiences at arenas, convention 

centers, and performing arts venues.” 

McMullin comes to Cincinnati after serving 

as the General Manager of the Clovis Civic 

Center in Clovis, NM. At the Clovis Civic 

Center, he was responsible for pre-opening 

management, which involved hiring staff 

and implementing policies and procedures. 

As a result of McMullin’s leadership, the 

Clovis Civic Center exceeded budgeted net 

income by 68% in its first full fiscal year 

and by 23% in its second fiscal year. 

Prior to the Clovis, he was the General 

Manager of the IKON Center in Cheyenne, 

WY. McMullin increased revenue at that 

facility by 50 percent within one year of 

becoming the General Manager. 

McMullin graduated from Brigham Young 

University in Provo, Utah, with a B.S. in 

Facility Management. 

Ingle To Director Of Ops 

At Iowa Events Center 

Joshua Ingle, an Iowan 

native, has been promoted 

to Director of Operations at 

the Iowa Events Center in 

Des Moines, IA, according to 

Matt Homan, Global 

Spectrum’s General Manager 

for the Iowa Events Center. 

Prior to joining the staff in 

Des Moines, Ingle was Global 

Spectrum’s Director of 

Building Services at Nationals 

Park in Washington, D.C. 

Joshua Ingle 

Ingle has worked throughout the world, 

having served as the Head Sports Turf 

Manager/Sport Equipment Manager for the 

Athens Organizing Committee at the 2004 

Olympic Games in Athens, as well as a 

Consultant in Holland, where he managed 

the field construction for the World Cup 

Baseball Games in Rotterdam. 

Joan LaMahieu Takes GM Position 

At Mountain Winery 

The Mountain Winery in 

Saratoga, CA, one of the 

most intimate and picturesque 

outdoor concert 

venues in the United States, 

has named Joan A. LaMahieu 

as the new General Manager Joan LaMahieu 

of the historic 2,000-seat 

concert and event venue. With an impressive 

resume and 20 years of experience in 

the event, venue, concert, and premium 

industries, LaMahieu brings 

a fresh and exciting perspective 

for new initiatives 

at the Mountain Winery. 

“The Mountain Winery is 

absolutely the most 

gorgeous location in the region and the 

perfect place for social gatherings, weddings, 

private affairs, or corporate events,” said 

LaMahieu. “While it’s been a concert venue for 

the past 50 years, we will be making a 

concerted effort to attract and increase 

non-concert business to the Mountain Winery.” 

“LeMahieu’s grand vision for the Mountain 

Winery appropriately reflects the grandeur, 

spectacle, and class of this venue,” said 

Mountain Winery co-owner Liz Dodson. 

“She brings an extremely high level of 

professionalism to the Mountain Winery. Her 

vision will focus on growing our corporate 

business and our wedding business. We are 

excited to be working with her.” 

LaMahieu’s immediate goals for the Mountain 

Winery include increasing corporate business, 

creating new sponsorship opportunities, 

further developing the wedding business, 

and creating retail sales opportunities for the 

Mountain Winery’s estate wines. 

She joins the Mountain Winery from Michigan 

where she served as the President of The 

Parade Company and Executive Director for 

the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade 

Foundation, an organization that produces 

two of Michigan’s largest events – America’s 

Thanksgiving Parade and the Target 

Fireworks/Detroit International River Days 

Festival. The Detroit News has recognized 

her as one of Detroit’s five “Business Women 

of the Year.” LeMahieu’s other accolades 

include serving as General Manager for Ford 

Field, where she was responsible for overseeing 

the stadium opening and management. 

Trent Merritt New Assistant GM 

At Labatt Centre 

Trent Merritt has been promoted 

by Global Spectrum 

to Assistant General 

Manager of the John Labatt 

Centre in London, ON. He 

formerly was an Event 

Manager at the Wachovia 

Complex in Philadelphia. 

Trent Merritt 

“We are thrilled to have someone with 

Trent’s work ethic and character join us as 

Assistant General Manager,” said Brian Ohl, 

Global Spectrum’s Regional Vice President 

and General Manager of the John Labatt 

Centre. “He has developed an excellent 

reputation with Global Spectrum over the 

last five years and is a welcome addition to 

the John Labatt Centre.” 

A graduate of Temple University’s Tourism 

and Hospitality Management program, 

Merritt joined Global Spectrum in 2004 in 

Guest Services at The Liacouras Center at 

Temple University. In 2006, he was promoted 

to Facility Event Supervisor at Citizens Bank 

Park in Philadelphia. 

(continued from page 1) 

City Of Rio Rancho, NM, Picks Global 

Swisstack said city officials picked Global 

Spectrum from among six other bidders 

because of its experience and the consistency 

it has demonstrated at other locations. 

“They have the knowledge base to help make 

this a dynamite facility,” the mayor said. 

Global Spectrum will manage daily 

operations, ticketing, and marketing. He 

said the City will maintain its contract with 

the Star Center's food provider, Boston 

Culinary, until 2011, at which time that 

contract will be put out to bid. 

“This will be a reawakening for the Rio 

Rancho area,” said Todd Glickman, Global 

Spectrum's Vice President of Business 

Development and Client Relations, of 

Global Spectrum’s plans for the Santa Ana 

Star Center. 

Global Spectrum's goal will be to make 

the Star Center a regional attraction, with 

concerts, family entertainment like the 

Disney on Ice shows, and regular sports 

events, Glickman said. 


University Of Central Florida, 

Glens Falls, NY, Choose Front Row 

The University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL, and the City of 

Glens Falls, NY, have selected Front Row Marketing Services to 

sell naming rights and provide other services for their arenas. 

In Orlando, Front Row will oversee the premium-seating inventory and 

sell the naming rights for the 10,000-seat UCF Arena on the school’s 

campus. At the Glens Falls Civic Center, Front Row is attempting 

to secure a partnership opportunity for the 

7,800-seat venue’s naming rights. 

“Front Row Marketing Services is clearly the 

leader in acquiring and obtaining naming 

rights partners,” said Ron Meers, Managing 

Partner of a mixed-use project surrounding the UCF Arena. “We 

will rely heavily on Front Row to secure the best marketing and 

sponsorship partner for the UCF Arena.” 

The new naming rights deal presents 

the opportunity for the partner’s 

name and logo to be prominently 

featured on interior and exterior 

signage, as well as UCF Arena’s letterhead, stationery, press 

releases, advertising, staff uniforms, and other branded materials. 

In addition to the benefits and amenities that are provided to 

the naming rights partner, there is the potential for a business 

relationship involving the partner’s products and services. 

UCF Arena in Orlando, FL 

® 

Glens Falls Civic Center in Glens Falls, NY 

“We're very excited to be working with UCF to identify a strategic 

naming rights partner that will open doors to nationally and 

internationally renowned events and broad based audiences,” said 

Steve Rex, Front Row Marketing Director of Project Management. 

“We are looking forward 

to securing a corporate 

partner interested in the 

continued growth of the 

region and one that delivers 

high-impact marketing and 

wants to work with UCF and 

the community it serves.” 

For the City of Glens Falls, 

Front Row will oversee the 

naming and commercial 

rights for the overall 

complex and its diverse 

lineup of sports and 

entertainment events. 

HOW TO REACH KEY PERSONNEL 

18 

Dick Sherwood - President 

rsherwood@frontrow-marketing.com 

(215) 218-7529 

Adrian Staiti - Senior VP Business Operations 

astaiti@frontrow-marketing.com 

(215) 389-9824 

frontrow-marketing.com 

Eric Smallwood - VP Project Management 

esmallwood@frontrow-marketing.com 

(810) 984-2608

® 

First Front Row 

Overseas Hires 

For the first time in its history, Front Row Marketing 

Services expanded its workforce overseas as it hired 

its first two employees at the Spladium Centar in 

Split, Croatia. 

Zlatko Budrovãan was named the 

Centar’s new Director of Corporate 

Sales and Mario Jelãiç joins as 

Corporate Sales Manager. 

Zlatko comes from Siemens where he 

started in 2005 and was involved in all 

Zlatko Budrovãan major projects in the region as a 

Regional Director for Dalmatia. Before 

that, he was at Procter & Gamble where he started as 

an Account Manager, then took assignments in 

Slovenia and later in Zagreb as key Account Manager 

for foreign chains. 

Mario was a Profectus employee for 

three and a half years where he was 

involved in the organization of the 

Croatia Boat Show. Additionally, he was 

the head of sales for the Kotor Boat 

Show in Montenegro in 2006 and was 

responsible for the organization of the Mario Jelãiç 

yachts parade on the Croatia Boat 

Show for two years. He also was previously in charge 

of developing sales and distribution for Yachts 

Adriatic, the most luxurious nautical-lifestyle 

magazine for the region of Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, 

Montenegro, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. 

In Other News… 

Augusta 

Entertainment Complex 

Front Row Marketing Services 

joins Global Spectrum, New 

Era Tickets, and Ovations Food Services at the Augusta 

Entertainment Complex in Augusta, GA. Front Row is 

working for the City to secure commercial rights, 

including signage and sponsorship opportunities for 

the complex, which includes the James Brown Arena 

and the William B. Bell Auditorium. 

Raymond James Was 

The “Name” Of The Game 

During Super Bowl XLIII 

Pittsburgh Steelers wide 

receiver Santonio Holmes 

and Raymond James Financial 

were front and center at Super 

Bowl XLIII in Tampa, FL. 

Holmes won the Super Bowl 

MVP Award, and Raymond 

James Financial, the naming 

rights partner to Raymond 

James Stadium, site of Super 

Bowl XLIII, was the biggest 

winner of the night. 

Raymond James garnered 6 minutes and 16 seconds of broadcast exposure 

during NBC’s Super Bowl XLIII broadcast. The broadcast exposure Raymond James 

received included seven verbal mentions and in-stadium signage exposure, which 

netted Raymond James over $37.6 million of broadcast exposure value, according 

to Front Row Analytics. Front Row Analytics is a leading firm that specializes 

in naming rights and sponsorship analysis for sporting and entertainment events. 

“While many companies spent $3 million or more for 

30-second commercials during the Super Bowl, Raymond 

James received free publicity and brand recognition as a 

result of their naming rights deal,” said Adrian Staiti, 

Senior Vice President for Front Row Marketing Services. 

“The ancillary exposure Raymond James received from 

the Super Bowl and the preceding weeks justifies the investment. Even in 

today’s economy, naming rights is still one of the most effective ways to 

expose the world to your brand.” 

The broadcast media value was determined by comparing the total amount of 

in-broadcast exposure with the estimated cost ($3 million) for a 30-second 

broadcast commercial spot during Super Bowl XLIII on NBC-TV. 

Applebee’s Scores 

On “Friday Night Lights” 

Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. 

Front Row Analytics estimated that Applebee’s 

received $70,833 in broadcast exposure through 

product placements on a January episode of the 

popular NBC-TV show “Friday Night Lights.” 

“Applebee’s is ahead of the curve with their product placement sponsorship,” 

said Adrian Staiti, Senior Vice President for Front Row Marketing Services. 

“Applebee’s has found an opportunity to neutralize TiVo and DVR. By 

integrating their brand into prime time, Applebee’s is guaranteeing itself 

exposure to their target demographic. I would not be surprised to see more 

of these types of deals in the future.” 


“HOW YOU DOIN’?” 

Mike Scanlon 

Regional Vice President / General Manager 

Chaifetz Arena 

St. Louis, MO 

Dear Mike: 

Thanks so much for your support of the Muscle Team Bash. 

I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to hold our event at 

the arena and bring in many donated products. We raised over 

$180,000, which wouldn’t have been possible without you. I can’t 

thank you enough for your support of MDA’s life saving mission! 

Richmond Recognizes 10 

Employees For HYD Excellence 

Employees at Greater Richmond Convention Center are great at 

implementing the “How You Doin’?” program, and it keeps 

customers happy and coming back. 

The convention center’s HYD Committee started a program recognizing an 

employee for each of the top ten principles; an employee who consistently 

demonstrates perfection to that principle throughout the year. Ten employees 

were recognized before their fellow co-workers at the annual Recognition 

Luncheon for their support of the program. These employees proudly display 

their certificate in their work areas, and the HYD program is re-enforced. 

Sincerely, 

Natalie Ott 

Regional Coordinator 

Muscular Dystrophy Association Inc. 

Miami Beach Convention Center’s General Manager Bob Balsam (left), Joyce Watson, Director 

of Events (right), congratulate Employee of the Month Joy Martin, Senior Event Manager. 

Mobile Box Office At Circus Night 

Colonial Life Arena Marketing and Group Sales Departments partnered with a local 

Chick-fil-A franchise to promote Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents OVER 

THE TOP! at Colonial Life Arena from March 12-15. 

The dining room was decorated in a circus theme with balloons, 

red and white tablecloths, and even a few Ringling Bros. 

elephants. Only the pint-sized, plush elephants could fit in the 

Chick-fil-A, but even they were a big hit with customers. The 

circus also provided entertainment including clowns, balloon art, 

face painting and cotton candy. The Group Sales staff was on hand 

to assist customers with any questions regarding their ticket purchases and provide 

them the convenience of on-site printing. 

The mobile box office is a great asset that allows staff to take the box office to the 

public. On-site printing provides customers with their tickets, in hand and free of any 

service charges that may be applied to purchases made online or by phone. 


Tim Strunk, Colonial Life Arena Group Events Coordinator, 

helps Chick-fil-A customer purchase tickets to Ringling Bros.

Tarena Smith 

Director of Events Services 

University of Phoenix Stadium | Glendale, AZ 

Dear Tarena and Staff: 

I want to take a moment to commend you and your staff for your hard work and 

dedication in making the Arizona Sunrays Hard Rock Gymnastics meet a complete and 

total success. The combined efforts of all of the employees involved helped to make the 

event an enjoyable, one-of-a-kind experience for all the competitors as well as the staff 

and volunteers for the Arizona Sunrays family. Each staff member that I encountered 

was helpful, polite, and willing to accommodate whatever requests were made. 

It is experiences like this that make me proud to be involved with such a classy, 

dedicated, and determined group such as yours. Obviously my relationship with you and 

your staff is much different from those of the Arizona Sunrays, but everyone that I spoke 

with shares my sentiments on the success of the event and the wonderful experience 

that you were able to provide for them. 

This particular gymnastics meet has grown to become the premier event in women’s 

gymnastics in the country. From the, size of the stadium, to the unique entertainment, 

the video boards, and the gymnasts 

after party, this meet offers what no 

other meet can. I certainly hope that 

we can continue to work with you to 

make it bigger and better each year. 

Thank you once again to you and the 

entire crew at the University of 

Phoenix Stadium for a job well done. 

Sincerely, 

J. Scott Gavin 

Mascot/Game Entertainment 

Arizona Cardinals 

& Gooder Music, LLC 

Mr. Christopher Raub, Youth Hockey Director, 

Mr. Jeff Theiler 

Comcast Community Ice Rink 

Everett, WA 

Dear Chris and Jeff: 

I wanted to let you both know how excited and pleased 

the Dootson family is to be involved in, and associated 

with, Everett Youth Hockey (EYH). Ian is a Bantam, and Colin 

is a Pee Wee; they will both be in those divisions again next 

year. We have been involved with a number of other youth 

sports leagues in the area, and our experience has been 

that, more often than not, almost a complete and total 

emphasis is on winning. Sometimes it seems to be for 

the ego satisfaction of the coaches (and some parents) 

and at the detriment of kids getting playing time (and 

thus developing and sharpening skills). 

We have not had this experience with EYH over the past 

two seasons, the vast majority of the individuals we have 

had the pleasure to interact with are here because of, 

and committed to, “the love of the game” and teaching 

and developing the skills of all youth involved, which 

leads to that love of the game being passed on for a 

lifetime. Please do not wavier from this philosophy. 

Hockey season has become an entire family experience 

for us, with the boys’ grandparents and aunt and uncle 

rarely missing a game. 

Our hats are off to you both, the coaches and all 

involved in making this organization run, grow, 

and develop. For such a young association, you 

have made some fabulous achievements. 

Greg Dootson 

Local event planners sample new “Gridiron Chef” team-building 

activity at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. 

Roanoke Honors 

Willie Nelson For Horse Work 

In honor of Willie Nelson playing a concert at the Roanoke 

Performing Arts Theatre, the staff wanted to thank Nelson for his 

work with an organization called Habitat for Horses that strives to 

protect and rescue horses from unsafe and unhealthy conditions. 

Wendy Delano, the venue’s Sales Manager, is an accomplished rider. She 

suggested they contact the Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue in honor of 

Nelson. They spoke with the 

Rescue and adopted Rusty, a 

20-year-old Chestnut gelding, 

for one month in honor of 

Nelson’s visit to Roanoke. They 

were able to provide Rusty with 

hay, vaccine, and shelter 

through a donation. 

Roanoke Civic Center Sales Manager Wendy 

Delano on her former showgirl, Shady. 

The staff presented Nelson with 

a gift basket and a certificate 

explaining the donation and 

thanking him for the work he 

does and the many passions he 

has outside the music world. 

Mr. Mike Thomas 

Director of Sponsorship 

UNC Aiken Convocation Center 

Aiken, SC 

Dear Mike: 

I just wanted to say thanks for all you do for Kelly Paint & 

Body. Not only is the advertising in the Convocation Center a 

real bargain, but the response to our ad has been awesome. 

On top of that, you and your staff have personally gone out of 

your way to do business with Kelly Paint & Body, going as far 

as to personally drive vehicles to our facility from Columbia. 

The signage is nice, and the extra things you do make all the 

difference, often going well above our contractual agreement 

to get us noticed in the Center. Thanks again, we will continue 

to spend our advertising dollars with the Convocation Center 

and like the fact that the proceeds go to benefit the school. 

Ross & Donna Smith 

Owners 

Kelly Paint & Body, Inc. 

Aiken, SC 


ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS 

Comcast Arena’s Kim Bedier Stars In Conservation TV Commercials 

Kim Bedier, Global Spectrum’s 

General Manager for the 

Comcast Arena at Everett, 

Everett, WA, joined the 

Snohomish County Public 

Utility District’s campaign “Be 

a Conservation Sensation” 

Kim Bedier 

and is now starring in two 

commercials promoting the green theme. 

Wearing her cape and goggles, 

and scoring a goal on the 

Silvertips in one spot and 

performing a “triple Lutz” in 

another, Bedier helps spread the word on 

energy conservation. The spots are 

airing on Comcast Cable throughout the 

year on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, Bravo, Comedy 

Central, Discovery, ESPN, USA, TNT, and 

many other channels. 

“As one of the fastest growing counties in 

the state, Snohomish County’s electricity 

demand is expected to grow significantly 

in the coming years,” said 

PUD General Manager 

Steve Klein. “We plan to 

address growth first and 

foremost by working with customers to 

achieve all cost-effective conservation.” 

The Everett Public Facilities District and 

Global Spectrum continue to reduce the 

Comcast Arena at Everett’s overall 

carbon footprint, including purchasing 

Green Power from the PUD, reclaiming 

heat produced by the ice refrigeration 

plant and recycling it for ambient air 

in the Comcast Community Ice Rink, 

retrofitting electricity and lighting, and using 

timers to reduce energy consumption. 

Global Spectrum Arenas Turn Off Their Lights For Earth Hour 

Two Global Spectrum arenas in the United States 

and Canada turned off their lights for 60 minutes as 

part of Earth Hour, a worldwide effort by the World 

Wildlife Fund (WWF) to encourage people to turn off 

the power in their homes for one 

hour to conserve energy. 

The Comcast Arena at Everett in 

Everett, WA, and the John Labatt 

Centre in London, Ontario, flicked off 

the power switches and went to black for 60 

minutes on March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

Tammi Bryant Olsen, Comcast Center’s Marketing 

Director, said the arena was dark for Saturday's 

Earth Hour, except for minor exterior lighting for 

safety. There wasn’t a scheduled event in the arena, 

which made it perfect for the venue to participate. 

“This is the second year the Comcast Center at 

Everett has participated. We like to be environmentally 

friendly,” she said. 

Brian Ohl, Global Spectrum’s Regional 

Vice President and General Manager 

of the John Labatt Centre, said 

interior and exterior lighting were 

turned off for the hour to bring light to Global 

Spectrum’s participation in the environmental effort. 

The Earth Hour concept started in 2007 in 

Australia. Last year, it stretched around the 

world. Lights were dimmed from New York’s 

Empire State Building and the Golden Gate 

Bridge in San Francisco to Rome’s Coliseum. 

Adam Cook, Assistant General 

Manager at Comcast Arena, dims lights 

on March 28, as part of nationwide 

efforts to reduce energy usage. 

PEOPLE AND PLACES 

Brian Cassidy joins Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, NJ, as Director of Group 

Sales… Tyler Sharp becomes Marketing Manager at the Sioux Falls 

Convention Center in Sioux Falls, SD… Amanda Welcomer moves from Sioux 

Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, IA, to Director of Event Services at Greater 

Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA… Brian Martin joins Colonial 

Life Arena in Columbia, SC, as Box Office Coordinator…. Nerissa Edden joins 

the Palm Beach County Convention Center as Sales Manager… The Comcast 

Arena at Everett welcomes Mark Clark as the facility’s Chief Engineer and Lynn 

Loria as Event Manager... Michael Cecchini joins MassMutual Center, 

Springfield, MA, as Group Sales Manager. 

Brian Cassidy 

Amanda Welcomer 

Brian Martin 

Nerissa Edden 

Lynn Lorio 

BIRTHS – Iowa Events Center’s General Manager Matt Homan and 

his wife, Paige, welcomed a new baby boy, Harrison James 

Homan, on February 24. Harrison’s grandfather is Dave Homan, 

Chief Operating Officer at New Era Tickets. 

Voutour Elected President 

Of Meeting Professional’s 

Local Chapter 

Global Spectrum’s Melissa Voutour, Sales Manager 

at MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA, was 

elected President of Meeting Professional 

International’s Connecticut River Valley Chapter. 

Melissa Voutour 


THE GLOBAL SCRAPBOOK 

To mark his concert performance at Global Spectrum-managed John Labatt 

Centre, London, ON, Bryan Adams (second from right) receives Kodak 

Autographic camera to symbolize his important charitable work through 

photography and donation from venue to Hear the World. With Adams are 

(from left) Lisa Zechmeister, John Labatt Centre’s Marketing Assistant, Chris 

Campbell, Director of Marketing, and Brian Ohl, Global Spectrum Regional Vice 

President and General Manager. 

Buddy Guy (second from right) meets (from left) Ben Gibbs, Assistant 

General Manager; Ron Meers, Contract Administrator; and Lexie Boone, 

General Manager, prior to performance at UCF Arena in Orlando, FL. 

Getting ready to rock the Fargodome in Fargo, ND, are (front row, from 

left) AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd, Angus Young, Malcolm Young 

and Cliff Williams, (back row, from left) Global Spectrum’s Amanda 

Moquist, Kris Packer, Rob Sobolik and Kelley Eukel. 

FAMILY OF FACILITIES 

Arenas 

Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre . . . . . . . . . . .Abbotsford, BC, Canada 

BankUnited Center at the University of Miami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coral Gables, FL 

Budweiser Events Center at the Ranch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loveland, CO 

Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Louis, MO 

Comcast Arena at Everett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Everett, WA 

EnCana Events Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dawson Creek, BC, Canada 

General Motors Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oshawa, ON, Canada 

Glens Falls Civic Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glens Falls, NY 

Heritage Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robstown, TX 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania KCAC Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Indiana, PA 

James Brown Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Augusta, GA 

James L. Knight International Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami, FL 

John Labatt Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .London, ON, Canada 

MassMutual Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Springfield, MA 

Old Dominion University Constant Convocation Center . . . . . . . . . . .Norfolk, VA 

Penticton Memorial Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Penticton, BC, Canada 

Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roanoke, VA 

Santa Ana Star Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rio Rancho, NM 

Singapore Sports Hub MPIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Singapore (Southeast Asia) 

South Okanagan Events Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Penticton, BC, Canada 

Sovereign Bank Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trenton, NJ 

Spaladium Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Split, Croatia 

Temple University Liacouras Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philadelphia, PA 

University of Central Florida UCF Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orlando, FL 

University of Massachusetts Mullins Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amherst, MA 

University of Rhode Island Ryan Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kingston, RI 

University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aiken, SC 

University of South Carolina Colonial Life Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Columbia, SC 

Veterans Memorial Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Des Moines, IA 

Wachovia Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philadelphia, PA 

Wachovia Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philadelphia, PA 

Wells Fargo Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Des Moines, IA 

WFCU Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Windsor, ON, Canada 

Convention & Exposition Centers 

Century Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South Bend, IN 

Clovis Civic Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clovis, NM 

Conference Center Niagara Falls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Niagara Falls, NY 

Duke Energy Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cincinnati, OH 

Edward D. Hansen Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Everett, WA 

First National Bank Exhibition Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loveland, CO 

Greater Richmond Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richmond, VA 

Harborview Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clearwater, FL 

Hy-Vee Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Des Moines, IA 

Las Cruces Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Las Cruces, NM 

MassMutual Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Springfield, MA 

Miami Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami, FL 

Miami Beach Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami Beach, FL 

Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dalton, GA 

Ortiz International Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corpus Christi, TX 

Overland Park Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Overland Park, KS 

Palm Beach County Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .West Palm Beach, FL 

Penticton Trade & Convention Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Penticton, BC, Canada 

Polk County Convention Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Des Moines, IA 

Pueblo Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pueblo, CO 

Richard M. Borchard Exhibition Complex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robstown, TX 

Roanoke Special Events Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roanoke, VA 

Sioux Falls Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sioux Falls, SD 

St. Charles Convention Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .St. Charles, MO 

University of Phoenix Stadium Exhibit Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glendale, AZ 

Stadiums 

Citizens Bank Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philadelphia, PA 

Fairground Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Corpus Christi, TX 

Fargodome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fargo, ND 

Singapore National Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Singapore (Southeast Asia) 

Singapore Indoor Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Singapore (Southeast Asia) 

University of Phoenix Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glendale, AZ 

William-Brice Stadium at University of South Carolina** . . . . . . . . .Columbia, SC 

** Non-football events 

Ice Facilities 

Comcast Community Ice Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Everett, WA 

General Motors Centre Community Ice Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oshawa, ON, CA 

Penticton Community Ice Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Penticton, BC, Canada 

University of Massachusetts Mullins Ice Rink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amherst, MA 

University of Rhode Island Bradford R. Boss Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kingston, RI 

Amphitheatres 

The Mountain Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Saratoga, CA 

Performing Art Centers/Theaters 

Byron Carlyle Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami Beach, FL 

Colony Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami Beach, FL 

Lincoln Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miami Beach, FL 

Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roanoke, VA 

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Virginia Beach, VA 

The Venue at UCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Orlando, FL 

William B. Bell Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Augusta, GA 

Equestrian Centers & Fairgrounds 

Nueces County Equestrian Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robstown, TX 

Entertainment & Retail Districts 

Old Falls Street at the Niagara Falls Conference Center . . . . . . .Niagara Falls, NY 

Philly Live! at the Wachovia Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Philadelphia, PA 



Fighting Flood In Fargo, ND 

Senior Management: 

Chairman, Peter A. Luukko 

COO, John Page 

Sr. VP, Business Development, Frank E. Russo, Jr. 

Sr. VP, Convention Centers, Thomas Mobley 

VP, Finance, Kenneth Wajda 

VP, Business Development & Client Relations: 

Dean Dennis, Todd Glickman 

Regional VP: Dave Anderson, Doug Higgons, 

Brett Mitchell, Tim Murphy, Brian Ohl, 

Mike Scanlon, Barry Strafacci 


Office of the Chair: 

Chairman, Ed Snider 

Vice Chairman, Fred Shabel 

President/COO, Peter A. Luukko 

Exec. VP/Gen. Counsel, Phil Weinberg 

Exec. VP/CFO, Jay Halbert 

Office of the Chair, Emeritus, Sandy Lipstein 

------------------------- 

Comcast-Spectacor Senior VP, 

Business Development, Michel Sauers 

comcast-spectacor.com 

© Copyright 2009, Comcast-Spectacor all rights reserved. 

Fargo, ND, residents fill sandbags at Fargodome to aid and protect residents from rising Red River. Story on page 10. 

Printed on recycled paper. 

3601 S. Broad Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19148 

FIRST CLASS 

POSTAGE 

PAID 

PERMIT #6250 

A Look Inside the 

World of Global Spectrum 

Industry Perspectives 

• “Economic Challenges 

Create New Opportunities” 

by Frank E. Russo, Jr.

Globetrotters Play On Spectrum Roof - Global Spectrum

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