By ISSA and R.V. Baugus

From concerts to sporting events to art exhibitions to weddings, people are rediscovering the joys of attending in-person events as more facilities reopen and lift occupancy limits. This week, Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. in North Bethesda, Md. has earned GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, for three of its venues: AMP by Strathmore, The Mansion, and The Music Center. Joining the Strathmore facilities with new accreditations are the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., numerous commercial offices and hotels, a Maryland-based salon, and transportation provider.

“GBAC STAR accredited facilities know how to effectively clean to uphold the health of all building occupants and visitors,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “With an increasing number of larger venues reopening for events, it’s important to look for the accreditation seal. With the online GBAC STAR Facility Directory, people can easily locate accredited facilities so they know whether best practices are being followed.”

Strathmore brings nearly 400 events to North Bethesda each year, including concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and more. Its venues are also sought after for private events like parties, training sessions, weddings, and mitzvahs. Meanwhile, the Toyota Arena is a 225,000-square-foot venue that can accommodate more than 11,000 guests. It hosts more than 125 events annually and is home to several sports teams, including Ontario Reign (American Hockey League), Ontario Fury (Major Arena Soccer League), Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (G League Basketball), and LA Temptation (Legends Football League).

This week, the following facilities have earned GBAC STAR accreditation:

Stadium or Arena

Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Theatres or Performing Arts Centers

Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md.
Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Mansion in North Bethesda, Md.
Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Music Center in North Bethesda, Md.

“The GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation program is based on quality management system principles and ensures facilities have a clear map in place for training, preparation, prevention, and more,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett.

Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star.

Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.

IAVM members seeking to apply for accreditation through GBAC, please use the link https://gbac.issa.com/iavm/!

By R.V. Baugus

Hail Caesar!

And now, hail the iconic Superdome in New Orleans with the announcement that a new naming rights deal will result in the storied venue to become the Caesars Superdome. Toga’s optional.

Indeed, the NFL New Orleans Saints confirmed a 20-year partnership with Caesars Entertainment for naming rights to its Superdome stadium.

The deal officially rebrands the venue as the Caesars Superdome. The agreement was confirmed afterLouisiana state lawmakers approved the deal.

The deal, which was first reported in March, is said to be worth $138 million NOLA.com reported that the money will be paid directly to the Saints as part of the team’s agreement with the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which oversees the venue.

Caesars replaces Mercedes-Benz as the naming-rights sponsor of the Superdome. Mercedes-Benz had sponsored the stadium since 2011 but the company confirmed last May that it would not be extending its deal.

In September, the Saints appointed Oak View Group to sell naming rights for the Superdome. It had been hoped that a new deal could be struck by this month, with the Mercedes-Benz agreement having expired on July 15.

Caesars Superdome will host the Super Bowl in 2025, as well as next year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four, the annual Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff contests, and a range of concerts and other events.

The Superdome is currently undergoing extensive renovation work worth $450 million ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl and in January the team shared further details on the next phase of improvements. The Saints have pledged to spend the Caesars income on this project.

Saints owner Gayle Benson said: “This partnership sends a strong message about the positive future for the New Orleans Saints. That message states that companies with the global reach of Caesars Entertainment is investing in our city, state and region.

“Caesars has long been one of the world’s most respected entertainment companies. Caesars is in the midst of creating a first-class multi-million-dollar entertainment facility in downtown New Orleans, this significant investment also demonstrates the strength of their commitment to our state and region. We are proud to partner with a company that is dedicated to the economic growth of our city, state and region.”

Tom Reeg, chief executive of Caesars Entertainment, added: “All of us at Caesars are proud to be part of New Orleans’ vibrant culture. We understand that the Caesars Superdome is more than an iconic venue, it’s the symbol of a resilient and innovative community.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with the New Orleans Saints for nearly two decades and we are thrilled with the opportunity to strengthen it and celebrate our commitment to the city, the state, and the entire Gulf Coast region.”

By Blair Cardinal

Spectra, one of the industry’s top private management and hospitality companies, has appointed Michael Logan as general manager to lead venue operations at the Swiftel Center. The company, which operates more than 330 venues across North America and globally, began its venue management and partnerships sales contract at the 6,500-seat arena in Brookings on August 1.

Logan will oversee all aspects of the facility’s daily operations, including contract negotiations, financial planning, marketing initiatives, and event booking. Spectra’s strong network of venues – in particular within its sizable regional cluster including the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D.; Ralston Arena in Omaha, Neb.; Tyson Events Center & Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, Iowa; and Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. – will help enhance booking and sponsorship revenue generation at the Swiftel Center.

On May 25, 2021 with a 6-0 vote, Brookings City Council unanimously approved Spectra to assume management of the multi-use facility. The five-year contract will run through December 31, 2026. Spectra invited 100 percent of the building’s staff to remain onboard, with all but three opting to stay, and also created and hired two new positions – director of finance and director of partnerships.

“The transition has been exciting and seamless. We have weekly meetings with our new partners in the City, and regular and frequent communication with the team,” Logan said. “We’re all eager to officially get started, and I’m prepared to help Swiftel Center reach its full potential as an economic driver and centerpiece to the local community.”

Logan will work to uphold the center’s mission to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the region and provide a positive economic impact by hosting live spectator events, banquets, meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions. Spectra intends to increase the number of event days by 20 percent and attendance by 45 percent by the fifth year, which would equal $1 million annual incremental economic impact to Brookings.

Previously, Logan was Spectra’s assistant general manager and director of events at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill., where he oversaw the events, operations, and technical departments, and supported event booking and managed arena contracts. Since joining Spectra in 2014, Logan has also served as the director of events at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, where he managed the events, parking, and guest services staff. While in this role, he also oversaw numerous events including concerts for artists such as Drake, Paul McCartney, and Eric Church and major sporting events, such as the first and second rounds of the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Prior to that, he served as Senior Event Manager at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colo.

“With Mike at the helm, Spectra will improve Brookings’ position as a prominent destination for live entertainment and events, meetings, trade shows and conventions,” Erick Rangel, Chief Financial Officer, City of Brookings, said. “Spectra brings extensive resources to the table: strong relationships with promoters, business intelligence, streamlined policies and procedures, next-level customer service, and a network of professionals across North America to help train and support our employees. Plus, we can tap Spectra’s successful teams among our regional peer venues for knowledge sharing and best practices. We’re excited to get started.”

Mike Scanlon, Spectra’s Senior Vice President of Arenas & Stadiums, added: “We know Swiftel Center is going to benefit from Mike’s leadership experience. He’s dedicated not only to the success of the venue, but also to the success of each employee.”

Logan earned his master’s degree in Tourism Management from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He enjoys spending time with his family including his wife, Monica, 2-year-old son, Liam, 2-month-old son, Cooper, and dog, Oliver. Mike also enjoys biking, skiing, golfing, and travelling.

Blair Cardinal is Vice President, Communications at Spectra.

By Communications Department

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) hosted an anniversary event with their hospitality solutions partner, Centerplate. The event commemorated the ten-year anniversary of a groundbreaking relationship between a venue and a food and beverage provider, which was constructed to be about the food and experience before any financial terms were negotiated. Commemorating the anniversary, Convention Center leaders also celebrated Centerplate’s commitment to the local hospitality industry in New Orleans, having engaged with local small businesses and the New Orleans community at large.

“Our partnership with our exclusive catering and concessions provider, Centerplate, aligns with our delivering unrivaled results for our customers, and has reached far beyond our mission by supporting our community and local small businesses. Additionally, together we have made significant progress with our numerous sustainability initiatives, which are vital to New Orleans,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “We look forward to continuing this fundamental relationship and furthering the positive affect we are having on our local community.”

Beginning in 2011, NOENMCC selected Centerplate as its hospitality solutions partner based on the company’s ability to create and feature New Orleans cuisine. The contract also offered a unique evergreen component that annually added a year to the agreement based upon Centerplate reaching certain measurable thresholds. Throughout the partnership, Centerplate reimagined the dining experience for visitors to the Center with menus and atmosphere that reflected the culture of local New Orleans culinary experience. The partnership and the collaboration goes far beyond food and beverage; together they built relationships with small businesses to showcase local brands and made significant food donations to local non-profits.

In 2020, Centerplate and the Convention Center were awarded a Food Recovery Certification from the Food Recovery Network, a national nonprofit that works with large event centers across the country to fight hunger by donating excessive food items to those in need. The partnership was recognized for their food donation commitments to local organizations including Bethel Colony and Second Harvest Food Bank. As well, in 2019, with combined efforts between the two organizations, the Convention Center launched a new composting initiative to save thousands of pounds of compostable items with an interactive employee education event.

“The success of our partnership with the Convention Center stems from a mutual goal of providing world class customer service and a drive to deliver locally-inspired menus to give our visitors the full New Orleans experience,” said Steve Pangburn, Chief Executive Officer, Centerplate/ Sodexo Sports & Leisure. “We look forward to many more years of providing true New Orleans style hospitality and creating exceptional moments for the visitors of the Convention Center.”

Pictured:

Convention Center President Michael J. Sawaya and Steve Pangburn, Chief Executive Officer, Centerplate/ Sodexo Sports & Leisure, share a toast to 10 years of partnership between Centerplate and the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

By Lucy Albers

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Paycom jointly announced an exclusive, 15-year naming rights partnership that will transform the downtown home of the Thunder into Paycom Center.

The name change takes effect immediately, with exterior signage to be completed in time for the start of the 2021-22 Thunder season. For the new season, the Thunder plans to reopen the building and bring fans back to enjoy the complete Thunder game experience.

“We are honored and excited to expand our partnership with Paycom to include a centerpiece, 15-year naming rights commitment for our arena,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We are especially proud to enhance our alignment with this innovative and visionary Oklahoma company that is not only a top job creator, but a nationally recognized technology leader. The Thunder shares Paycom’s always-onward vision, grit and relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with a passion for impacting our community. Together, we are committed to working hand in hand to create the best for our fans and city.

“On behalf of our ownership group and the entire Thunder organization, we look forward to presenting our new arena partner, Paycom, to the NBA global audience. We are especially proud to be able to welcome back our fans to again enjoy the Thunder game experience inside the fresh and exciting Paycom Center.”

Chad Richison, Paycom’s founder and CEO, said, “Oklahoma City is home to thousands of our employees, and I am happy that Paycom Center will be the home of the Thunder. We are committed to our community and remain focused on the future as we support the home team.”

Paycom, a member of the S&P 500, is one of Oklahoma’s largest companies, with a market cap of approximately $23 billion, and one of the country’s fastest-growing publicly traded companies.

The naming rights agreement consists of several marquee Paycom Center signage locations, including the building’s exterior and roof, game floor, scoreboard and more. Paycom will retain its branded on-court signage in front of the player benches and will continue actively engaging the community that is so important to Paycom and the Thunder. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The building is scheduled to be fully transformed into Paycom Center for the expected return of fans to Thunder games for the upcoming season. The Thunder is working with the City of Oklahoma City to develop and complete the full exterior signage and lighting plan.

In addition to Thunder games, Paycom Center will host numerous concerts, sporting events and other world-class attractions, welcoming more than 1 million guests per year. Opened in 2002, the building is managed by ASM Global and owned by the City of Oklahoma City. It was the premier project of the Metropolitan Area Projects Plan (MAPS), Oklahoma City’s first capital improvement program; approved by voters in 1993, MAPS has modernized the state’s capital city with continued citizen support via additional MAPS funding. Located in the center of downtown Oklahoma City, Paycom Center stands as a centerpiece of the renaissance and future of downtown, amid other MAPS projects like Scissortail Park, which opened in 2019, and the new Oklahoma City Convention Center.

“At ASM Global, we are thrilled with the potential this partnership between the Thunder and Paycom offers for future success of the arena,” said Chris Semrau, general manager of Paycom Center. “We work diligently to offer first-class amenities and services for fans, entertainers, guests and crew as we schedule events and shows throughout the year, all within a very competitive environment. Adding a technology and community leader like Paycom to the name of the arena only enhances our ability to help position the facility as modern, vital and built for the future.”

Lucy Albers is Director of Marketing and Public Relations for ASM Global OKC.