Final Coliseum update

Now that I made it through Christmas and all its preparations, I'm hoping to post some reports on various topics that I have not had time to write because I was so busy. Today's article in the News & Record about the energy performance contract reminded me that I had neglected to share updates from the December 6 meeting of the War Memorial Commission (Coliseum), my last meeting of the Commission.

As noted in the newspaper article, many of the energy saving projects identified by Siemens have already been implemented in various parts of the Coliseum complex. An internship has been established with A&T University which will allow students learning about energy and energy conservation to get hands-on experience at the Coliseum and hopefully identify additional energy saving ideas as well.

Other construction projects that have been completed or are in progress include the installation of handicap-accessible ramps into the auditorium from the back parking lot, eliminating the two sets of steps that were in poor shape. Driveways and parking areas will be reconfigured in the immediately adjacent area to provide additional parking closer to the building and these ramps. Nine new permanent concession stands for the concourse are currently in the design phase in hopes of eliminating some of the portable carts that currently serve customers.

Centerplate reported $375,000 in merchandise sales at the Hannah Montana concert averaging nearly $26 per attendee, "off the charts" per the industry standard. Part of this success was attributed to the wireless hand-held credit card devices that made it quick and easy for people to "charge it."

The NBA basketball game in October netted $41,000 over the budget projection, and there was a small operating profit for the month of October. Ticket incentives from Ticketmaster are running ahead of projections.

Scott Johnson reported that concert ticket sales are doing poorly everywhere EXCEPT Greensboro! Greensboro's Van Halen concert was the largest seller in the US, and the Hannah Montana show was the second largest. Two Chris Daughtry concerts sold out in one day. "Success breeds success" and other concerts have been booked, including Bruce Springsteen, R. Kelly, Celtic Woman, Jill Scott, Mannheim Steamroller, and BB King. Dates are being held for numerous other rock-and-roll and country artists. Consumer shows are also doing well with 57,000 attending the two holiday markets. 72 different performances were on sale the first week of December.

The possibility of an ice hockey team is still being explored.

Manus Holmes was elected as vice chair of the Commission.

Matt Brown is reorganizing the staffing to provide a more positive patron experience; veteran employee Doreen Lumpkin has been named as the Guest Services Manager.

Commission Chair Harrison Turner presented me with a beautiful framed picture of the Coliseum depicting the three different arena buildings that have been in service through the years. I actually began my civic career as a member of the War Memorial Commission in the early 90's so I have come full circle.

Good luck to the Coliseum, its staff, and the War Memorial Commission for continued success. How boring Greensboro would be without the variety of concerts, family shows, consumer shows and other spectacular events presented there!