New Seating Ready at Big Sandy Arena

Funds for the project --- one of many still on deck --- come from about $2.3 million of $4.5 million in low interest recovery zone bonds. Due to the low interest rates, the new and current debt refinancing comes out just slightly higher than the former payment amount.

Mayor Kim Wolfe beamed "it's a good day for Huntington," stressing that by council, the administration and the arena  "working together" good things are happening. “Look around, we’re excited because (general manager) Brian Sipe is going to attract top first rate entertainment. When you do that it brings in a lot of people for shopping, eating and a good time downtown.”   

 Tyson Compton, president of the Cabell  Convention and Visitors Bureau,   explained how the new seating and forthcoming conference center renovations will have a dollar multiplier effect by pulling more visitors to Huntington who will eat, shop and spend the night.

“There’s a formula we use that says for every dollar spent on a ticket it translates to four dollars spent out in the community. With 5,000 people coming to a concert ,  4,000 of those people will be at least eating downtown,” Compton explained. He added,  “The more shows and more top name entertainment which Brian is working on for 2012, the greater likelihood of filling the arena and bring people from out of the area.  [For instance] with Reba [Macintire] several people through our office needed help with room reservations. Those people spend money on food and shopping but stay in the hotels as well.”

Additions like the wider seating with cup holders and arm rests (and the VIP section) appeal to the “more discerning” audiences of the 21st Century. “If we make them more comfortable while they are here, they’re more likely to come back. Having the newer seats and cup holders may seem small but it entices those people to come out,” Compton said.

Complementing the Arena’s pact with the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, Compton said this allows them “to fill up more nights with smaller shows, which they might not have chosen to undertake here because the space was too big.”

Brian Sipe revealed  that the conference area will be reconfigured into a “smart room with a smart board, a teleconferencing room and a board room.” To his knowledge, similarly themed meeting rooms are “not available to call and rent right away” in the market.

Other upcoming additions and renovations include a family friendly lobby restroom, VIP Clubroom (with bar, big screen televisions and restrooms), six new spotlights, redesign of the outdoor plaza, and the updating of ten dressing rooms which are already in service.

The Gaither Christmas Homecoming at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, kicks off what the Mayor called the “newest investment in our community.”

For upcoming events, visit: http://bigsandyarena.com/new_site/index.php . FYI: The Amazing Kreskin has just been announced for January 20. Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 19 at the BSSA boxoffice.