Arena manager to propose adding BCPA operations

Posted on October 2, 2017
Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
VenuWorks proposes adding the Bloomington Center the Performing Arts to its management duties, which have included Grossinger Motors Arena since April 2016. (Photo courtesy Facebook/artsblooming)

By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is considering expansion of VenuWorks’ role from managing Grossinger Motors Arena to include operating the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts.

A city release says VenuWorks will propose managing the BCPA for $3,000 per month through the remainder of the current arena management agreement, which expires in 2021.

Bloomington Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Jay Tetzloff said the proposed agreement could be more efficient by utilizing staff for both the BCPA and the arena.

Tetzloff added that the seven full-time BCPA employees were told of the possible management change recently and that VenuWorks would retain as many of the current staff as possible. VenuWorks estimates saving $200,000 in personnel costs. Those costs for the BCPA totaled $1.1 million in the most recent fiscal year.

VenuWorks plans to present its proposal during a city council work session next Monday with possible adoption on October 23.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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