By Terry James
BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has selected a new management company to take over operations at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
City Manager David Hales said VenuWorks of Iowa will take over as manager April 1 if the contract is approved by the city council on Monday.
“The company currently manages approximately 52 venues primarily in the Midwest, but they also have facilities across the United States,” said Hales. “Everywhere from Florida even to the state of Washington.”
Central Illinois Arena Management chose not to negotiate a new contract. U.S. Cellular is also not renewing their contract for naming rights of the Coliseum.
Mayor Tari Renner called it a “new day” in the city.
“It’s not just a 10 year anniversary of the Coliseum, or a birthday, but it’s a time for us to look forward,” said Renner. “We know that new things are happening downtown.”
The contract, if approved, will be for five years with an option to terminate after three years. It also calls for VenuWorks to collect 5 percent of revenue for concessions, sales commissions and naming right commissions.
Terry James can be reached at terry@wjbc.com.
