SMG WORLDWIDE TO SERVE AS NEW MANAGEMENT FOR CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA IN ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA
The City of Ontario has announced its intent to transfer management of Citizens Business Bank Arena from AEG Facilities to SMG Worldwide. “It has always been the vision of the Ontario City Council to have one source managing the City of Ontario owned facilities, the Ontario Convention Center and Citizens Business Bank Arena” said Council Member Alan D. Wapner. “This action will provide a synergy to enhance both venues with one team to provide strategic marketing, staffing, sales, and a joint calendar.”
AEG Facilities and the City of Ontario have mutually agreed that as of July 1, 2016, AEG will transition from management of Citizens Business Bank Arena and focus on the long-term success of the Ontario Reign hockey team. Since the opening of Citizens Business Bank Arena in 2008, there has been a valuable and mutually beneficial partnership between AEG Facilities and the City of Ontario. AEG was instrumental in the westward movement of the American HockeyLeague and their focus going forward is on the Ontario Reign and its continued success. As the defending Calder Cup champions, this season was a tremendous success.
“We are proud of the partnership between the City of Ontario and SMG Worldwide and look forward to the opportunity to build upon the successful management of Ontario Convention Center, Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ontario Town Square” said Mayor pro Tem Debra Dorst-Porada.
“SMG has done a tremendous job for the City of Ontario operating the Ontario Convention Center, increasing the number of events, and increasing room nights” said Council Member Jim W. Bowman. “We have confidence in the leadership team and together we look forward to continuing to make Citizens Business Bank Arena the premier entertainment destination for the region.”
“The arena will provide a destination experience, much needed to bring larger events with a significant economic impact to our area” said Michael Krouse, Regional Vice President of SMG Worldwide. “We are excited to get under way as the new management team of Citizens Business Bank Arena and look forward to providing quality entertainment to visitors and our local community.”
About City of Ontario
The City of Ontario is located in southwest San Bernardino County with a population of 163,924 (2010 census). It is uniquely positioned as the center of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The City is governed by a five-member City Council: Mayor Paul S. Leon, Mayor pro Tem Debra Dorst-Porada, and Council Members Alan D. Wapner, Jim W. Bowman and Paul Vincent Avila.
About SMG Worldwide
Founded in 1977, SMG Worldwide provides management services to over 233 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
About Citizens Business Bank Arena
Citizens Business Bank Arena, built and owned by the City of Ontario, includes 9,500 fixed seats with additional “portable” seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey or arena football and 10,832 for basketball. The 225,000 square foot venue features 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands, merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities. Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts ice hockey, soccer, and a variety of other sporting competitions, concerts, family shows, special events, conventions, school and community activities as well as private events. The Arena is home to Ontario Reign, an AHL Hockey Team, and Ontario Fury, a PSAL Soccer Team. Citizens Business Bank Arena is the biggest and most modern arena within the Inland Empire, an area with over 4.2 million people. It is located in the City of Ontario, California, on a 37-acre parcel located between Haven Avenue and Milliken Avenue, Fourth Street and the I-10 Freeway. For more information visit: CBBankArena.com