GLOBAL SPECTRUM SELECTED TO MANAGE CONSTANT CONVOCATION CENTER
Old Dominion University has selected the Philadelphia-based firm Global Spectrum to manage the Constant Convocation Center, which is slated to open in late fall 2002.
The highly regarded company provides management for public assembly facilities across the country, most notably the First Union Center, which is home to the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, as well as facilities at Temple University and the universities of South Carolina, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
"This decision is not only good for Old Dominion, but also for the Hampton Roads region as a whole. Global Spectrum has a track record of success because they expect and demand high-quality in every facet of their operation. The university looks forward to a long relationship with one of the nation's best management firms," said Bob Fenning, vice president for administration and finance.
"As the excitement builds for the Monarchs and Lady Monarchs move to the Constant Center next season, the addition of Global Spectrum will enhance the quality of the experience provided to the fans who attend our games," said Jim Jarrett, Old Dominion's athletic director. "Global Spectrum's relationship with Front Row Marketing and Comcast Sports Net will help us reach new markets and further enhance the university's image."
Global Spectrum President Michel Sauers expressed his excitement at adding the Constant Center to Global Spectrum's roster of university facilities. "As we continue to grow our company, these facilities play a very important role," he explained, noting that the company's reputation in the university community helps make each facility more marketable.
"We look forward to working with the administration and students and staff at Old Dominion to provide a spectacular facility with incredible events for everyone," added Global Spectrum Chairman Peter Luukko.
Global Spectrum will be involved with all pre-opening phases of managing the facility. This includes working and consulting on facility design; preparing marketing programs, brochures and other literature on the facility; preparing a pre-opening budget; recruiting, hiring and training a general manager and facility staff; supervising the procurement of furniture, fixtures and equipment; booking and marketing the facility; securing subcontractors; and analyzing all operational details. Global Spectrum will also establish and implement financial and accounting programs and procedures, as well as prepare the facility for its opening.
The 8,600-seat state-of-the-art, multipurpose facility is scheduled to open in October 2002. Designed by a national team headed by architects Moseley, Harris & McClintock and Rossetti Associates, the Constant Center will be the new home of the university's men's and women's basketball teams, as well as December commencement, numerous family shows, concerts and other sporting events.
The facility will feature 16 luxury suites and other premium seating, as well as a wide variety of amenities, including pre-wiring for television production; closed-circuit television throughout the arena; JumboTron scoreboards; a video wall; up-scale concessions and private concessions on the VIP concourse; a full commissary; a 9,100-square-foot room for pre- and post-event hospitality; a retail store in the lobby and a sports Hall of Fame area with hands-on activities and exhibits.
In addition, a 1,400-space parking deck and 200-space VIP lot are being built adjacent to the arena. The university's proposed maglev transit system - the first of its kind in the nation - will connect the center and the surrounding University Village to the central campus and student residence halls.
The 75-acre University Village will feature a shopping center, office buildings, residential facilities and a variety of retail shops and restaurants, with the Constant Convocation Center as its cornerstone.
The Global Spectrum staff will handle, upon opening, the day-to-day management of the facility, including booking, scheduling, marketing, maintenance, contracted services, staffing and other operations.
Global Spectrum is part of the Comcast-Spectacor family of companies, which includes Comcast-Spectacor Ventures, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Bowie Baysox, the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Frederick Keys, the First Union Center, the First Union Spectrum, Comcast SportsNet, Flyers Skate Zone, Ovations Food Services and Global Skate Zone.