ASM Global to Continue Management of INTRUST Bank Arena Through 2030
The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners voted on December 11 to renew the contract with ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company, for the management of INTRUST Bank Arena. The renewal allows ASM Global to continue managing the arena through 2030 with an option for an additional five years beyond that. ASM Global has managed INTRUST Bank Arena since its opening in January 2010.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with ASM Global,” said Sedgwick County Commissioner David Dennis. “AJ and his team have successfully brought a variety of performances and events to Wichita and we look forward to many more years of entertainment.”
The contract renewal comes as the arena prepares to celebrate its ten-year anniversary throughout 2020. The new contract began on January 1, 2020 and will extend through 2030, for a total of eleven years. Additionally, if Sedgwick County earns $1.7 million through 2029 from its portion of net income generated by INTRUST Bank Arena, the contract will automatically renew for an additional five years through 2035. Per the new agreement, ASM Global will also contribute dollars from its facility fee toward the Arena’s capital improvement fund, which is projected to extend the life of the fund to 2040.
“INTRUST Bank Arena has been a premier account for ASM Global and we are very appreciative to have the privilege to manage this world-class venue,” said ASM Global EVP of Stadia and Theaters, Doug Thornton. “Sedgwick County’s commitment to and investment in INTRUST Bank Arena has been a vital part of the success we’ve collectively enjoyed and we look forward to continuing this partnership.”
INTRUST Bank Arena has experienced tremendous success throughout its first ten years. In 2015, the arena achieved the second highest net operating income in its history, behind only the grand opening year, and in 2017, achieved the third highest. Additionally, INTRUST Bank Arena is one of just two venues in the world to have won the Venue Excellence Award on two occasions by the International Association of Venue Managers, an award which recognizes venues which have demonstrated excellence in the management and operation of their venue.
The arena has also been successful in continuing to attract marquee names and a diverse lineup of entertainment to Wichita. In 2015, Garth Brooks smashed multiple arena records during his run of six sold out shows, including most shows played by one artist, most tickets sold and most sold out shows. In 2017, Paul McCartney played his first ever concert in Kansas and set a new arena record for highest grossing single-concert. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship returned to Wichita in 2018 for the first time in 24 years, with INTRUST Bank Arena serving as the host site, generating an estimated $5.5 million in new economic activity. In 2019, Metallica returned to Wichita for the first time in nearly 15 years and made history by setting a new attendance record for a single concert when it hosted 15,690 fans at the sold-out show.
Looking ahead, INTRUST Bank Arena plans to celebrate its ten-year anniversary in a big way throughout 2020, including a 10th Anniversary Concert Series which kicked off earlier this year with Guns N’ Roses on October 7. To date, the series also features George Strait presented by Visit Wichita (January 24), Jason Aldean (February 15), KISS (February 19), Blake Shelton (March 11) and Cher (April 22), with more announcements to come throughout the year.