HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-26 Bass Park Committee Minutes Visitor Facilities and Attractions Committee ` � � Visitor Facilities and Attractions Committee
January 26, 1998
Minutes
� Committee members present: M.Aube,P. Baldacci,J. Quirk,M. Sullivan, J.Rohman, - .
D.Fichtner,A.Hess.
Staff present: E. Banett,M.Dyer,R. Heller, R. McKay. .
Committee members absent: S.Pechinski, G.Eckmann,J. Saxl.
Meeting was called to order at 4:10 pm. The minutes from the previous meeting were accepted.
Mike Dyer made a presentation about facility capacity, saying that the two facilities at Bass Park averaged
about 50% capacity. He also mentioned that problems with the facilities made them inadequate for a
variety of events about 30% of the time, particularly with larger events.
Mike Aube asked what size groups posed problems,to which Mike Dyer responded that there was no
specific number, but that it depended on the group's needs, and that other, larger events would not
necessarily flow from improvements. The question, he said,was if the market could support these lar�er
events.
John Rohman asked how the St. John facility was doing, and noted that our location near St. John was a
plus. Mike Dyer noted that it is too early to tell how St. John is doing.
Mike Dyer noted that we have done better than Portland in a number of events, including BB King and
.-. Disney on Ice. Mary Sullivan noted.that the.MMA.seemed to like Bangor as�a ven�e.for- its.co�ference�. -� �--� � �
this past October, but that e�chibitors wanted more space. Mike Dyer noted that price is key to many of
• these events, and works to our advantage.
Noting that the MMA's Bangor event d'rez�400 less people than the Portland meeting, Mike Aube asked
if anyone's ever surveyed rotating groups such as these to determine why such swings take place. Mike
Dyer said that several general surveys have been done in the past, but not addressed at this particular issue.
Ed Barrett said that the MMA rotates around the state because many towns cannot afford hotels for their
officials.
Mike Aube asked about developing an event-day data capture system so that we can focus on higher
revenue events. Mike Dyer said th�at when we approach 70% utilization we are essentially full. This
occurs most of the year, with the exception of May through August, although August has improved a bit
recently. Mary Sullivan raised the issue of weddings at the civic center. Mike Dyer ans�vered that there
aren't as many as there used to be, and that packages are offered to those who wait for within six months of
their reception so as not to knock other, hiQher revenue events out of the civic center.
John Rohman noted that patterns of usaae may highlight the need for air conditioning in the auditorium,
and asked what the civic center's utilization was like in the summer. Mike Dyer said that,with respect to
concerts in the summer time,the facility fight against a lack of seating and air conditioning. Ed Barrett
said that not much goes on the summer because most people go away. Peter Baldacci said that summer is
a good concert season.
Alan Hess asked if we were to have an 8,000-10,000 seat arena with air conditioning if that would make a
difference in revenue. Mike Dyer indicated that gross rental revenue might increase by 15-20%, and that
concerts would be the most desirable type of event. Ed Barrett asked how a new facility would do, and
� Mike Dyer indicated that revenue could increase by as much as 50%.
Alan Hess asked if we could cover operating expenses at a ne�v facility. Ed Barrett and Peter Baldacci � ' �
pointed out the importance of economic benefits in the equation. The conversation then turned to the
facility's efficiency, particularly��vith respect to heating, layout and cleaning.
Peter Baldacci wondered how we could come to a consensus as to whether to fix or replace the facility.
John Rohman said we needed to ask�vhat�ve want. Ed Barrett said�ve need to begin draftinQ report �
sections and talking about specifics�vith respect to facilities, attractions and resources. y
Peter Baldacci said that what we do�vould probably have to be a public/private effort. John Rohman
said we would need sizable donors to support such an effort. Peter Baldacci mentioned that people have
to feel a part of things. Mary Sullivan noted that there are those�vho still resent the buildinQ of the civic
center. y
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