Chevrolet Centre under city operation on Thursday

October 31, 2007 at 4:47p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Thursday is the first day the Chevrolet Centre is operating without Global Entertainment Corp. running the facility.

It’s also the first day of the busiest four-day stretch at the center in several months, said Eric Ryan, who is serving as the facility’s interim executive director.

With four concerts by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra between Thursday and Saturday [one a day except for two on Saturday] followed by a Sunday performance by Kidz Bop, city officials and Ryan say they’re ready.

“It’s crazy and it will be busy, but it’s going great,” Ryan said.

Ryan, a Struthers concert promoter, started working with Global officials Oct. 22 at the city-owned facility.

While he’s concentrating on the TSO and Kidz Bop performances, Ryan said he’s also fielding calls from promoters interested in booking shows at the center, and he’s contacting others to bring events here.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.