City hears two more proposals on Chevy Centre

YOUNGSTOWN — City officials have a lot to consider.

The final two presentations from companies — a joint presentation from the Cavaliers Operating Co. of Cleveland and International Facilities Group of Chicago, and SMG of Philadelphia — wanting to manage the city-owned Chevrolet Centre were given today.

The first proposal from Global Spectrum was made Tuesday.

Cavaliers officials touted the companies familiarity with the marketplace. The Chevrolet Centre would only be the second arena the company would manage.

It owns and operates the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team and its home center, the Quicken Loans Arena. IFG operates a group of facilities in Stockton, Calif.

The Cleveland company also promised an NBA D-League (development league) basketball team, affiliated with the Cavaliers, for the center if the city hires it to manage the facility.

SMG operates 209 facilities worldwide and touted its major presence in the sports and entertainment marketplaces as the reason the city should select it to run the center. SMG officials said the company has the size and buying power to attract more shows to the center because it operates so many venues.

SMG officials also said they would be willing to discuss a contract provision to cover operating deficits at the center. The facility lost more than $275,000 in its first two full years of operations.

“They were all impressive,” Mayor Jay Williams said of the proposals. “I can’t image we could have had three better presentations. I anticipate all three will be back for further discussions.”

The city will enter into private discussions with the groups shortly and should have a management deal in place in the next 30 to 60 days, Williams said.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or vindy.com