Global Spectrum, a manager of public assembly venues in the U.S., presented a check to the Polk County Board of Supervisors for profits from operating the Iowa Events Center in the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The board received $510,505, making this the second time in the history of the Iowa Events Center that a profit to Polk County surpassed $500,000 for a single fiscal year. Comprised of Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall, the Iowa Events Center also features the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at Veterans Memorial.
“The Iowa Events Center continues to be successful through the professional management of our partner, Global Spectrum,” said Tom Hockensmith, Board of Supervisors chairman, Polk County.
From July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, the Iowa Events Center hosted 483 events, including concerts, trade and consumer shows, corporate banquets, and wedding receptions. Other successful events held at the facility included the 2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, AQS National Quilt Week, Iowa State Pool Players Association Tournament, and Iowa’s Premier Beer, Wine and Food Expo presented by Hy-Vee.
“We are looking forward to hosting another strong year of concerts and family entertainment along with many exhibitions, consumer shows and conventions,” said Chris Connolly, general manager, Iowa Events Center, Global Spectrum.
Prior to the construction of Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall, Polk County subsidized the operations of Veterans Memorial Auditorium and the Convention Complex at over $800,000 annually. Since engaging Global Spectrum to manage and operate the Iowa Events Center facilities, Polk County has provided minimal subsidy for the entire complex.
