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Yet another handful of fair manager apparently adopted an oath to more accurately list attendance figures, according to AB research. As happened for the Ohio State Fair earlier this decade [...]

The fingernail biting has subsided a bit now that fair managers are completing their talent rosters with rock and pop acts that traditionally wait until the last minute to confirm [...]

Independent food concessionaires pay anywhere from 10% to 25% of gross revenues to major fairs based on a random survey of state fair managers and their vendors. The Wisconsin State [...]

The shopping list for carnival people attending the International Assn. of Amusement Parks & Attractions Convention in Orlando is probably shorter than it has ever been, but that doesn't mean [...]

From Journey to Pat Boone, Peter Paul & Mary to the Scorpions, Alicia Keys to Alan Jackson, Michael W Smith to Poison, Lyle Lovett to Lynyrd Skynyrd and Shaggy to [...]

Carnivals should anticipate a solid if not spectacular season in 2002. At the very least, it should be on par with the average year: 350 million people visiting North American [...]

Traditional midway fare is still king. 'Floss -- that's whats; getting the money if you talk to show owners,' said J.C. Evans of Gold Medal Products. 'And funnel cakes are [...]

Five teams in the Florida Grapefruit League will move to new home turf at the start of the 1998 baseball spring training season. The most recently- finished parks are the one-year-old Disney Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista and Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, which has just opened. The Atlanta Braves will play at the Disney venue, and the St. Louis Cardinals and Montreal Expos will share Roger Dean Stadium., The Florida Grapefruit League has five teams moving to new or existing facilities in 1998. The crown jewels are the one-year-old Disney's Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista, [...]

Conklin Shows continues its unabated reign as the top carnival in North America, having entertained 7.4 million people at eight fairs in the 1997 Year-End Top 50. In million people [...]

Scoreboard entertainment during Major League Baseball games has evolved from the simple dot races of the early 1990s to video interactivities like the Florida Marlins' 'Twist & Shout' fan dance [...]

Managers of fairgrounds often rent the facilities to concert promoters during seasons when no fairs are in progress. For example, the country music group Sawyer Brown sang at the Independence Bowl, part of the Shreveport, LA, state fairgrounds. Also, the Dade County, FL, Fair & Exposition makes about $80,000 a year by renting space and providing services for Hispanic talent festivals., Scheduling concerts during non-fair dates has proven profitable for fairground facilities. The State Fair of Louisiana, Tulsa State Fair, Oregon State Fair and the State Fair of Texas all book [...]

Venue leases for National Football League teams and Major League Baseball teams range from favoring the team to favoring the municipalities. The best contract belongs to the St. Louis Rams, who receive all revenue from the stadium except 25% of the advertising on their Trans World Dome. The opposite end of the spectrum is the Denver Broncos contract, which gives most of the revenues, except suite leases, to the city of Denver, CO., Leases with Major League Baseball and National Football League teams and their respective stadiums range from sweetheart deals for the St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens to agreements favoring public [...]

While amphitheaters may book the bulk of warm-weather shows, it will be just as hot indoors in the coming weeks, say managers of several Midwest buildings ranked in AB's list [...]

Some concert promoters enter into partnerships to secure musical acts for amphitheaters. The partnerships encompass the ongoing operation of the venues. The approach enables each party to focus on its strengths and can preclude the construction of a competing amphitheater, says Steve Sybesma, co-owner of Sunshine Promotions Inc., which is in a partnership that runs the Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus, OH. Joint arrangements also reduce personnel costs, says Patrick Leahy, the Polaris's manager., Promoters joining forces to book and operate amphitheaters has become a necessity in several markets to avoid head-to-head competition in such a short season. It's strictly a business decision, say [...]

There are several different kinds of events conducted at fair grandstands. The Greeley Independence Stampede in Colorado has cowboy church services with clergy on horseback that is organized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The Brevard County Fair in Florida has a high school cheerleading contest that is well attended by parents and children who go to have fun on the rides when the contest is over., Auto and horse racing, demolition derbies, rodeos, boxing, pro wrestling, antique shows and swap meets are just some of the events other than country and rock concerts plugged into fair [...]

Memorial Day festivals attracted record numbers of visitors despite the advent of rain in many areas. Festivals that attracted 100,000 or more visitors during the three-day weekend included the Finast Great American Rib Cook-off in Cleveland, OH; the Riverfest in Little Rock, AR, and the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee in Sacramento, CA. Events that attracted 10,000 or more visitors included the Moonshine Festival in Straitsville, OH; the Guthrie Jazz Banjo Festival in Guthrie, OK, and the Horned Toad Derby in Coalinga, CA., As is often the case, rainy weather impacted several of the festivals that ran over Memorial Day Weekend, but even so, many events reported strong numbers and were generally upbeat. [...]

Nine of the 14 American League baseball franchises reported increases in season ticket sales this year compared with 1995 figures, according to statistics compiled through AB research. The Baltimore Orioles, [...]

Only eight of the 32 largest fairs are raising admission prices for the 1996 season. The Big E fair in West Springfield, MA, is raising admission by $2, the largest increase, but the price covers a variety of entertainment including music events. Six fairs increased admission by $1; one fair had an increase of 50 cents. Other fairs are managing operating costs to maintain stable prices., American fairs appear to be holding the line on adult admission prices for 1996, according to a survey of some of the nation's largest-attended special events. Of 26 fairs contacted [...]

Gatorland offers tourists a close-up view of Florida wildlife. The 75-acre park is located on Orange Blossom Trail between Orlando, FL, and Kissimmee, FL. The park features a variety of live alligators and native birds and a renovated and expanded gift shop. Gatorland suggests that visitors plan half a day to see the entire facility. The theme park has been featured in several movies including 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.', ORLANDO - Gatorland, the self-proclaimed alligator capital of the world,' continues to flourish in its 48th year of operation. It's located on Orange Blossom Trail, halfway, between Orlando and Kissimmee. [...]

Nolan Bushnell is working on a digital entertainment facility called E-2000 that will initially open in one location, in a shopping mall in Burbank, CA, during the summer 1996. The 34,000 sq ft center will include a virtual theater that will project computer images onto the walls. The center will offer interactive activities that will enable teenagers and adults in different cities to compete with each other playing games., ORLANDO - Nolan Bushnell, described by several industry professionals as the 'father' of the family fun center business for creating Atari Games and Chuck E. Cheese restaurants, has a new [...]

Panelists at the Canadian Assn of Fairs and Exhibitions convention urged fair managers and planners to adapt if they wish to survive changing markets. Norman Stowe of The Pace Group of Vancouver told those attending the 69th annual convention that fairs must make customers feel special, because fairs are competing with Disney World and television for patrons' entertainment money. Stowe, a graduate of Disney University's training program, said concentrating on details and making every single patron feel welcome was most important., WINNIPEG, Man. - North American fairs need only look at the 40-year history of the Fortune 500 to know that adaptation is crucial to their existence. 'Only 185 of the [...]

Dallas-based Dave & Buster's has opened two adult restaurant/entertainment centers in Chicago, IL, and plans to open operations in Florida, Maryland and London, England. The $11-million facility in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago features simulation experiences including 'Galaxian Theater' and '19th Hole,' as well as 150 games such as video, pinball, carnival, virtual reality, and redemption. There are 330 employees paid on an hourly basis and 25 employees on salary., CHICAGO - Dave & Buster's, a chain of restaurant/entertainment centers that caters to adults, has opened two Chicago-area locations in west suburban Addison and in the city's Gold Coast neighborhood. [...]

Foodservice sales at the National Hockey League's 46th All-Star Game set all-time records at the FleetCenter, according to General Manager Jerry Freed. The National Basketball Assn Celtics and the NHL Bruins call the FleetCenter their home. Attendees bought a lot of non-traditional food items, such as cappuccino, Caesar salad and grilled chicken. Beer and Domino's Pizza also sold well., Sportservice at three-month-old FleetCenter in Boston established sales records Jan. 20 during the National Hockey League's 46th All-Star Game, said Jerry Freed, the concessionaire's on-site general manager. He declined to [...]

Farrow Amusement Company Inc. has solved its workers' compensation problems by self-insuring itself. The company will save between $250,000 and $350,000 annually, based on workers' comp rates for various states. Workers' comp premiums are putting many carnival operators out of business because they have to pay into state risk pools in each state they operate in., INDIANAPOLIS -- Farrow Shows' Mike Williams, with yeoman's work by Phil Coulson of Haas-Wilkerson Insurance Co., has apparently solved the carnival's worker's compensation woes. Williams has worried for years about [...]

Significant trends developing during the 1995 concert season include the success of upscale merchandise and the continued strong sales of brand-name foods. The introduction of international beers and microbrews has helped keep alcohol sales steady. Some concessions operators report that beverage sales have increased, while food sales have dipped. Merchandise being offered ranges from T-shirts to leather jackets., As the 1995 concert season enters into the home stretch, the continued strength of brand foods and the emergence of high-end, upscale merchandise are noteworthy trends in terms of ancillary [...]

Contrary to popular belief, there is competition in today's computerized ticket service industry. Ticketmaster is on the tips of everybody's tongues due to the Department of Justice's ongoing investigation into [...]

Fair, festivals and expositions in 1995 are apt to include more high technology attractions, such as the 1-800-COLLECT/Fox Sports Virtual Reality Tour, which has moved from one event to another. Lollapolooza has also incorporated high technology attractions, such as the use of Internet to connect fans and concert performers. AT&T is running laser light attractions with Iwerks and Science Faction in various cities across the nation., High-tech attractions are finding a home in a rather unlikely place--fairs and festivals. The 1-800-COLLECT/Fox Sports Virtual Reality Tour has been visiting visits fairs and festivals since early March, featuring [...]

Skinners' Amusements' member Pat Skinner has drafted and submitted copies of letters to Illinois politicians in an effort to gain their support for a rider's responsibility law. Current laws only ensure amusement rides are safe and do not address the actions of the riders. Skinner cites in his letters statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission showing that 75% to 80% of amusement ride injuries are rider-related., Despite lack of support from the Illinois Dept. of Labor (DOL), concerned amusement company owner/operators continue to push for a law dictating rider responsibility In late April, Pat Skinner of [...]

The decision to restart the National Hockey League (NHL) season was strongly supported by arena managers, although most arenas will realize lost revenues because of the shortened season. For example, each lost hockey game cost Philadelphia, PA-based CoreStates Spectrum as high as $50,000 in ancillary revenue. To survive this loss of revenue, arena managers had been booking replacements and economizing. The league will begin a 48-game schedule as early as Jan 18, 1995., Each cancelled National Hockey League (NHL) game at the CoreStates Spectrum, Philadelphia, can cost that building up to $50,000 in ancillary revenue. With similar situations in most NHL buildings, arena [...]

The Illinois State Fair has a new manager, Joe Saputo, and will become self-supporting, without state funds, in 1995. Saputo begins his job on Feb 1, 1995. He has been in charge of the hiring of staff for the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair since 1986. Funding will be obtained from horse racing at the state fair and from corporate sponsorships. Saputo may include more non-fair events at the fairgrounds in order to better utilize the 400-acre area., The Illinois State Fair in Springfield has a new manager and a newly created agency to monitor its activities. Starting this year, the fair becomes self-supporting and receives no state [...]

Midway games at the 1994 State Fair of Texas experienced a 20.4% increase in business compared to the 1993 fair, according to fair president David Nixon. Nixon said that game operators ran fair games, possibly because a local CBS affiliate station sent a reporter to report on the games' fairness. The same report was done in 1993, and most games operators made sure their operations were fairly run for 1994., DALLAS -- Carnival games hit the jackpot this year at the State Fair of Texas independent midway. There was a 20.4 percent increase in games business compared to last year's [...]

The State Fair of Texas did exceptionally well for its independent midway operator, Elliott Amusements Inc of Mason, MI, according to the company's owner, F.G. Wood. He says that although there were nine days of rain during the fair's 24-day run, he expects much the same financial results as from 1993. Wood has been providing midway service to the Texas fair for 32 years and although he does not set up some of his more expensive rides in the relatively small fair, he compensates with unusual rides and outstanding attention to ride safety., DALLAS -- The State Fair of Texas is the 'granddaddy of them all' in the esteemed opinion of veteran carnival owner/operator F.G. 'Red' Wood. He should know. First with Wade [...]

The Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus, OH, was built in four and a half months and began its 43-concert schedule on June 18, 1994, with seven consecutive concerts. Several law suits were filed against the outdoor theater during its construction period, reportedly because of concern over noise and reduced property values. The 20,000-seat Polaris will host 16 shows in July., COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Polaris Amphitheater General Manager Patrick Leahy and his staff survived a seven-show blitzkireg that christened the new $15 million facility. The Polaris, a joint venture among Belkin [...]

The International Assn. of Auditorium Managers' Crowd Management Seminar is the perfect avenue for university facility managers to cope with potential crowd management difficulties. University facility managers have an increased responsibility in managing the predominantly-student crowds. Several alternative acts have been touring the college market, prompting building managers to review their stand on festival seating and general admission policies., University facilities have an obligation not only to present a diverse program of sports and entertainment, but to manage the crowds they attract. Under the aegis of an academic administration, [...]

Bill and Gayle Thomas have successfully built up their carnival business despite difficulties in the Canadian market. Both college graduates, the Thomases started out with small sideshows, which led to their present holdings of major rides and attractions. They were amply prepared for the business, with Bill majoring in physical education, and Gayle getting a degree in business. The couple's children have followed in their parents' footsteps by actively taking part in the management of the show., GIBSONTON, Fla. -- Bill and Gayle Thomas should be admired for their never-say-die attitude in the carnival business. As owner/operators of a Canadian show, they have plenty of concerns to [...]

Privatization of US auditoriums and arenas was discussed in the International Assn of Auditorium Managers District III meeting. Smaller buildings find it increasingly necessary to turn to private management to defray costs. Pershing Auditorium and Brown Country Arena are a few which have benefited from privatization. Clout for promoting concerts and shows, maintaining work relationships between city and county governments and reducing expenses are the major advantages of privatization., FARGO, N.D. -- An estimated 15 percent of U.S. auditoriums and arenas are now operated under private management; privatization, however, is still undergoing a maturation process, said Charles Johnson, senior [...]

Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI, will host the Arena Football League's expansion team, the Milwaukee Mustangs, in 1994. The Mustangs will be the fifth sports club to schedule their home games at Bradley Center. The addition of the Mustangs is part of the center's aggressive marketing strategy. Meanwhile, Bradley Center Gen Mgr David Skiles relishes in the challenge of scheduling the games of the five teams., MILWAUKEE -- As if four tenants weren't enough, Bradley Center adds a fifth when the Arena Football League expansion Milwaukee Mustangs play their seven-game regular season home schedule this summer. [...]

Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the US Dept of Justice has been swamped with complaints dealing with access and policy enforcements. So far, auditorium managers are still confused by some provisions, especially the regulations regarding the number of seats required for disabled persons. In response, the International Assn of Auditorium Managers ADA Accessibility Task Force has drafted a position paper suggesting guidelines for implementation of ADA requirements in public assembly facilities., As complaints continue to be lodged over lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the International Assn. of Auditorium Managers has taken steps to provide guidelines for members [...]

Advertising promotions are one of the most effective marketing tools for the amusement industry. Advertising promotions come in many different forms, from humorous to educational. A minor league baseball team, the Kane County Cougars, relies heavily on ad promos and they have managed to draw in an average of more than 30,000 spectators annually. Many companies have also found that advertising promotions can bring them substantial exposure and profits., Advertising promotions within the amusement industry come in all shapes and sizes. The objective for both parties involved is to gain market exposure and hopefully a profit at the same [...]

CLEVELAND -- Durant Enterprises continues to plug away in the carnival and food concession business, starting its 54th season of operation in 2002, playing more than 50 dates in Ohio [...]

DALLAS -- The State Fair of Texas plans to further expand the independent Super Midway on the back end to possibly include an additional roller coaster or a thrill zone, [...]

With area residents still 'frightened' by recent events, attendance fell nearly 90,000 at the 66th annual Pensacola (Fla.) Interstate Fair, according to John Frenkel Jr., completing his 16th year as [...]

CLEVELAND -- The World Trade Center terrorist attack hit close to home for 52-year-old Newton Shows, based in East Northport, N.Y., part of Long Island. The weekend after Sept. 11, [...]

Levy Restaurants was in as much a celebratory mood as the Arizona Diamondbacks after establishing record concession and premium food per caps for the four World Series games at 4-year-old [...]

Sioux City, Iowa, officials recently finalized a 20-year, $5.5 million naming rights package for a new arena that will preserve most of the existing, 51-year-old Municipal Auditorium when construction is [...]

WITH THE CHICAGO BEARS making miraculous come-from-behind victories a weekly routine on their way to the best record in the NFL as of early November, team President Ted Phillips reconsidered [...]

Despite competing against the World Series, NASCAR, Arizona State University football and the NHL Coyotes, the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix had record attendance of 1,079,508, said Gary Montgomery, completing [...]

* Sportservice reported a food/merch per cap of $7.26 for the Britney Spears tour opener at Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio. Food and drink alone was [...]

* U2 has added eight dates to the final leg of its Elevation Tour, starting Nov. 20 at ARCO Arena, Sacramento, Calif., continuing through Dec. 2 at American Airlines Arena, [...]

* Joe Burum became sole owner of Waterloo (Iowa) Tent & Tarp after buying out his four partners. WTT is a 111-year-old [...]