ukbb2003 said:
ukbb2003 said:
Bob Yancy said:
techno-ag said:
australopithecus robustus said:
This is an obvious pragmatic solution and a prevailing sentiment. The issue with it is that A&M does what's best for A&M, not the COCS. The 900 lb gorilla has so many moving parts to coordinate and does not have the same goals and incentives as the COCS or the private commerce that surrounds it. We can only wish they do more with their facilities. Meanwhile, there's a city around it that has to be managed.
A multi use convention center in any city promotes tourism, commerce, tax collection, brand identity, a sense of place and affiliated amenities that has been done and proven over and over. Writing's on the wall that we should do that and it's actually a rare advantage that multiple entities could come together to it, vs most cities having to go it alone. I'm 100% for it, provided it is located near College Station's city center and not somewhere goofy in the periphery.
So well put. I agree. It's time to get her done. Build a convention center.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moody_Center
https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2024/12/23/moody-center-atx-austin-tx-venue-arena-ranks-billboard-list/77059566007/
In Austin. Grossed $126,400,000 in 2024.
https://www.classiccenter.com/
In Athens Ga. 1.5 hours from Atlanta. No airport. Booked 170 nights and days per year. Generates $60,000,000 a year in direct visitor spending to the local economy. Has been expanded repeatedly to keep up with event demand.
How much of that $126M was from UT sporting events?
Mr. Yancy, do you have an answer to this?
I'm sorry I don't. The Moody's Center bills itself as an agnostic event venue. The new trend in this is to get away from being "the home of Longhorn Hoops" but rather to lead with all the other types of events. It's turning the old "convention center" approach on its ear to a "multi-event" center. And it's having massive success. Particularly by outsourcing event booking, promotion and management to an outside group in a performance-based contract. Even Jerry's World isn't just home of the Dallas Cowboys anymore. The ratio of non Cowboys games to Cowboy games in that facility is 20:1 or thereabouts.
These facilities are too expensive and valuable to be seen as purpose-built single event type venues. It's an all of the above strategy- even the National Cornhole Championship. I'm not kidding when I say on this platform it's music, comedy, performing arts, orchestra, boat shows, medical equipment, family Dino and Lego shows, conventions, exhibitions, symposiums and oh by the way, sports too.
Go to that Moody's link. You have to scroll to the bottom to finally get to Longhorn basketball.
This is the new model, and it's completely changing the game in such facilities, while rendering many previously constructed "purpose built" facilities somewhat obsolete.
It's happening all over the country.
Respectfully
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
