A new bag policy goes into affect tonight. While I can’t understand why anyone would want to carry in a bag or purse to a show anyway, I do understand that women like to have makeup and other personal items with them, but I wonder if the policy isn’t about safety (concealed weapons) but about people sneaking in their own beverages and snacks. The last time I paid to go to a show at the EC my ticket was $120 (very good seats) and drinks were about $50. Remember, well over 90% of what you spend at the EC (tickets, food, beverages, etc.) goes straight out of town and doesn’t get circulated in the local economy. I have asked since the place has opened what their yearly sales are and how much of that money stays in Sioux Falls and have yet to get an answer from the city who owns the facility and pays the mortgage and maintenance.
Considering how much this thing is costing us, I hope it’s about sales.
the metal detectors sit in the corner for stampede games, if they are that concerned about safety.
LJL, yeah high sales are good, if we were actually getting any of that money. I figured the city is gleaning about $2 million in taxes from the facility a year, and that is about it. I estimated once that sales at the facility are around $20 million a year. So you do the math.
At the Sioux Empire Fair there was search and wanding for some concerts. Likely, after the Las Vegas sniper, Security is required by entertainers. Attendees should know of and be prepared for measures in advance. I’d like to know it’s safe before I go. Sure, it’s strict and maybe it’s meant to prevent outside food. However, we live in a different world where someone will bring something dangerous. It may be by accident or on purpose but it must be kept out.
I was to train a young engineer from West Texas. I met him at DFW airport. He’d never flown before. We started through security and he was asked to open his briefcase. Inside was a 44 Magnum (a frickin cannon). He said he always had it with him. We didn’t go to jail that day 10 years ago. Today, we’d both do 20 years.
20 million would be including ticket sales but the city does not get a cut of tickets or talent merch, I believe it’s a flat fee for each event. Rent based on ticket sales is very risky and you’ll have every goofy talent group booking.
I would guess it sells 3 mill in food and drink each year and takes a 25% of gross.
Your way off on the 10%. But it will never be able to pay the mortgage.
Say, how many of those skinny White Clay hard seltzers could a guy get into one of those 4.5 by 6.5 “Opaque Bags” anyhow?
https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/06/business/white-claw-shortage-trnd/index.html
What about a mother with a diaper bag or a senior with an oxygen tank? You can still sneak in pot but the munchies will cost you hundreds.