NOT a single local media outlet (KELO, KSFY, KDLT or the ARGUS) is uttering a word about Keith Urban being in town this past weekend for PRIVATE concerts for First Premier and Sanford employees.
How interesting . . . we have had about our fill of ‘other’ EC events, but when it comes to junky siding and private concerts for the ‘specials’ we hear zippo.
We certainly would not want the general public’s perception that the EC is for “special people” to be publicized!
This was the last word printed about these two private concerts and it was back in August.
nford Health and First Premier Bank employees will be treated to an exclusive concert when Keith Urban and The Band Perry perform back to back nights at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
The concerts, announced Tuesday, are open to employees only with the Oct. 24, show for First Premier employees and the Oct. 25, concert for Sanford workers.
As title sponsors of the city’s new 12,000-seat venue, Sanford and Premier are able to use the facility once a year. This year, the two companies partnered to host a concert. Sanford has had employee concerts in the past, but there are no plans to do one every year.
Sanford employees can bring one guest, but because there are more employees throughout Sanford’s network of hospitals and clinics than there are seats in the venue, employees have until Sept. 8 to enter a random drawing for tickets.
I’m no defender of the EC, Sanford, or anybody dumb enough to listen to Keith Urban, but I don’t know what the media should be reporting about this show. Corporations put on private concerts for their employees all the time. If there’s any outrage here, it’s the fact that a hospital is using patient money to pay for a concert, but again that’s a standard gift for employees these days. As long as they’re paying for it, what is the problem? At least the facility’s employees get another day to make wages and tips.
I also am no defender of the place. But I can say I’ve been in the place now. Courtesy of free hockey tickets. I understand quite a few free tickets were handed out for this particular game. Might be that way for all their games. Not sure. The upper section was curtained off, and lower bowl was about half to two thirds occupied. Again, not certain what that amounts to, attendance wise.
Concession prices? Kinda high considering it’s not exactly the Boston Bruins playing the game. $7 for a tap beer? $10 for the very lowest end burger on the menu?
Would I go again? Maybe, IF I were a diehard Stampede fan. But are there even 3000 avid stampede fans out there?
Would I go again if say Paul McCartney were there? Prolly, but I’d need my first premier bank card if I planned on eating or drinking anything.
The only time I would attend anything there is when Elvis appears in person.
$10 burgers are Target Field prices.
This is nothing new for Sanford, they have had a few of these for their employees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKbGiNKDaPo