A REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

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The Erie County Convention Center Authority (Erie Events) board of directors is made up of 11 members who each serve four-year terms without compensation. The mayor of the city of Erie appoints two members, the governor of Pennsylvania appoints two members, and each member of Erie County Council appoints one member. The appointment process assures the Board represents all areas of Erie County.

Christopher Sinnott, Chairperson

Gwendolyn White, Secretary

Khadija Horton

Eric Seggi

Thomas Doolin, Vice Chairperson

Dominick DiPaolo

Michael McCormick

Sue Sutto

Bruce Whitehair, Treasurer

Joseph Hilbert

Roger Richards

E R IE E V E N T S A DMIN I S T R AT I O NMichael Bane – IT Services ManagerDawn Betza – Marketing CoordinatorElizabeth D’Aurora – Communications CoordinatorCharles Iverson – Director of Finance and AdministrationBrighid O’Brien – Premium Services CoordinatorJohn “Casey” Wells – Executive DirectorCheryl Wodecki – ControllerNeal Wurst – Chief Mechanical Engineer

B AY F RO N T C O N V E N T I O N C E N T E RRyan Callahan – Sous ChefLisa DiLuzio – Director of Marketing and SalesJeff Esposito – General ManagerJacob Juliano – First Cook SupervisorMike Kelly – Operations ManagerCrisandra Kemling – Food and Beverage CoordinatorRachel Libra – Event CoordinatorSandra Olsen – Sales ManagerCarolyn Phillips – Administrative AssistantDavid Robbinson – Executive ChefPenny Stebbins – Finance Systems ManagerMartha Stickner – Senior Event CoordinatorDave Yusz – Assistant Operations Manager/

Building Superintendent

B C C C R E W L E A DE R SNick FisherLouis JohnsonStephen Wiler

E R IE IN S U R A N C E A R E N ARick Balsiger – Building Maintenance SuperintendentAnn Brunner – Kitchen ManagerSonia Ferrante – Food and Beverage CoordinatorBrittany McGrorey – Server CoordinatorEd Snyder – Assistant Operations ManagerPatti Wigham – Administrative AssistantBeth Wilkinson – Concessions Operations ManagerRay Williams – Operations Manager

E I A C R E W L E A DE R SElizabeth BarberTom KlepSteve ScutellaChad SextonSteve Tomczak

T I C K E T IN GSean Gallagher – Head Ticket SellerReine Neal – Assistant Box Office ManagerAnn Noble – Box Office Manager

J E R RY U H T B A L L PA R KDan Carroll – Assistant Head GroundskeeperBrandon Schanz – Head Groundskeeper

WA R N E R T H E AT R EBarry Copple – Operations Manager

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

F U L L-T I M E E M P L O Y E E S

our missionThe mission of Erie Events is to provide world-class convention facilities and entertainment venues throughout the region to visitors and residents, their families and friends. Erie Events strives to present a diverse selection of performing arts and sporting events enjoyable not just to residents of our own community, but also to meeting and convention visitors, travelers and vacationers.

Erie Events employs nearly 700 part-time and 44 full-time staff members, operating the Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Jerry Uht Ballpark, and the Bayfront Convention Center. Our main goal is to ensure all patrons attending events at our venues have an enjoyable experience. When purchasing tickets, please be aware of the secondary ticket marketplace growing in popularity. The official website for Erie Events is www.erieevents.com. Purchasing through other sites presents a high risk of overpaying for or buying invalid tickets. You can buy tickets online, at the Erie Insurance Arena box office or by calling 814-452-4857. Show announcements, ticket presale information and promotions can be received by signing up on our website.

Based upon data from D.K. Shifflet and Associates for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

2015 direct spending$ 9 4 . 8 M I L L I O N

2015 event attendance

2015 payments made to the city of erie$ 4 7 1 , 8 4 1

$ 4 2 . 9 M I L L I O N ERIE INSURANCE ARENA

$ 2 2 . 8 M I L L I O N JERRY UHT BALLPARK

$ 1 8 . 4 M I L L I O N BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER

$ 1 0 . 7 M I L L I O N WARNER THEATRE

4 0 7, 3 1 3 ERIE INSURANCE ARENA 2 1 5 ,1 7 6 JERRY UHT BALLPARK 1 5 0 , 2 7 7 BAYFRONT CONVENTION CENTER 8 2 , 7 9 3 WARNER THEATRE

8 5 5 , 5 5 9 TOTAL EVENT ATTENDANCE

$ 1 0 7, 3 4 7 PERMITS/FEES$ 9 7, 9 6 6

INFRASTRUCTURE PAYMENTS

$ 2 4 3 , 0 9 3 AMUSEMENT TAX

$ 1 5 , 8 2 1 PARKING TAX

$ 7, 6 1 4 OTHER TAXES

erie insurance arenaWith more than 407,000 people through the doors in 2015, it was a record-setting year at the Erie Insurance Arena!

A wide variety of sporting events, family shows and entertainers were at the arena in 2015 including The Price is Right Live, Breaking Benjamin, Chris Young, Godsmack and Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Dancing with the Stars Live, Disney on Ice, Harlem Globetrotters, World Wrestling Entertainment, the Pennsylvania State Junior Wrestling Championships, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The arena also played host to unique events with Erie Insurance holding its 90th anniversary celebration and the Manufacturer and Business Association using the facility for its 110th annual event featuring T. Boone Pickens.

On the ice, the Erie Otters had an epic season and were contenders for the championship under new owner Jim Waters and behind standout player Connor McDavid, the first pick in the 2015 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers. They were the OHL Western Conference Champions, but fell short of the OHL Championship. Their playoff run garnered international attention for the team, the arena and the city of Erie as SportsNet broadcast several games throughout North America. For the past three years, attendance at the Otters games has continued to increase. The Otters averaged 4,834 fans per game with a total of 207,843 patrons in the 2014–2015 season.

On the court, the Erie BayHawks played under a new NBA affiliate. They entered a three-year deal with the Orlando Magic who hired Bill Peterson to coach the NBA D-League franchise. With players regularly frequenting the NBA roster, the team ended the season with a 24-26 record, averaging 3,539 fans per game with an overall attendance of 88,485.

seating capacity9,0 0 0 CONCERTS6,8 0 0 BASK ETBALL6,70 0 HOCK E Y13 SUITES & GOERIE CLUB

407,313

124

EVENT ATTENDANCE

EVENT DAYS

seating capacity2 , 2 0 0

warner theatreHundreds of world-renowned artists have graced the stage at the historic Warner Theatre since it opened in 1931. That was no different in 2015. A full lineup included 28 performances by the local groups who call the theatre home: the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra, the Erie Broadway Series and the Lake Erie Ballet. Popular entertainers who performed at the theatre last year include Bill Engvall, Lewis Black, Celtic Woman, Gordon Lightfoot, Weird Al Yankovic, Johnny Mathis, Brian Regan, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Kenny Rogers, and Mannheim Steamroller. The theatre also hosted numerous graduations, weddings, special events, and many performances for school children.

In September 2015, the Warner Theatre was included in a tour for several writers who attended the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance hosted by VisitErie. Erie’s historic gem was mentioned in numerous publications describing the theatre’s rich history and bright future.

Land acquisition issues that continued to interrupt the theatre’s much anticipated final phase of restoration and expansion have been resolved and phase IV of the renovation is expected to begin in 2016.

82,793

100

EVENT ATTENDANCE

EVENT DAYS

building capacity28,8 0 0 GRE AT HALL SQ. F T.13 ,50 0 GR AND BALLROOM SQ. F T.9 ,0 0 0 SUNSET TERR ACE SQ. F T.15 MEETING ROOMS

bayfront convention centerThe Bayfront Convention Center was busy in 2015 hosting 508 events that included convention/trade/consumer shows, business meetings, corporate events, and banquets. The event calendar included the Pennsylvania State Brownfields Conference, the Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania Conference, the 40th Annual Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants Conference, the Kiwanis International Convention, the AFSCME District Council 85 Meeting, THIRST Religious Conference, the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Annual Conference, the Erie Kennel Club Dog Show, the Auto Show, the Home and Garden Expo, the Bridal Expo, the Pennsylvania State Pool Tournament, and Law Day featuring former Director of Homeland Security and former Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Ridge.

The 508 events included:

• 45 convention/trade/consumer shows• 333 business meetings/corporate events• 96 banquets• 34 other events

150,277

508

EVENT ATTENDANCE

EVENTS

seating capacity6 , 0 0 06 S U I T E S

jerry uht ballparkThe 2015 season at Jerry Uht Ballpark for the Detroit Tigers AA affiliate was the first year under new franchise ownership since 2003. Mandalay Baseball Properties, the former parent company of the Erie SeaWolves, sold the team to Fernando Aguirre, a former international business leader. Skipper Lance Parrish led the team to a 64-78 record. The SeaWolves averaged 3,133 fans per game with an overall season attendance of 203,655.

Along with the changes in SeaWolves ownership in 2015, there were also some improvements made on the field. “Pace of Game” clocks were installed to help speed up games. A new wall and field gates were put in behind home plate along with new wall pads in right field to ensure the safety of the players.

The ballpark also hosted some additional events including the 2015 NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Baseball Championship, an Erie Downtown Partnership Block Party, and PIAA high school playoff games.

215,176

82

EVENT ATTENDANCE

EVENT DAYS

200HOTEL ROOMS

employees6 0 F U L L T I M E4 0 P A R T T I M E20 S E A S O N A L

sheraton erie bayfront hotelLast year was noteworthy for the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel as the staff was recognized with several awards within the White Lodging Management Company and the Starwood Hotel brand. White Lodging, the management company that operates the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, recognized the Sheraton Erie for earning the highest guest satisfaction scores and the best market share designation. It was also given the most prestigious award, the 2015 Full Service Hotel of the Year. In addition, the hotel was recognized by Starwood for having the top customer service scores in their brand of 206 hotels throughout North America.

A $2 million renovation was completed in 2015 to keep the property consistent with the superior reputation of the Starwood brand. Funding for the project came entirely from hotel revenues through a programmed reserve/replacement account, which was created specifically for renovation purposes. The four-month renovation included upgrades to all facets of the hotel, including 200 guest rooms, corridors, elevator landings, the club level, presidential suite, Bayfront Grille, bar, lobby, front desk, and public restrooms.

A special component of the renovation, which can be enjoyed by local residents and guests, is the extension of the Bayfront Grille Patio, one of Erie’s few restaurants along the waterfront. With the expansion, the patio has doubled its capacity, and can seat 130 patrons and also features a new fire pit and signature cocktail bar.

The reinvestment in the property ensures the Erie Bayfront Hotel retains its ranking as the No. 1 Sheraton Hotel in North America.

courtyard erie bayfront hotelThe Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel, located at 2 Sassafras Pier, is already attracting interest from many national and regional groups because of the additional rooms directly connected to the Bayfront Convention Center. The 192-room hotel will be a state-of-the-art, breathtaking waterfront venue after doors open in 2016.

Construction on the three-story, 283-space parking garage started in June and will be complete when the Courtyard opens. The structure is being built to accommodate two additional floors that can be added in the future. The parking deck will feature two commercial/retail spaces at the north end of the garage.

• Room types: 56 kings, 122 queen/double, 14 suites• Two meeting rooms• Two swimming pools• Outdoor terrace• Fitness Center

$58.5 M

192

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT

HOTEL ROOMS

bayfront placeD E V E L O P M E N T P L A NErie Events retained Kidder Wachter Architecture & Design (KWAD), a local architecture and planning firm, to design the development plan for Bayfront Place. The plan includes a 29-acre site that encompasses the former GAF shingle plant property and the land occupied by the Bayfront Convention Center complex. A new Courtyard by Marriott hotel, a 283-space parking garage and 8,600 square feet of commercial space will be available in 2016.

To create the development plan, KWAD reviewed past planning efforts for this site, other plans for our region, including Destination Erie’s Emerge 2040 and the Erie Downtown master plan, and studied successful waterfront development projects in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.

Principles that guided the design of the development plan included community input, market studies, and discussions with elected officials and stakeholders. KWAD’s goal for the development plan is to transform Erie’s waterfront into a vibrant and pedestrian friendly, mixed-use neighborhood that will contribute to the vitality of the city of Erie and the region.

The development plan promotes new restaurants and retail spaces at ground level with residential apartments and condominiums on upper floors. A market house and new office buildings will be located on the south of the site. The proposed buildings are organized around a network of parks and open spaces providing “view corridors” of Presque Isle Bay. More than 40 percent of the site is dedicated to parks and open space, including the Great Lawn proposed for the northwest corner of the site where people will be able to enjoy spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay.

The development plan for Bayfront Place features a neighborhood atmosphere that will create employment opportunities and also provide recreation and entertainment for people visiting Erie’s Bayfront. The site is connected to the Bayfront Parkway and existing pedestrian and bicycle paths with a proposed pedestrian bridge over the parkway that will greatly improve Bayfront Place’s connection to downtown Erie and nearby neighborhoods.

The Bayfront Place development plan includes 790,000 square feet of new development with an estimated construction cost of $200 million to $300 million. Once the site is fully developed, it will generate an estimated $7 million to $10 million in property tax annually and will create thousands of short- and long-term jobs.

site analysis41% PUBLIC/ OPEN SPACE32% STRUCTURES15% PARK ING12% ROADS

parking1,50 0 CIT Y OF ERIE REQUIRED PARK ING SPACES

1,514 TOTAL PROPOSED PARK ING SPACES

8 0 9 FRENCH STREETERIE , PA 16 501W W W.ERIEE VENTS.COM

ADMINISTR ATIVE • 814-4 53-7117BOX OFFICE • 814-4 52-4 8 57FA X • 814-4 55-9 9 31

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