Salisbury, MD - Wicomico County’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, who oversee operation of the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, today, released the market and economic analysis study prepared by the Maryland Stadium Authority to determine whether the facility should be renovated, expanded, or rebuilt to best serve county residents and visitors.
The study was completed by Crossroads Consulting Services. It evaluated the existing facility, its uses and potential. In addition to the findings, the report contains a number of recommendations for facility modifications.
The study determined the management of the Youth and Civic Center, as well as its multi‑purpose focus have served Wicomico County well. The facility remains competitive in the event market and its versatility has allowed it to attract room‑night generating events in recent years.
However, the aging of the building and its amenities are beginning to erode its market, which will worsen if steps are not taken to update it. The study contends “remaining status quo will result in a continual decline in both event activity and competitive position over the long‑term.”
Of the options studied, the most economically feasible with least financial risk was determined to be an upgrade of the existing facility. Expanding the existing space would maintain the existing market share while allowing it to grow, increase revenues, and enhance the overall impact to the local economy.
Some of the recommendations include:
Replace seats and redesign the seating bowl to offer closer experience and better sight lines
Add a mechanical curtain system that allows arena to be partitioned for smaller events
Build a divisible ballroom, meeting rooms and exhibit space outside Normandy arena
Reconfigure the overall layout to accommodate simultaneous events
Improve traffic and parking to support activities at a larger facility
This approach is preferable to building a new facility, which would necessitate a far greater financial commitment. It also achieves the goals expressed by stakeholders to book more events and offer greater variety of attractions to the regional audience.
The study concludes it is in the County’s best interest to improve its ability to operate as the best multi‑purpose civic center possible and capitalize upon its existing market, excellent customer service reputation, affordability and growing sports visitor industry.
“The Maryland Stadium Authority is pleased to assist Wicomico County in evaluating the Youth and Civic Center and recommending options to improve the facility,” said Chairman John Morton III.
“The preliminary study provides decision makers with information which allows them to make an informed decision about the most productive and cost effective means to achieve their goals.”
With the completion of the study, the governing Civic Center Commission will process the study’s findings and present the County Executive with a recommendation to move forward with Phase II of the study. If accepted by the Executive, Phase II entails working with the Stadium Authority in developing architectural engineering drawings and estimates so costs can be estimated to carry out the steps outlined by Crossroads Consulting.
“We are extremely grateful for the Maryland Stadium Authority’s support in conducting this study,” said Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. “The Wicomico Youth and Civic Center is one of this County’s many treasures. Not only does it improve our quality of life, but the events held there such as the Annual Poodle Club of America’s National Specialty Show and multiple sports marketing tournaments such as wrestling result in a positive economic impact for our community.”
“The report prepared by Crossroads Consulting, LLC. confirms that modernizing and expanding the venue is a viable investment if we are to continue to grow,” the County Executive added.
Ed Urban, Chairman of the Civic Center Commission, gave his thoughts.
“The commission had a long‑term vision and plan for the future of the Civic Center,” he noted. “This report substantiates that vision, and we’re excited to now embark on the next chapter. It is imperative that we as citizens of Wicomico County continue the work begun here if we are to retain and grow business in a competitive marketplace.”
The complete study may be viewed online at:
http://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/userfiles/files/WYCC%20Final%20Report%20Jan%202012.pdf
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
16 comments:
It seems to me that the civic center should have an event every week whether it be rock bands or sports or a circus, not just once in a while.As long as it's profitable they should'nt be picky.
They need to build a new one at the old Mall so they can serve beer.
Joe, I got one more that isn't on their study.I recently rented a space at the Civic Center for the yard sale and I found the people to be the most unfriendliest I've ever encountered to be Civil Servants so to speak.I was actually looked down upon when i asked a question since I had never done this before.
WHO is Crossroads Consulting????
Holy crap! We'd better cancel Bennett Middle Replacement IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!! so we can pay for this.
It was also stated in the study that in order for the center to make money they need to be able to sell beer and liquor. The original plan that forbid the use of the 38 acres for anything other than a baseball field is void, we are using the land for a civic center, so we should also be able to sell the beer and make it a profitable venue. It is time that Wicomico County joined the 21st. century and realized that there is money to be made off of selling booze at events and also gambling brings in loads of cash and tourist. Just look at the Ocean Downs money, and look at all the crime that came with the Casino, NOT!!!!
Hey George, just in case your wondering Ocean Downs is losing money. People are going to Delaware.
george, i don't think your info is correct. original contract: no alcohol period. remember; wicomico "youth and civic" center; neiher of which needs alcohol.
dittos to 6:50 pm.
Let me get this straight. They want to spend money to improve the CC or rebuild-that they don't have, while they start making cuts in education because of money they don't have. Don't they see, we are not going to put up with crap much longer...???
Not the same--you are not comparing apples to apples.
5:02 -
"Crossroad Consulting" is one of those consultants that people like Pollitt and Mackes know will say what they want -- spend more money. The CC has been a money pit from the get-go and it's "too big to fail" so the taxpayers will keep getting screwed.
It's a nice facility. Plenty large for lots of different events, lots of parking. Update it a little, and put the whole beer thing up to a vote, if that's possible. Save money by not building new, and maximize revenue by adding adult beverage sales.
I don't know how this County can afford to do ANYTHING but keep it's head above water at this point, and now they want to rebuild the Civic Center? WTF you have got be kidding me
They say as they cut spending...
10:04 pm, you can't put the whole beer thing up for a "vote". It was in the contract that it CANNOT be sold there.
If everyone wants beer so bad, build another facility across the street....yeah that makes a lot of sense.... LOL
There are profitable businesses that don't sell alcohol by the way.
Let's keep this family oriented.
If it boils down to there just not being any way possible to sell alcohol, then I would be in favor of building a new, LARGER, BETTER arena elsewhere (such as right across the street - large wide open space with good access and an already familiar location), BUT ONLY WHEN WE CAN FINANCIALLY AFFORD IT, AND THAT'S NOT NOW. As much as I would like this idea, now is just not the time for it.
Some of the commenters are forgetting something too. All this is just recommendations from an outside third party. Nobody is spending anything or even proposing to spend anything yet. Just looking at the options (and yes, sitting tight and doing nothing is an option), gathering information, and evaluating the alternatives to determine the best path forward.
As for family orientation and alcohol, get off your pious high horses. If you don't like it, don't buy it or otherwise partake. You'd think somebody was proposing weekly strip shows with a Sunday matinee from the way some people are reacting. We've already lost two potential minor league sports teams (basketball & hockey) due to inability to sell alcoholic beverages; what else have we lost out on because of this? The old crap facility is probably what eventually caused us to lose what was one of the top indoor tennis tournaments in the country. It would be nice if we could get things like that back again.
JUST AN ORDINARY GUY
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