Four Seasons Arena is a multi-purpose indoor sports and exhibition area located in the city of Great Falls, Montana, in the United States. Built in 1979, it served primarily as an ice rink until 2005. The failure of the practice cooling system in 2003 and management decisions to close the main arena in 2006 led to the reconfiguration of the facility as a gym and indoor exhibition space. In May 2011 this is the largest exhibition, music, and sports venue in town.
Video Four Seasons Arena
Conception and construction
Before the construction of the Four Seasons Arena, the city of Great Falls did not have a large indoor sports arena. The gym at Great Falls High School, built in 1930, sits about 1,200 on wooden benches in an area designed to be used primarily as a basketball court. The Great Falls Civic Center, built in 1939, contains an ice rink but no other sports facilities. The College of Great Falls built the McLaughlin Center in 1966, which contained an Olympic-size swimming pool and 1,800 gym seats designed for use as a basketball court. The largest sports venue in town is a gymnasium in Charles M. Russell High School. The gym, built in 1963, sits 4,000 on a basketball court.
The lack of a major indoor sports center hampers the growth of professional sports in the city, as well as the city's ability to hold high school athletic tournaments. In 1975, the city of Billings built the Montana Entertainment, Commerce and Recreation Arena (or METRA), a multi-purpose arena of 12,000 seats. In 1977, an organization known as Great Falls Leadership (program of the Great Falls Area Chamber) undertook the process of providing city leaders and city businesses with a vision for the city of Great Falls. From this year-round process comes the demand for the city to build a large and multi-purpose indoor sports arena. Great Falls City Commissioner John St. Jermain fought for efforts to build the arena, and fought for a voting initiative in 1977 that would use the city's tax money to build it. But voters rejected the proposal. St. Jermain then sought and won in 1978 a federal grant to pay for most of the construction costs of the facility. St. Jermain lost re-election in November 1978.
The Four Seasons Arena was built in 1979 on the land of Montana State Fairgrounds (now known as Montana ExpoPark). Since it was built primarily with federal grants and some other funds, the arena was half the size initially proposed. Indeed, the Four Seasons Arena is built primarily as an ice rink. It also does not have air conditioning. The arena originally housed two ice rinks: A 33,000 square foot main (3,100 m 2 ) arena and 17,000 square feet (1,600 m 2 ) "sides" or ice rink practice. With four days notice, the main ice rink can be liquefied and the floor is laid to change the main part of the arena from the ice rink to a basketball court, rodeo arena, or exhibition hall. Elimination and recovery of ice takes four days. As originally built, the Four Seasons Arena has a seating capacity in the main arena of 6,314.
In 1994, the town of Great Falls approved a $ 7.9 million bond initiative to build a new exhibition hall in the exhibition hall, renovate historic buildings and the Four Seasons Arena, and generally improve the landscape, lighting, and pedestrian paths of the exhibition. The 15,000 square foot exhibition space (1,400 m 2 ) (able to accommodate up to 1,500 people) was built in 1995.
Maps Four Seasons Arena
Operation history
Cascade County owns Montana State Fairgrounds, and builds Four Seasons Arena. Although not designed to be a multi-purpose arena, the Four Seasons began to be incorporated into a wide range of uses. The facility quickly began to show excessive wear due to these pressures. Facilities management also began to suffer. In 1987, more than $ 600,000 Fairgrounds in debt and district management Fairgrounds and Four Seasons Arena were heavily criticized. In 1988, Cascade County signed an agreement whereby the city of Great Falls took over the management of the fair and the Four Seasons Arena. But the facility has deteriorated. In 1988, the Montana High School Association (which scheduled a high school athletic tournament) refused to allow the city to hold any basketball tournaments at the Four Seasons Arena after 1989 because it was in poor condition. In March of 1989, high school B and B high school student tournaments were scheduled for the Four Seasons. But a big leak on the roof, which occurred just two weeks before the tournament, forced the event to be held near C.M. Russell High School instead.
In early 2001, heating and ventilation at the Four Seasons Arena was upgraded for the first time since its construction at a cost of $ 124,100. Concerned about the ice stability at the Four Seasons, the city also commissioned research on both arenas. The study concluded that both rinks require $ 1.5 million in repairs and upgrades. But this study was not followed up. The management of the city facilities also did not go well. Almost 20 groups are using this facility frequently (hockey team, exhibitors, rodeo promoters, etc.), but the relationship between the groups is very bad and the various groups accuse city managers of playing politics to support one group over another. In June 2001, city managers met an extraordinary day's meeting of arena users in an attempt to mediate these differences. This meeting resulted in a large proposal to improve the arena. In August 2001, various user groups proposed that the city spend $ 99,000 to buy new floor coverings for the main ice rink which would reduce lead-time for the transformation of the main arena to just four hours. But this proposal is not followed up. In contrast, city managers say that the most pressing needs at the Four Seasons involve wrinkled nails (waist-high walls) around the ice rink, new cover for ice (to keep it cool when not in use), portable benches to expand seating, and poles, new scoreboards, and upgrades to make the facility comply with the American Law With Disabilities.
The city management agreement expired in 2003. City managers argued that they should be allowed to renew the contract. The city proposes using its own funds to renovate the arena, and begin the planning process for a new and expanded multi-purpose and sport convention center. As a sign of good faith, Great Falls city commissioner says they have spent $ 6,000 to study the issue of the ice cover and $ 2,000 in a disabled accessibility study, and have agreed to spend $ 200,000 to buy an ice rink. The purchases are designed to meet the needs of local youth hockey organizations, which in 2002 were the largest renters in the arena (paying $ 65,000 in fees in 2002 and $ 85,000 anticipated in 2003). But it was also designed to expand the use of facilities, and reduce city subsidies to the fairgrounds. The Four Seasons manager noted that the arena must reverse the band, comedians and other entertainers because the place can not be turned back quickly enough. The Cascade County manager, however, argues that although the county has no credit rating or city tax revenue, they can obtain grants to make repairs to the city. They also said that their lack of management skills is not a problem, as they are considering a contract with SMG World, an arena management company, to run the Four Seasons. In October 2002, SMG said it took more time to assess the fair to make a firm offer. With Cascade County apparently committed to taking over the fairgrounds and Four Seasons Arena again, the city of Great Falls demanded that the county pay $ 1 million to reimburse city expenses for repairs made there (figures that include $ 142,250 renovating heating, air conditioning and carpeting in the arena). County refused, and offered to pay less than 20% of that figure. After extensive negotiations, Cascade County agreed to pay $ 384,370 for 10 years at 4% interest (total including all upgrades to the arena). On November 12, 2002, Cascade County signed a formal agreement to enable SMG World to take over the management of the fair and arena.
The management of SMG at Four Seasons Arena and Montana State Fairgrounds only lasts for five years. Although the city has studied capital requirements at the fair, Cascade County paid SMG $ 57,750 to do it alone. SMG finds a serious problem with both ice rinks. In February 2003, it was reported that the practice of ice rink had leaked and the ice was at a slope of 3 inches (7.6 cm), which created the problem of legal liability for the area. SMG suggests immediately closing the training ground, and says that fixing the leak will cost $ 600,000 to $ 750,000. Another $ 150,000 needs to be spent replacing dashboards in the main arena to prevent them from collapsing and injuring players and/or fans.
Ice rink issues highlight the big problems facing Four Seasons Arena. The cost of running a four-day basketball tournament is about $ 16,000, and the arena loses about $ 3,000 per tournament. But basketball tournaments generate more than $ 1 million in additional spending to the city, far more than the revenue generated by ice hockey and more than enough to cover losses in the tournament. Permanently losing some or all of the ice at the Four Seasons will greatly expand the ability of the arena to organize money-making events.
The ice rink problem was never really solved. In March 2003, local insurance operators said it would allow the arena to keep the practice arena open for another 60 days. Two weeks later, the county proposes to open the main arena only from mid-May to mid-June and from mid-August to mid-September, and permanently shuts off the ice. The ice cooling system practices failed in the first week of April 2003, and the county hired a cooling specialist from Canada to determine if it could be fixed. The consultant estimated the repair cost of $ 450,000, money not owned by the county. The practice ice is permanently closed. The loss of ice training and limited hours of use given to the main ice caused Great Hall America's junior league hockey teams to move to Fargo, North Dakota in April 2003. With a major semi-closing ice, Four Seasons Arena began searching for other events to make money. In May 2003, he signed an agreement with the North Division's Northern Division league athletics to "permanently" host the District 7, 8, 9 and 10 basketball tournaments, and 10 boys and girls. In December 2003, the Four Seasons Arena spent $ 9,000 remodeling the old exercise ice chamber (now known as "Side 2"). The room was made handicapped accessible, the floor was repaired, electrical repairs were made, dashers removed, concession stand built, and large screen video monitors installed. The space is transformed into a display area, and leased to a local rodeo organization so fans can watch live rodeo broadcasts (fast-sold out events). "Sparky," a mechanical bull used for horse riding and roping training, was also placed on Sisi 2. In January 2005, SMG announced it will provide ice in the main arena only in September and October. Although this was later expanded to cover November, the ice blocks were so intermittent that there was no hockey or figure skating event scheduled for the Four Seasons Arena that year. When the All-American Professional Basketball League announces its formation and intends to grant Great Falls a franchise, SMG says it will stop offering ice show in the main arena permanently. But the league collapsed just days after starting operations in September 2005, SMG said it would offer more ice time. SMG managers estimate they will lose $ 30,000 in revenue by adding more ice time.
Cascade County renewed its contract with SMG in 2007. The new two-year contract paid SMG $ 84,413 per annum (about $ 4,000 less than the 2002 contract), and included a 15% payout of all operating revenues of over $ 2.5 million. SMG also received 7.5% of all concession sales (down from 10% in the old contract). Cascade County also agrees to subsidize the Fairgrounds and Four Seasons Arena for $ 750,000 a year, and pay the wages of all SMG employees who operate the facility. However in 2009, Cascade County refused to renew its SMG contract, concluding it had learned enough to manage the arena's own exhibition and arena.
In 2009, Four Seasons installed the air conditioner for the first time in its history. The following year, the county lent $ 400,000 into the arena to pay for replacement about a quarter of a permanent bench, upgrading and renewing the remaining permanent benches, and replacing two sets of temporary benches. In the same year, the floors in the concession area were cleaned and sealed and the carpets replaced, and the "green space" in the arena was refurbished.
Remodeling may
A large study by Cascade County and Montana ExpoPark in 2010 proposed significant changes to the Fair and Four Seasons Arena. The research, conducted by Markin Consulting, reveals that the runway's racetrack concrete foundation is crumbling, the rustic metal pavilion sheet walls of the pavilion, the stables are poorly ventilated and lit, and the Four Seasons Arena suffers from poor acoustics and limited seating. The report outlines a number of options, including spending $ 7 million to $ 9 million to replace the stands, spending another $ 35 million to build a larger arena, and paying $ 12.6 million to destroy all existing horse barns and horse service facilities and build 2,000-to-3,000 seats just for horse racing.
Less radical solutions exist. Four Seasons Arena can be turned into an exhibition hall, and the Exhibition Room is currently converted into a banquet hall, at a cost of $ 2 million. The report says an alternative to the destruction of all existing horse-riding facilities is to build a new 300-cage horse barn.
This study does not advocate the construction of large facilities such as Rimrock Auto Arena in MetraPark in Billings.
In the same month, the private group announced that it intends to build a new $ 40 million indoor indoor sports arena south of the city. The first phase of the project is a 86,300 square foot (8,020 m 2 ) two-storey training facility that will include two adjacent indoor soccer fields (configurable as an indoor softball field) with seats that can be drawn for 500 people, a loud indoor/basketball court with mezzanine seating for 240, a wrestling area with three full-size mattresses and 240 seats, 40 meter (130 feet) indoor running track, two room lockers, a classroom , concession areas, and urgent care areas. The second story will contain the space that will be rented by Mountain View Physical Therapy (non-profit healthcare provider). The second phase of the project is a 150,000 square foot (14,000 m 2 ) multi-use arena capable of holding 6,000 and hosting a full-size football field (reconfigurable for rodeos and soccer). The plan also envisions two outdoor soccer fields, an outdoor softball/baseball field, and a small hotel (built by other investors in the future). The architect for this project is L'Heureux Page Werner. Organizers say they have acquired a 19 acre (7.7 hectare) block two blocks south of Montana State University's College of Technology - Great Falls, and intend to start building a $ 10 million "phase one" building in the summer of 2011. In April 2011, proponents of the proposed facility received a good reception from Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer (though no allocated or appropriate funds). The Internal Revenue Service approved the Mountain View Sports Complex application for nonprofit status in early June 2011.
Events at Four Seasons
Professional sports
The Arena accommodates Great Falls America from the Western Hockey League during the season only a professional team (1979). The team was folded in mid-season in December 1979. From 1979 to 2003, the Four Seasons Arena was the junior hockey arena of junior junior Great Falls United States. The Four Seasons was also the Montana Golden Nuggets court house of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) from 1981 to 1983. The CBA provided the Great Falls Explorers franchise to the city in 2006, and the team played at the Four Seasons Arena until it folded. in 2008. (Arena was forced to demand to collect $ 12,000 in rent again.)
"The first" and a special event in Four Seasons
Over the years, Four Seasons Arena has hosted a number of special events. In January 1989, the original cast and Olympic dancer from Great Falls, Todd Foster, made his professional boxing debut in the arena. Foster fought again there in October 1991. Rock music legend Bob Dylan played there on July 26, 2005. The first Mayfaire, the annual art and music event Benefis Benefis Healthcare, held its first ever concert at the Four Seasons Arena in 2006 (featuring singers country-west Trisha Yearwood). In 2007, for the first time in its history, the city of Great Falls consolidated all polling points into one site: The Four Seasons Arena Exhibition Hall. In March 2011, the arena hosted the city's first mixed martial art event, featuring the natives of Great Falls, Leo Bercier, Frank Ramsey, and Tim Welch.
Twice, the President of the United States or future President has spoken at the Four Seasons Arena. On February 3, 2005, President George W. Bush spoke there a day after his state speech to promote his plan to privatize Social Security. On May 30, 2008, presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke at the Four Seasons Arena.
High School basketball game
Four Seasons Arena has been the location of a number of high school athletic events. It hosted Montana Class AA boy basketball tournaments in 2001 and 2003, and a combined Basketball Boys and Girls' tournaments in 2006 and 2008. It will host a joint Basketball Tournament of Classroom children AA and more women in 2013. It also hosts the men's Class A men's basketball tournament in 2010. Four Seasons Arena is the venue for the B-class children's basketball tournaments in Montana in 1989, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2010.
Four Seasons also hosts a number of Class C basketball tournaments. In Montana, Class C athletics has a complex structure due to the large number of schools and the wide geographical distances involved. Class C play is organized in division, with each division having two or more districts: Eastern Division (districts 2 and 3), Southern Division (districts 4 and 6), Northern Division (districts 7, 8, 9, and 10) and the Western Division (districts 11/12, 13, and 14). Each district (containing six to 11 schools) held a district tournament, sending two or four winners (depending on the number of schools in the district) to the division tournaments. Each division organizes a division tournament, sending two teams to a state tournament. Great Falls is located geographically in Class C Division North. Four Seasons Arena hosted the Class C children's basketball tournament in 1999. In 2005, they hosted the first North Division Children's Basketball tournament tournament held in Montana (where the four North Division district tournaments are held simultaneously ). It hosted a combined North and South Boys' basketball tournament in 2008 and again in 2009. In 2010, the Four Seasons was the place for the C-Class women's basketball tournament - the first ever C Class state tournament to have been held. held in the city. Arena will host another Class C tournament in 2012, as well as Northern Division Northern division boys combined with a district basketball playoff.
Other important sports events
Rodeo shows are often held at the Four Seasons. The Montana Pro Rodeo Finals has been held there every year since 1980. The Arena also hosted the first World Professional Bull Riding Finals in 1999, and again in 2000.
The arena hosted the annual Casey Memorial Cup annual championship tournament in 2000 and 2006. That was again in 2008, recovering ice in the main arena for the first time in a few years after the new ice hockey place in the city, Central Montana. IcePlex, not open on time.
In 2006, for the first time, Four Seasons hosted the Northern Native American Classic, an annual high school basketball tournament in the northern US with a Native American student body. In 2008, the National Cutting Horse Association held an eight-day horse racing competition (in which riders guided horses orally, rather than with little and bridle, to livestock) in the arena.
Other annual events
A number of other big events are also held at the Four Seasons Arena every year.
Montana Agricultural Industrial Exhibit (MAGIE) is also held at Four Seasons. Agricultural and livestock trade shows attracted exhibitors and attendees from Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming and Canada, and was the largest trade show in Montana. It began holding an annual event in the arena in 2000, and in 2011 has been held there every year since (with the exception of 2006). In 2000, the arena hosted the first joint meeting of the Montana Wheat Farmers Association and the Montana Farmers' Association.
Beginning in 1999, the arena also hosts the Week of Western Art. Starting in 2002, the Great Falls Gun and the Antique Show are also held annually in the arena. That same year, the Electric City Kennel Club began holding an annual dog show at the Four Seasons.
In 2005, Expo Woman Wanted to move to Four Seasons as well. Founded in 2003, the event proved so popular that only the Four Seasons Arena can accommodate exhibitors and crowds.
Facilities
Four Seasons Arena is a concrete and steel structure. The outside is painted unfinished concrete. The inner wall is unfinished concrete, where the sound-absorbing acoustic panel (made of wood covered with cloth) is attached. Floor is finished, polished concrete. The interior ceiling is made up of painted steel blocks.
The main hall at the Four Seasons Arena is a 141 to 222 foot (43 by 68 m) rectangular space, with a total area of ​​33,000 square feet (3,100 m 2 ). The Side 2 room is a rectangular room 80 to 222 feet (24 x 68 m), with a total area of ​​17,000 square feet (1,600 m 2 ). In both rooms, the clearance is 28 feet (8.5 m). The Arena has nine dressing rooms with showers, several hospitality/service rooms, and offices (available for client use). The exhibition hall is a rectangular room 220 x 80 feet (67 x 24 m), with a total area of ​​15,000 square feet (1,400 m 2 ). It is a right angle to the arena itself, and connected to it by hallways, changing rooms, offices, and toilet facilities. With offices, toilets and other spaces, the Four Seasons Arena has a total of 53,000 square feet (4,900 m 2 ). The walls between the main hall and the 2nd side are often removed to reach a larger space.
Four Seasons has a permanent row of benches in front of the east and west walls, and on the balcony above the north wall. The permanent configuration leaves about 25 feet (7.6 m) of space between the western benches and walls, and about 35 feet (11 m) of space between the eastern benches and the wall. A temporary bench can be arranged behind the eastern and western permanent benches, in front of the north side balcony, and against the south wall to expand the seating. In addition, the seats can be set theater style on the arena floor during the concert to reach the seating capacity.
Foundation
Four Seasons Arena is supported by the Four Seasons Sports Foundation. Nonprofit private foundations raise money to help pay for bidding fees at sporting events at the Four Seasons Arena. Approximately half the cost of the bidding is paid by the arena, with the other half being paid by the foundation. In September 2011, the foundation selected George Geise as the head of the newly formed outreach committee. For 33 years the sports writer for the local Great Falls Tribune newspaper Geise said he was accused of working closely with local businesses, foundations, the Center for Tourism Business Development and sports groups across the state to find ways to make an offer by Four Seasons Arena is even more attractive to organizations looking for sports venues.
Footnote
Bibliography
- Merrill-Maker, Andrea. Montana Almanac. Guilford, Conn.: Insiders' Guide, 2006.
External links
- Four Seasons Arena Website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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