SMG, the worldwide leader in sports, entertainment and convention venue management, and the management company of the Sioux Falls Arena and Orpheum Theater Center, announced today that early figures indicate a highly successful first quarter for 2009.

With a busy event calendar, the Sioux Falls Arena and Orpheum Theater Center hosted over 120 event days including the Summit League Basketball Tournament, USHL All-Star Game, Alan Jackson concert, Bob & Tom’s Comedy All-Star Tour, Dakota Spirit Valentine’s Classic, and dozens of Stampede and Skyforce games. Over 180,000 patrons attended the 80 unique events held this quarter.

“2009 has started off very well for us, and the outlook is extremely positive for the remainder of the year,” said Russ DeCurtins, General Manager of SMG – Sioux Falls.

Between sales tax and Public Facility Maintenance Surcharges (PFMS), the two buildings have generated over $321,000 dollars. These earned dollars go directly to the City and State. Of the money generated by the SMG-managed buildings this quarter; over $210,000 was from sales tax on food & beverage, merchandise and tickets. The remaining money, approximately $110,000, was from PFMS – a fee collected on tickets sold to offset on going facility maintenance.

DeCurtins added, “With the recent announcement of the Timberwolves exhibition game in October, as well as a number of other events already contracted, we look to end 2009 as busy as it started.”