The company that now manages the Intrust Bank Arena and The Orpheum Theatre in Wichita will be taking over operations of the Century II Convention Center.
The Wichita City Council voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with ASM Global to develop a budget, book and market events and provide advice to the city on needed maintenance of the building.
The city will provide $30,000 to ASM for a transition period that will run through the end of the year, then the city will provide $120,000 a year under a five-year agreement for the operation of Century II. ASM will receive an incentive fee and a management fee based on adjusted gross revenue and gross revenue from food and beverage sales from the facility.
City manager Robert Layton said the city council has not fully started discussions on the future of the Century II facility, and in the meantime the city owes it to users and future users to make the best use of the facility. Angela Cassette, managing director of Music Theater Wichita, said management is needed for the facility to help with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the responsibilities of operating the building are too much for the city staff currently working in the building.
ASM will work to retain as many city staff members as possible, but some may choose to move to other city departments.
The council vote to approve the agreement was 5-2 with Mayor Brandon Whipple and Council member Jeff Blubaugh voting no. Whipple said he was uncomfortable moving ahead at this time, and he felt more public input is needed on the operation of the building.
