ADVERTORIAL
SPRING INTO ACTION
UBJ DEVELOPMENT
Improvements Continue at Arena
Bon Secours Wellness Arena considers on-site restaurant, moves ahead with renovations APRIL A. MORRIS | STAFF
amorris@communityjournals.com The Bon Secours Wellness Arena could be the next spot for a sit-down meal before catching a Road Warriors hockey game or concert. The Greenville County Arena District’s building and property committee discussed a potential on-site restaurant this week while reviewing the arena’s capital improvement projects list. Potentially located on the mezzanine level facing the arena parking lot, the restaurant could be open two hours before events and seat approximately 225 people, said Beth Paul, assistant general manager. A ticket would not be required to dine and the restaurant would have an exterior entrance, said Paul. The restaurant would have a sports bar feel and could include an exterior patio, retractable glass wall or retractable roof, said Ken Betsch, architect with Betsch Associates. Estimated cost of the restaurant project is approximately $1.9 million. Arena District Board members Buddy Dyer, Paul Kearns and Jeff Gilstrap debated the possibility of a food court versus restaurant and said that they preferred the restaurant concept. An on-site restaurant would be an excellent income generator for the arena, said Paul. It could also be rented for events, she said. Staff are also investigating a premium service priced between club seating and luxury seats that could feature small boxes of four to eight seats or individual seats, said president and general manager Roger Newton. Arena improvements are moving forward with bids for roof replace-
ment and a new sound system going out soon, according to Newton. Work on installing a new exterior marquee is also ready to begin, he said. At approximately $9.9 million, the draft project list exceeded the amount budgeted for capital improvements, and committee members discussed ways to cut approximately $1.5 million. Committee members prioritized patron-centered improvements as the first to move forward, including concourse renovations throughout the summer. To date, the arena has renovated suites, and installed a new scoreboard, digital ribbon message boards and digital displays at concessions and the concourse. Other anticipated improvements include renovated locker rooms, commissary and backstage catering, concourse restrooms, box office, team store, administration space and plaza improvements. The Greenville County Arena District restructured its debt in late 2012 and was able to obtain $13 million for a $14.5 million capital improvement program to make updates to the arena that was built in 1998.
Spring into Action
Prepare now for summer storm-related power outages Hurricanes, tornados and spring storms can be ferocious at this time of year and can cause power outages! Are you prepared?
Scott Kelly
President Carolina Heating Service Serving Greenville since 1981
As the weather warms up, and memories of recent winter storms melt away, it’s tempting to forget that most of the Upstate dodged a bullet while in regions all around us hundreds of thousands suffered without power for days due to ice and wind. But the potential for storm-related power outages is a year-round sleeping tiger. Tame the dark with the security of an emergency generator. This keeps the power on, allowing you to maintain a mostly normal routine during extended outages caused by the severe thunderstorms spring and summer often bring. While losing power may be a mere nuisance for some – what with spoiled food, messy candles and blank computers – it can be a critical safety issue for others, especially the very young, the very old, and those in fragile health. Now is the ideal time to install a standby generator, before the warm-weather storm season gets fully under way. Because while you can’t tame disruptive weather, you CAN prepare for it. Power your peace of mind by installing an emergency generator today. Contact Carolina Generators at 864.232.5684 or 866.488.4688 or visit www.carolinagenerators.com.
➤ BY THE NUMBERS Bon Secours Wellness Arena renovation information:
225
approximate number of people potential new restaurant could seat
$1.9 million $9.9 million
Greenville: 864-232-5684 Seneca: 864-638-6635 Anderson: 864-281-1977
estimated cost of the restaurant project
approximate amount of the draft project list for capital improvements
Toll Free: 800-261-0359 | www.carolinagenerators.com
carolinagenerators.com May 16, 2014
UPSTATE BUSINESS JOURNAL
9