Title
Arena Suite Policy
Description
This report provides the Economic Development and Equity Subcommittee with information regarding the Community and Economic Development Department’s Arena Suite Policy. Other economic development strategic recruitment initiatives will also be discussed.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
In 1989, the City executed a development agreement, operating agreement and other related contracts with the Phoenix Arena Development Limited Partnership and the Phoenix Suns to construct and operate a new downtown arena, now known as Footprint Center (the Arena). This City-owned multipurpose facility hosts concerts, family shows, conventions and professional sports events that occur every three days on average. As part of the operating agreement with the Suns, the City is provided a suite and twelve tickets for most events. The Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) manages the use of the suite for the City and has adopted policies for such use. The current Arena Suite Policy, as revised in April 2019 (Attachment A), provides guidance for the use of the suite, which is detailed in this report.
Events hosted by City of Phoenix (City) staff in the Arena Suite (suite) are meant to foster connections between industry professionals, community stakeholders, community groups, and those actively considering the Phoenix market for business. City Council has approved the following specific uses for the suite:
- Economic development activities,
- Hosting distinguished guests of the City,
- Promotion of the City,
- Enhancing relations with other public agencies,
- Employee award programs; and,
- Activities for youth and/or developmentally disabled individuals.
Additional key elements of the policy include: For those events that are available, there are twelve tickets included as part of the use of the suite. An additional ten tickets may be purchased for the event, at cost as determined by the Arena.
Utilization of the suite provides the opportunity to showcase Phoenix as part of an activated Downtown, as we work to attract new development, companies and workforce, and in retaining our existing companies to keep them growing here in Phoenix.
On nights the suite does not have scheduled use by CEDD or the City Council, the suite can be made available to the City's Youth and Education Program as a City Council approved usage.
In addition to utilization of the Arena to showcase Phoenix, staff also works with a number of other economic development strategic recruitment initiatives such as:
- Trade missions and trade shows,
- Business and dignitary delegations,
- Phoenix Sister Cities and its Business Relations Committee; and,
- Programs and events.
The purpose of these initiatives is to help highlight Phoenix on a national and global stage, and to bring new jobs and investment to Phoenix by executing the City's strategic economic development initiatives.
Location
201 E. Jefferson St.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer, Interim Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.