The City of Mobile in Alabama has approved a long-term agreement with Denver-based venue management and development company Oak View Group to operate and manage both the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center and historic Saenger Theater. The company will oversee both venues as well as a new, state-of-the-art civic arena (which will be managed in partnership with Live Nation) for which plans are in the works.
“Oak View Group is the global leader in live-experience venue development, management, and premium hospitality, and we are excited to bring their expertise to Mobile,” says Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, in a prepared statement. “Their team has the talent and experience to improve the programming and customer experiences at these two important city facilities, and we appreciate the Mobile City Council buying into this vision.”
As part of the agreement with the City of Mobile, the management company will have strong incentives to prioritize the performance of both venues and will also invest in improvements at the facilities, establishing a maintenance fund from a dedicated percentage of ticket sales and bookings.
“We are thrilled the city has entrusted Oak View Group as its partner to reinvigorate the Mobile Convention Center and Saenger Theater,” says Greg O’Dell, president of venue management at OVG360 (the group’s management division) in a prepared statement. “Our priority is managing a smooth transition process. Our team will meet with the existing staff as part of our onboarding process to ensure no disruption of service for our customers and guests. Additionally, we look forward to meeting with all customers, current and new, as we elevate the guest experience and support the surrounding community.”
The Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center features 317,000 square feet of meeting space spanning 18 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, and two exhibit halls. The center hosts annual events such as the Mobile Chamber of Commerce City and County Luncheon, Alabama’s Department of Education Pre-K Conference, and the Mobile Boat Show. The Saenger Theater hosts many national music and entertainment acts for a little fun in a beautiful historic building after a long day of meetings. The venues are currently managed by ASM Global, and Oak View Group will officially take over in the next few months.