AEG Takes On KC

Officials in Kansas City, Mo., recently endorsed AEG for a five-year management contract at the Kemper Arena, which could make the company the sole operator of two of KC’s major venues once Sprint Center opens.

Global Spectrum has managed the 19,500-seat Kemper Arena since 2003, but with the opening of the 18,500-capacity, AEG-managed Sprint Center this fall, city officials were looking for a change.

Kansas City Convention & Entertainment Centers Director Oscar McGaskey told the Kansas City Star the city prefers AEG to two battling companies.

"We feel they give us the best opportunity to make both venues successful," McGaskey said. "We appreciate the job that Global did, but… we have two arenas in the market now, and we’re going to have promoters try to play one against the other."

Officials made a request for proposals earlier this year, in which they apparently advised all prospective bidders that "Sprint Center shall have priority booking over Kemper Arena."

Sprint Center GM Brenda Tinnen told the paper the Kemper Arena could serve as a secondary site for concerts and sporting events, but will most likely focus on "agri-entertainment," including rodeo and livestock shows.