New GM Named For Big Sandy Superstore Arena

– Big Sandy Superstore Arena

Cindy Collins is taking on the duties of GM at Big Sandy Superstore Arena in her hometown of Huntington, W. Va.

Collins has been working as GM of Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center in Pikeville, Ky., since 2014, and spent 14 years as COO of the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. 

“I recognize that I am following in a line of remarkable SMG leaders, each of whom made important and lasting contributions to the arena and to the City of Huntington,” Collins said in a statement. “As the only general manager that is a product of Huntington, I am not only prepared for the challenge, but eager to build on their successes and exceed expectations.”

The 7,200-capacity arena has hosted acts like Cole Swindell, Casting Crowns, Chris Young, and REO Speedwagon / Styx this year. The highest grossing show reported in 2018 so far is Chris Young Feb. 10, with LANCO and Kane Brown supporting. That show grossed $318,402 off 6,694 tickets, with the ticket price ranging from $38-58. The venue also does family entertainment like The Harlem Globetrotters, “The Price Is Right – Live” and “Paw Patrol Live!”

The city-owned and SMG-managed arena made the announcement Aug. 17, after a nationwide search to replace Rik Edgar, who was made GM of Illinois’ Peoria Civic Center several months ago. Kaleena Johnson served as interim general manager during the search for a new GM and will work as assistant GM moving forward.