In 2019, the City entered into a Civic Center Management Agreement with OVG Facilities, LLC (“OVG”) to provide management services at the Civic Center until the new Arena opened. In accordance with the agreement, OVG has been booking and marketing events and shows at both the Civic Center and the Arena. The agreement required OVG to provide a general manager and additional managerial staff to oversee City staff and manage the Civic Center operations, including bookings, ticket sales, event management, and more. That agreement terminates when the new Enmarket Arena opens in early February.

Later this quarter, City Council will make decisions on the future of the Civic Center, which suffers from severe deferred maintenance and functional obsolescence. For now, the City will continue to book shows at the Civic Center’s Johnny Mercer Theater. While the City no longer requires OVG’s management services for the Civic Center, there are benefits to the City in modifying and extending the agreement. OVG is a nationwide, industry expert with strong partnerships and relationships with national ticketing and promoter organizations. Thus, staff recommends OVG continue to book and market the theater in coordination with its marketing operations at the Enmarket Arena. The amendment is a short-term extension whereby OVG will market, promote, book, and manage events, including concessions, solely at the Civic Center’s Johnny Mercer Theater. City of Savannah staff will continue to maintain the Civic Center, and market, promote, book, and manage events in the meeting rooms and ballroom. The City will also maintain and manage the Martin Luther King Jr. Arena, but will not hold ticketed events at the Arena.

Approval.