Fresno Convention Center Gets New Management Deal

Key Takeaways

• The City of Fresno has approved a three-year management agreement with VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment to oversee operations at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center complex.
• The partnership aims to drive events, tourism, and revenue while addressing operational costs, labor relations, and downtown activation.
• The agreement includes management of the Fresno Convention Center, Valdez Hall, Selland Arena, and the historic Saroyan Theatre.
• The total estimated annual contract value is $317,324, with optional one-year extensions for management services.
• The new operators will work to reduce longstanding city subsidies and expand cultural programming at key venues.

Introduction to the Partnership
The City of Fresno has taken a significant step towards revitalizing its downtown area by approving a three-year management agreement with VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment. This partnership aims to drive events, tourism, and revenue while addressing operational costs, labor relations, and downtown activation. The agreement includes management of the Fresno Convention Center, Valdez Hall, Selland Arena, and the historic Saroyan Theatre. With a total estimated annual contract value of $317,324, this partnership is expected to bring in new expertise and resources to enhance the city’s entertainment and convention scene.

Addressing Labor Relations and Operational Costs
During the council meeting, Councilmember Nelson Esparza raised concerns about the companies’ history with labor unions and sought assurances that existing contracts would be respected. John Rogers, ATG Entertainment’s North America business development director, assured that the partners would honor future negotiations affecting worker contracts. He also mentioned that the companies operate three venues in San Francisco, which are full union houses, and that they tend to use union labor for outside contracts. This commitment to working with organized labor is expected to alleviate concerns about labor relations and ensure a smooth transition.

Expectations for the New Operators
Councilmember Miguel Arias pressed officials on the facility’s high operating costs, noting that it is currently more expensive to use the downtown convention center than the Save Mart Center. He expects the new operators to identify deficiencies and work towards reducing the enormous annual subsidy. Arias also emphasized the need for closer collaboration with Visit Fresno County to boost tourism revenue. Additionally, he raised concerns about the convention center’s aging audio system, which could be a deterrent for prospective events, and called for deferred maintenance plans, including for Chukchansi Park. The new operators will need to address these issues to meet the council’s expectations and deliver on the promise of this partnership.

The Partnership’s Potential Impact
The partnership between VenuWorks, ATG Entertainment, and the City of Fresno has the potential to be a game-changer for the city’s entertainment and convention scene. With their combined expertise and resources, they can help reduce longstanding city subsidies, expand cultural programming, and drive events, tourism, and revenue. The agreement’s focus on downtown activation and labor relations also suggests a commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive community. As Council President Mike Karbassi said, this partnership is a "turning point for Fresno," and the operators’ portfolios make them good fits for the city. The unanimous approval of the agreement is a testament to the city’s confidence in this partnership and its potential to deliver exceptional live experiences.

The Role of VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment
Under the contract, VenuWorks will manage day-to-day operations, including executive leadership, sales, finance, marketing, sponsorships, events, security, and food and beverage services. They will also jointly set the annual operating budget with the city and hire full- and part-time staff. ATG Entertainment will lead Saroyan Theatre programming and provide ticketing services. This division of labor will allow each company to focus on its strengths and create a cohesive and efficient management structure. As Lori Hotz, ATG Entertainment North American CEO, said, "We look forward to embarking on this partnership… to deliver exceptional live experiences," emphasizing Fresno’s cultural and community strengths.

Conclusion and Future Outlook
The approval of the management agreement between VenuWorks, ATG Entertainment, and the City of Fresno marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to revitalize its downtown area. With a focus on driving events, tourism, and revenue, addressing operational costs and labor relations, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community, this partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on the city. As the new operators begin their work, the city can expect to see improvements in the convention and entertainment scene, as well as a renewed commitment to cultural programming and community engagement. With the partnership set to begin operations on January 11, 2026, the city is poised for a new era of growth and development, and the future looks bright for Fresno.