HomeMy WebLinkAbout38- City Administrator's CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
From: Fred Wilson, City Administrator Subject: Management and Marketing of the
San Bernardino Stadium
Dept: City Administrator ' s Office
Date: September 28, 1998 ORIGINAL
Synopsis of Previous Council action:
June 1, 1998 - Mayor and Council approve issuance of a Request for
Qualifications for a Stadium marketing and/or facility
operations manager .
Recommended motion:
1. Direct staff to negotiate with Big Red Apple for management and
marketing services for the San Bernardino Stadium.
or
2. Direct staff to negotiate with Big Red Apple for management and
marketing services for both the San Bernardino Stadium and the
California Theater .
or
3. Direct staff to pursue other options for Stadium management and
marketing.
Signature
Fred Wilson X 5122
Contact person: Phone:
Supporting data attached: yes Ward:
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount:
To be determined
Source: (Acct. No.)
(Acct. Description)
Finance:
Council Notes:
l�lSI qg
75-0262 Agenda Item No.
STAFF REPORT
Background
On March 18, 1998, the Ways and Means Committee discussed various issues concerning the
management of the San Bernardino Stadium. Information was also provided concerning past
actions regarding stadium management. It was recommended that a contract be considered with
a management company to market the stadium and manage events.
On June 1, 1998, the Mayor and Council approved the recommendation of the Ways and Means
Committee to issue a Request for Qualifications for a stadium marketing and/or facility
operations manager for the Stadium. The RFQ stated that the city was seeking to contract with
an experienced facility manager to develop and implement a marketing plan. The plan would
include marketing the stadium on a year-round basis to generate additional revenues, and
maximize the use of the facility for the benefit of the community.
On June 15, 1998, the RFQ was sent out to nine (9) individuals and firms, including respondents
to the previous RFQ. The RFQ was also advertised in local papers. Four(4) responses were
received by the due date. A committee was formed with representatives from the Mayor's
Office, City Administrator's Office, Finance, and Parks, Recreation, and Community Services to
review the proposals and rank them in order of their qualifications. The four respondents were
ranked in the following order:
1. Big Red Apple (San Bernardino, CA)
2. Rainy Day Productions (Oakland, CA)
3. Recreational Management Services Corporation(Utica, NY)
4. Andrew Gray(San Bernardino, CA)
The committee interviewed representatives from the top two firms. Initially, the proposal by
Rainy Day Productions was recommended to the Ways and Means Committee for approval.
Based on information provided by additional references, however, the proposal by Rainy Day
Productions was rejected, and subsequent meetings were held with Mr. Bob Lewis of Big Red
Apple.
Proposal by Big Red ed Apple
Big Red Apple was established in 1974. The company provided facilities management and
marketing services for the Orange Show from 1986-1994. Mr. Lewis' resume (Attachment A)
and Big Red Apple's most recent proposal are attached(Attachment B). The proposal is for a
two year contract for$65,000 annually,plus 15% of gross rent and other income. Big Red Apple
would assume responsibility for marketing the stadium and facilitating special events, while
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services would continue to handle maintenance and grounds-
keeping.
An agreement with Big Red Apple would potentially increase the use of the stadium and its
recognition as an excellent facility. In the future, the potential exists to also increase revenues
and offset the Stadium Fund deficit. In the short term, there would be a larger deficit in the
Stadium Fund until additional revenues are received. No funds have been budgeted for stadium
management services.
The proposal by Big Red Apple is not primarily performance-based, and no minimum level of
revenue for the City is guaranteed. A more performance-based contract would provide an
excellent performance incentive for the contractor to aggressively market the facility, and
minimize the City's financial risk.
Recommendations
The Mayor and Council have a number of alternatives. First,based upon the presentation today
by Mr. Lewis, the Council could direct staff to negotiate with Big Red Apple concerning stadium
management and marketing.
Secondly, the Council could also direct staff to consider a contract with Big Red Apple for both
the Stadium and the California Theater. Mr. Lewis had also submitted an earlier proposal to
manage both the Stadium and the California Theater for$72,000 annually,plus 10% of gross
rent and 5% of other income (Attachment Q. Currently, other options for theater management
are being considered by EDA. If the Council is interested in this approach, it would be further
reviewed by the RDA Committee.
As a third alternative, staff could pursue other options for providing services, such as a
partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau(CVB).
It is recommended that the Mayor and Council allow Mr. Lewis to make a presentation regarding
his proposal, then adopt one of the following motions:
1. Direct staff to negotiate with Big Red Apple for management and marketing services for
the San Bernardino Stadium;
2. Direct staff to negotiate with Big Red Apple for management and marketing services for
both the San Bernardino Stadium and the California Theater; or
3. Direct staff to pursue other options for stadium management and marketing.
Attachment A
BOB LEWIS
President
BIG RED APPLE
650 South " E" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 885-3112
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE: 1974 to Present
• Created Big Red Apple as a local entertainment development firm specializing in wide
ranging productions for the Inland Empire market.Company prepares and implements
performance scheduling, cash flow projections, capital expenditures and operating
budgets. Develops and implements corporate sponsorship programs. Designs public
relations programs,lays out advertising campaigns and marketing strategies.Manages
manpower requirements including theatrical technicians,stagehands,ushers, security
and box office personnel.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
• Produced over 1,000 live, name-talent shows in the Inland Empire, including Elvis
Presley,The Rolling Stones,Bill Cosby,David Copperfield,The Highwaymen,George
Carlin and James Whitmore. (See attached list).
• Supervised local production for the "White House Communications Agency" for
President Ronald Reagan's 1988 visit to San Bernardino.
• Aided in the establishment of the "Inland Empire Auto Show" now in its ninth year
encompassing over 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.
• Consulted with the City of Moreno Valley Parks & Recreation Department Outdoor
Concert Series since 1992. Currently produce "The 4th of July Family Fun Fest" and
the Nike PGA Golf Tournament for the City of Moreno Valley.
• Supervised local production for "Miss Teen USA" Pageant, a live CBS network,
nationally televised event.
• Served as Director of Facilities and Director of Marketing for the National Orange
Show on a contract basis 1986-1994. Supervised the remodeling of all major facilities.
Successfully prepared and negotiated long term contracts for the operation of the
outdoor market place swap meet, restaurant, food and beverage concessions and the
stadium.
• Supervised the conversion of the Orange Pavilion at the National Orange Show
Grounds, into a 5,000 seat multi-purpose public facility. Included consulting on stage
construction,theatrical curtaining,lighting, sound,and design of new dressing rooms.
BOB LEWIS / BIG RED APPLE Page 2
ACHIEVEMENTS (continued)
• Managed the Swing Auditorium (7,2000 capacity) which in its last year staged forty-
four (44) major touring shows. Total attendance exceeded 220,000 paid, with revenues
in excess of $1,8000,000 (a 147% increase in seven years of management).
• Developed long-term union contract with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees (IATSE)
• Sponsorship and marketing management for the Orange Show Speedway since 1994.
• Developed and implemented La Opinion Newspaper marketing plan for Orange Show
Marketplace.
• Produced PRCA and Mexican rodeos,_ and monster truck events in the Orange Show
Stadium.
• Attained corporate sponsorship goals of $775,500 in the past seven (7) years.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
• Production management for"Christmas Tree Lane",Santa Claus Inc.,in San Bernardino
and Palm Springs.
• Production work for: National Charity League, March of Dimes Birth Defects
Foundation, Riverside Black History Month Committee,Inland Council of Children's
Home Society of California, Panhellenic of San Bernardino, and Assistance League of
San Bernardino. Cinco de Mayo Benefit Festival for Radio KCAL. Produced,marketed
and advertised "The Highwaymen" benefit for Loma Linda Children's Hospital.
The following is a partial list of entertainment events
Big Red Apple has brought to the San Bernardino market.
Eric Clapton Rainbow Saxon Rick Nelson
Van Cliburn Bad Company ELP New Order
Ukrainian Dance Company The Thompson Twins AC/DC Humble Pie
Kenny Rogers Uriah Heep Molly Hatchett Ice-T
Mahogany Rush Deep Purple Charlie Pride Rush
Marshall Tucker ZZ Top Toto Red Skelton
The Eurythmics Roy Clark Journey Dottie West
Thin Lizzy Leon Russell Willie Nelson Ronnie Milsap
Jethro Tull Judas Priest Lynyrd Skynyrd Run DMC
The Pretenders Jimmy Buffett Alice Cooper Dokken
Led Zepplin Blood,Sweat&Tears Rick James Stryper
Statler Brothers Bill Cosby Prince Keel
Black Oak Arkansas Kool&the Gang Motley Cru Iggy Pop
Blue Oyster Cult Fleetwood Mac Ted Nugent The Modernaires
James Brown Steely Dan Eddie Rabbitt L.L. Cool J
Harlem Globetrotters Tina Turner Sammy Hagar War
Kenny G Iron Maiden The Whispers Lakeside
REO Speedwagon U.F.O. Cameo Yes
Santana Triumph Cheap Trick Black&Blue
Black Sabbath Barbara Mandrell Aerosmith John Anderson
Peggy Fleming The Barkays Smokey Robinson Tina Marie
Creedence Clearwater Wayne Newton Queensryche Dana Dane
Revival Marvin Gaye Lizzie Borden Force MD
Fat Boys Atlantic Starr Boz Skaggs Twisted Sister
Devo The Isley Brothers Rare Earth .38 Special
Waylon Jennings Psychedelic Furs Quiet Riot Maze
Jimmy Hendrix Bon Jovi Johnny Winter Ricky Van Shelton
Bob Hope Frank Zappa Conway Twitty Great White
Joan Jett& the Blackhearts Climax Blues Band Dana Carvey Brenda Lee
Alabama Janis Joplin Joe Walsh Woody Herman
Eddie Money Ronnie James Dio New Edition Johnny Cash
Hank Williams Jr. Yngwie Malmsteen W.A.S.R Tammy Wynette
Shalamar George Jones Savoy Brown Boston
The O jays David Copperfield Earth,Wind &Fire Charlie Daniels
The Byrds Scorpions Pat Travers The Tubes
Tai Mahal Ratt Kiss The Fixx
Lacy J. Dalton Stevie Ray Vaughn Herbie Mann Cinderella
Jefferson Starship Rough Cut Loretta Lynn David Lee Roth
Zapp Orchestral Maneuvers Def Leppard Bellamy Brothers
Ringling Bros. Circus in the Dark Oingo Boingo Tom T. Hall
Crosby,Stills &Nash Elvis Presley Helen Reddy Paula Kelly
Lisa Lisa &Cult Jam Jose Feliciano Y&T Krokus
George Strait Ice Capades Lee Michaels Night Ranger
The Gap Band Procul Harem Joe Stampley Klymaxx
Bread Rod Stewart Robin Trower Foghat
Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Rose Royce Ray Price Whodini
The Rolling Stones Moody Blues UTFO Tiara
John Denver Ozzie Osbourne Whitesnake Con Funk Shun
Beach Boys ELO Missing Persons Outlaws
Elton John Foreigner B.B. King Peter Frampton
Oak Ridge Boys The Grateful Dead Poison
2. COMPARABLE FACILITIES AND EVENTS
As is indicated in my Resume, over the past twenty-five years I have successfully marketed,
developed and/or operated a number of successful events and venues which demonstrate my ability
to maximize the potential use and good will of the Stadium as an asset to the community. I believe
the following are representative of the relevance, diversity and depth of my experience:
Location Venue and/or Event
San Bernardino, CA 1962-71. National Orange Show. Developed and trained the San Bernardino
Roller Derby team, the Bobcats (later to become the Hollywood Stars);
promoted and marketed the Roller Derby games, for a total of over 500 near
sell-out events. Negotiated the rental agreement for use of the Damus
Building, including its renaming as "Roller Game Hall;" and marketed and
reconfigured the facility for Roller Derby and other events, including concerts,
professional boxing and wrestling. Owned and/or managed all food and
beverage and merchandise concessions, negotiated all facility rental contracts,
and booked all team and other events. Maintained positive relationship with
the landlord, the Roller Derby teams, Roller Derby League, and events
managers.
Australia 1971-72. Produced and marketed over 200 nationally televised events (5
events per week over two 20-week seasons) for Roller Derby, Inc.,
throughout Australia. I also supervised the operations necessary for the
events(construction of tracks, staging, set up and removal of tracks in indoor
and outdoor facilities), negotiated union contracts and hired construction and
stage crews.
Tokyo, Japan 1973. Produced and marketed over 30 nationally televised events for Roller
Derby, Inc., supervised operations, negotiated union contracts and hired
construction and stage crews.
San Bernardino, CA 1962-84. National Orange Show, Swing Auditorium. Promoted, negotiated
contracts for and produced over 400 live name-talent shows and events
(starting with 6 events a year, and ending with 44 events in the year the
building was destroyed). Managed merchandise, stage crews and all staffing
for events.
San Bernardino, CA 1974-76. With home office in San Bernardino, was assistant to Col. Tom
Parker, responsible for all concert revenue, merchandise and promotional
materials for Elvis Presley national tours, consisting of 78 concerts.
Conducted all final settlements with concert facilities.
—1—
San Bernardino, CA 1984-86. National Orange Show. Supervised the conversion of the Orange
Pavilion into a 5,000 seat multi-purpose public facility which would
accommodate a broad range of events (women's volleyball, wrestling, ice
skating and ice shows, concerts, trade shows, etc.).
San Bernardino, CA 1986-94. National Orange Show. Served as Director of Facilities and
Director of Marketing for the National Orange Show, on a contract basis.
Supervised remodeling of all major exhibit buildings and facilities; prepared
and negotiated long-term contracts for operation of outdoor marketplace
swap meet, restaurant, food and beverage concessions and the National
Orange Show Stadium. Developed long-term union contract with the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees ("IATSE," the stage
hands).
San Bernardino, CA 1989-present. Provided production management in a variety of local venues
for local events such as Headdress Ball, Santa Claus, Christmas Tree Lane,
National Charity League, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Inland
Council of Children's Homes Society of California, Panhellenic of San
Bernardino, and the Assistance League of San Bernardino.
San Bernardino, CA 1994-96. Provided marketing and advertising for the Civic Light Opera.
San Bernardino, CA 1994-present. National Orange Show Speedway. Contracted for sponsorship
and marketing/advertising for the NASCAR stock car racing in the National
Orange Show Stadium. Promoted, marketed and advertised PRCA and
Mexican Rodeos, Monster Truck events and concerts in the Stadium. I also
contracted for and supervised ground preparation, design, staging and
construction of specialized facilities for these events in the stadium infield.
San Bernardino, CA 1984-present. National Orange Show. Booked, produced, supervised and/or
marketed a broad range of events, including recreational vehicle shows
(Carmay and La Mesa RV), Circus Vargas, trade shows (Money Store, Home
and Garden Show), festivals (Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Food for Less
Festival), the nationally televised production of Miss Teen U.S.A. Pageant,
President Ronald Reagan's 1988 visit to San Bernardino, and the Inland
Empire Auto Show (1990-1998). Attendance at these events, and the
National Orange Show Speedway events, ranged from 3,000 to 10,000 in one
day, to over 100,000 for five-day shows.
Moreno Valley, CA 1992-present. Assisted the City of Moreno Valley, and its Parks and
Recreation Department on events, including the Summer Concerts in the Park
series and the annual Fourth of July Family Fun Fest. Provided a full-scale
marketing plan for sale of tickets, advance sale and on-site staffing for the
events, and logistical support in planning parking areas. Contracted for and
worked within the City's budget in booking all talent, providing logistical
—2—
support, staging, sound and lighting, power requirements, facilities and all
required rental equipment. Attendance at the Fourth of July festival has
grown from 10,000 in 1995 to over 20,000 in 1997, with anticipated
attendance in 1998 of 30,000. Concert events for the last three years have
featured Three Dog Night, the Turtles, and America.
Moreno Valley, CA 1994-98. Worked with the City of Moreno Valley in producing the Inland
Empire Nike PGA Golf Tournament and Exhibit Village. Provided total event
management, including the development of full-scale marketing, sponsorship,
advertising, negotiation and contracting with outside contractors and vendors
for all production services and logistical support with various City and County
agencies. Attendance at this event exceeded 10,000 in 1997.
I believe the letters of reference submitted with this proposal provide appropriate information from
those persons who have first-hand knowledge of my background and experience, commitment to the
Inland Empire and San Bernardino in particular, my ability to perform and achieve the goals of this
proposal, and my reputation in the community.
—3—
Attachment B
September 28 , 1998
PRODUCTION AND
ENTERTAINMENT BY HAND DELIVERY
DEVELOPMENT Fred Wilson, City Administrator
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
300 North "D" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92418
Re : Summary of Proposal for Management and Marketing of the
San Bernardino Stadium
Dear Mr. Wilson:
As requested, this letter will set forth a summary of my proposal
for management and marketing of the San Bernardino Stadium, which
supersedes our previous discussions and my previous proposals .
Based in large part on performance, this proposal represents a
substantial cost savings to the City, yet retains my ability to
provide professional management, marketing and development of the
Stadium as a major community cultural and entertainment venue .
My long-term commitment to and experience in the community lend
strong support to this joint effort to expand and enhance the
potential of the Stadium in the years to come .
This proposal is based on the following basic terms :
1 . Initial two (2) year contract, with two, one (1) year
renewal options . Performance will be reviewed annually; the
contract will be terminable by the City for cause, on thirty
(30) days' notice . "Cause" for termination will be defined
as abandonment, breach of contract, conviction of a criminal
(non-traffic) offense, or failure to abide by City
ordinances or regulations, after notice .
2 . $65, 000 annually, payable monthly, plus fifteen percent
(150) of gross rental income and gross income from other
sources generated through the efforts of Big Red Apple .
"Gross rental income" and "other income" will be defined in
the contract .
3 . The City shall provide appropriate office space in the
Stadium, including telephones, basic computer equipment and
access compatible with City systems .
909-853112 4 . The City will budget and commit a minimal amount for start-
FAX RH6(r64 up marketing and advertising, in an amount not less than
$15, 000 , based on the submission of appropriate requests and
P.O.Box 5742 verification of expenditures by Big Red Apple .
SAN BERNARDINO
CA 92412-5742
F . Wilson: Proposal for Stadium/Theatre
September 28 , 1998
Page Two
I believe this proposal realizes a cost savings for the City of
more than 50% of what is presently expended for management and
marketing of other entertainment venues in the City, and
represents a significant reduction from my previous proposal , in
exchange for the performance-based revenue sharing standard set
forth above . While I sincerely believe that joint management of
the Stadium and the California Theatre would result in a strong
enhancement of the City' s ability to bring new audiences to the
downtown area for a diverse range of activities, greater ability
to work with established performing arts groups, and the ability
to offer and promote two venues more economically, I believe this
proposal represents the most cost effective way to independently
develop the potential of the Stadium.
Another essential element of this proposal is my strong desire to
assist the City in renegotiating key terms of the Stadium lease,
and in obtaining financial commitments and community incentives
for enhancing the potential use of the Stadium. For example,
funding sources should be actively pursued for expanding the
potential use of the Stadium parking lot, and for quality
staging, lighting and sound for community-sponsored events . This
funding and flexibility for Stadium use could be achieved in part
through a renegotiated lease; and in part by seeking private
commitments (or sponsorships) for upgrades to the Stadium.
This proposal is based on my firm belief and commitment that the
Stadium is an essential anchor in focusing attention on the
downtown area, and that it can be professionally managed and
marketed in a manner which promotes the goals of the City,
providing a key venue for a broad range of community-sponsored
events, and through which the present positive community momentum
may be directed. I further believe that my twenty-five year
track record in the community clearly demonstrates both my
administrative, financial and marketing abilities, my
professionalism and my commitment to the betterment and promotion
of the City of San Bernardino as a positive focal point in the
Inland Empire .
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal . I look
forward to presenting my proposal in more detail in the near
future .
Yours sincerely,
Obb L 1
President
Attachment C
pp?
PRODUCTIONAND September 21 , 1998
ENTERTAINMENT
DEVELOPMENT
BY HAND DELIVERY
Fred Wilson, City Administrator
CITY OF SAN 13ERNARDINO
300 North "D" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92418
Re : Summary of Proposal for Management of the California
Theatre and the San Bernardino Stadium
Dear Mr. Wilson:
As was requested at the September 18 , 1998 , meeting with you and
Mayor Valles, this letter will set forth a summary of my proposal
for joint management of the California Theatre of Performing Arts
and the San Bernardino Stadium. This proposal supersedes my
previous proposals, and represents a substantial cost savings to
the City through joint, professional , management, marketing and
development of San Bernardino' s two major community cultural and
, entertainment venues .
This proposal is based on the following basic terms :
1 Three (3) year contract, with one three (3) year renewal
option.
2 . $72 , 000 annually, payable monthly, plus ten percent (10%) of
gross rental income and five percent (5%) of gross income
from other sources generated through the efforts of Big Red
Apple . "Gross rental income" and "other income" will be
defined in the contract .
3 . The City shall provide appropriate office space in the
Theatre and the Stadium, including telephones, basic
computer equipment and access compatible with City systems .
4 . The City will budget and commit a minimal amount for start-
up marketing and advertising, in an amount not less than
909-853112 $15 , 000, based on the submission of appropriate requests and
FAX 88KH6 verification of expenditures by Big Red Apple .
P.O.Box 5742
SAN BERWDINO
CA 92412-5742
F. Wilson: Proposal for Stadium/Theatre
September 21 , 1998
Page Two
I believe this proposal realizes a cost savings for the City of
more than 50% of what is presently expended for management and
marketing of the California Theatre plus the average of the
proposals presently being reviewed by the City for the Stadium.
Joint management of both venues will also result in enhanced
ability to bring new audiences to the downtown area for a diverse
range of activities, greater ability to work with established
performing arts groups, and the ability to offer and promote two
venues more economically.
I would also like to assist the City in renegotiating key terms
of the Stadium lease, and in obtaining financial commitments and
community incentives for enhancing the potential use of the
Stadium. For example, funding sources are desirable for
expanding the potential use of the Stadium parking lot, and for
quality staging, lighting and sound for community-sponsored
events .
This proposal is based on my firm belief and commitment that the
Stadium and the California Theatre are essential anchors in
focusing attention on the downtown area, and that they can be
professionally managed and marketed in a manner which promotes
the goals of the City, providing two venues for a broad range of
community-sponsored events, and through which the present
positive community momentum in this direction may be directed.
I further believe that my twenty-five year track record in the
community clearly demonstrates both my administrative, financial
and marketing abilities, and my commitment to the betterment and
promotion of the City of San Bernardino as a positive focal point
in the Inland Empire .
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal . I look
forward to presenting my proposal in more detail in the near
future .
Yours sincerely,
�iL&e s
President