Absolutely! How many “$73 million-plus” shots does Branson have available to find what will best draw additional tourists, provide year-round employment, and bring revenue to the city? The shot gets trickier when you factor in that the decision involves protecting and enhancing the investment it already has in the Branson Convention Center (BCC) and that of its existing theatre and attraction owners.
A duo of recent feasibility studies indicates the possibility of two separate “$73 million-plus” projects to consider: a standalone Sports Complex (SC) and the expansion of the Branson Convention Center (BCC).
In the “Events and Attendance” section of the BCC Expansion study shows “Today’s Attendance” at 27,100 or 29% of the total attendance, with 64,961 or 71% for all other events. The study shows that with the BCC expansion, “Sporting Events” will still have the largest number of attendees in years one-five of the expansion, with 54,100 by year five or 35% of total attendance with 101, 948 or 65% for all other events.
The SC Study estimates total revenue for the completed Facility from $3.3 million during year one to $5.3 million by year five. The revenues come from various sources, with the top five for year one being Food and Beverage, FEC Adventure, Meetings and Non-Sport Events, Sponsored/Advertisement Revenue, and Tenant Revenue. In year five, those sources are Food and Beverage, FEC Adventure, Meetings and Non-Sport Events, Rental Volleyball Tournaments, and Facility Fees.
“Now hold on, Seagull, are you saying that the primary source of estimated revenue for the SC by year five is from things other than Sporting Events?” “No, the SC feasibility study says it!”
“Heck, the primary source of revenue for the Sports Center is from some of the same non-sports sources that the Convention Center get 65% or more of its revenues from.” “That’s what the studies appear to show.”
In the opinion of an Ole Seagull, the BCC Study was by an independent firm with no potential of actually “managing” the BCC after the expansion. The SC Study was by a firm that “manages” sports centers throughout the country and has the potential to manage the Sports Center if it is built. Neither report appears to consider, in detail, the impact of the SC’s non-sports revenue on the BCC.
“Seagull, do you think the city would proceed without an independent study analyzing and coordinating the potential impacts and benefits of each to maximize the ROI for any dollar spent?” “No, in the opinion of an Ole Seagull, with this administration, nothing like this is going to get through unless it’s financially beneficial to Branson.”
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