SMC is in need of a marquee

By Anthony Galaviz
The Collegian

There’s something missing at the Save Mart Center. When you pass by the Save Mart Center you might see that during non-school hours there are cars in the parking lot.

You’re probably wondering what’s going on at the Save Mart Center. You’re probably not the only one thinking that.

The one thing missing from this beautiful $100 million building is a marquee.

Having a marquee would inform the public of upcoming events and would help increase advertising revenue and attendance.

University officials said good news may be on the way.

Debbie Astone, executive director of Auxiliary Services, said they are working on “getting alternative proposals for a marquee.”

Astone said the university cannot afford a $200 thousand marquee but understands the need for one.

“We want this marquee to compliment the architectural style of the Save Mart Center and be visible from Shaw Avenue and Highway 168,” Astone said. “We want the ability to advertise upcoming events at the Save Mart Center and other university events.”

According to Astone, I’m not the only one asking the marquee question. Inquiring minds want to know.

“We have received a number of comments about the need for a marquee and we completely agree,” she said.

The Save Mart Center has hosted various events this year including Dave Chappelle, Neil Diamond and World Wrestling Entertainment.

It’s also home to the Fresno State men’s and women’s basketball teams and the Fresno Falcons ice hockey team.

Sure we have radios, television and newspapers announcing upcoming events. But how many times will we remember that the event is happening or is coming to Fresno?

Chances are when we drive by the Save Mart Center and wonder why there are so many cars we’d ask ourselves, “What’s going on?”

Once administration agrees to purchase the marquee the question then becomes how long will it take to install?

In 2002, SMG, a Philadelphia-based management company, unveiled a marquee at Cleveland State’s Wolstein Center.

The marquee features graphics, computer animation and video clips. Unfortunately, it took 10 years to install.

Fresno State student Luis Verdugo, an engineering major, feels the Save Mart Center lacks sales because of the missing marquee.

“You’re clueless on what’s going on,” Verdugo said. “I didn’t know Luis Miguel came. I feel that [the Save Mart Center] will have more sales with it.”

Verdugo may be right.

SMG manages the Long Beach Arena, the Oakland Arena, the SBC Center in San Antonio and Selland Arena.

What do these buildings have in common? They have marquees. Yes, even Selland Arena.

Pollstar, a concert industry trade publication in Fresno, ranks the Selland Arena No. 53 in 2005 for mid-year ticket sales, three spots ahead of the Save Mart Center at No. 56.

Only a year ago, the same publication ranked the Save Mart Center at No. 24.

As of June of this year, the Selland Arena has already sold 66,849 tickets. Yes, a marquee can make a difference.

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