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Two private groups present competing management proposals for Tunica arena and sports complex; board to decide Feb. 27
Summary
Representatives from Roots (John Oakes and Saron Crawford) and Sports Facilities Company (Jim Arnold) presented proposals to operate and program the county’s arena, aquatic and sports complex. The board did not vote and said it will consider proposals at its next meeting on Feb. 27.
Two proposals to manage Tunica County’s arena, aquatic center and sports complex were presented to the Board of Supervisors; the board accepted both proposals for consideration and deferred any decision to its next meeting on Feb. 27.
John Oakes and Saron Crawford (representing Roots) described a three‑year hybrid lease/management approach that would bring equestrian events, concerts, AAU and youth sports programming, and national entertainment partners. They proposed a mix of owned-and-operated events plus third‑party rentals, a fee structure that would include a per‑ticket facility fee for third‑party events and a proposed profit‑share on annual net profits.
Jim Arnold, a partner with Sports Facilities Company, presented his firm’s experience managing more than 70 venues nationwide, the firm’s ‘optimization’ onboarding process, and a commitment to keep currently employed, on‑site staff as W‑2 employees. Arnold said his company provides a corporate support center with marketing, HR, finance and legal resources and that the provider can staff up for large events from its network.
Why it matters: The county’s arena and sports complex are significant local assets. Board members asked detailed questions about staffing (on‑payroll vs. county employees), the executive director role, capital expenditures and how capital repairs would be tracked and funded. Both presenters described approaches to staffing, event mix and revenue sharing; both said they would keep or review existing staff and supply corporate support as needed.
Board action: No vote was taken. The board asked staff to place the proposals on the agenda for the Feb. 27 meeting so members could review the written proposals and ask follow‑up questions. Presenters were told to be available to answer additional due‑diligence questions.
Ending: The board will consider the two management proposals at its next regular meeting and decide whether to negotiate, shortlist or issue a management agreement.
