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Board approves termination of Swander Ice Arena concessionaire, directs staff to solicit new bids
Summary
The Evansville City Board of Park Commissioners voted to terminate the concessions agreement with the Penalty Box LLC at Swander Ice Arena and authorized staff to seek new bids after the vendor failed to provide required services.
The Evansville City Board of Park Commissioners on April 16 voted to terminate the concessions agreement with the Penalty Box LLC at Swander Ice Arena and authorized staff to begin a new solicitation for a concessionaire.
Nick Perriman, general manager at Swander Ice Arena, told the board the concessionaire “will not be able to provide the services outlined in section 9 b of the grama, failure to provide services as required, with the intent to create an exceptional experience for patrons.” Perriman added, “We have a duty to provide reliable, consistent, and affordable concession services for the arena.”
After brief public comment (none offered on the item) the board voted; the motion to terminate the concession agreement carried. The board then voted to give staff permission to seek bids for a new concession operator. Perriman said the staff plans to solicit multiple proposals: “That would be ideal. Yes.”
Danielle, Parks Department staff, summarized the arena’s recent history with concession solicitations, saying a prior formal RFP drew no responses and the current arrangement began after the previous concessionaire left without notice. Danielle said the prior long-term concessionaire had been in place “approximately 6 years. 7 years.” Board members raised concerns that repeating the same procurement approach could produce the same results and suggested the department consider alternative arrangements or partnerships to provide more stable service.
The board did not set specific procurement terms or name a replacement vendor during the meeting; staff said they would pursue a competitive solicitation and consult with legal on options to improve long-term results. The board approved both the termination and the request to seek bids.
Looking ahead, staff said they will return with procurement details and any recommended changes to the solicitation or operating model for the concession area.
