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Cross Insurance Arena manager says booking volatility and rising costs shape next fiscal year
Summary
Arena general manager Michael Conte told the Finance Committee he projects near break‑even in the coming year if he can book additional shows; last year the arena finished about $700,000 ahead of a previously approved budget loss, but rising vendor and union costs and competition from larger venues make revenue unpredictable.
Michael Conte, general manager of the Cross Insurance Arena, told the Cumberland County Finance Committee that the venue ended the prior fiscal year roughly $700,000 better than the approved budget and that maintaining that performance will depend on booking several high‑revenue shows.
Conte outlined how the arena’s revenue model works and why one‑off successes can skew annual results: headline acts, major sporting events and conventions generate outsized revenue but are unpredictable. He cited last year’s Bill Burr shows and a high‑attendance special event as examples that materially improved the bottom line, and described risks when acts cancel or underperform.
Rising costs are a central concern: Conte cited a new union stagehand contract that raised labor costs about 15% and higher vendor, insurance and promoter commission expenses. He described investments completed last year—new NHL‑caliber dasher glass, a marquee sign, audio control upgrades and a recycling pilot—and said the arena is pursuing more community rentals and ice‑rental marketing to smooth revenue across the year.
Conte said the arena is an economic asset that supports local businesses and employs many part‑time workers, and trustees and commissioners plan to review long‑term capital needs and a cost‑benefit analysis for future upgrades as part of the multi‑year planning process.
