Bismarck Event Center Authority Board 2026-09-21

The Dakota Media Access board held a regular meeting on September 21, 2026, focusing primarily on the operations and financial status of the Bismarck Event Center. The general manager reported a challenging July with a $327,000 loss due to fewer events but noted overall profitability year-to-date. Discussions included capital improvements, specifically the locker room renovations, with about $40,000 in labor costs being capitalized. The board reviewed upcoming events and marketing efforts, including new concert announcements and staffing updates. A significant agenda item was the Event Center kitchen project, where Oakview Group pledged $2.5 million for kitchen equipment procurement, while the city would cover building capital improvements. The procurement of kitchen appliances will leverage Oakview's buyer power for competitive pricing. The board also discussed new security policies for events, parking management, and facility maintenance projects. A motion to accept the July financial report was passed unanimously. Future agenda items include revisiting the Bell Mayhew rental rate structure and updated parking reports, with an emphasis on balancing budget needs and local user impacts.