To most, Pinnacle Bank Arena is a place for basketball games and concerts by big-name performers.
But arena operators are interested in being known for other things, including buffets and catered events.
Plans for a Mother's Day brunch at the arena were announced last week, prompting more chatter over concerns that the tax-supported arena is in direct competition with local restaurants.
"The arena is charged with creating revenue, and this is one of the opportunities to create revenue," arena manager Tom Lorenz said.
In December, Pinnacle Bank Arena threw an “Eat Drink and Be Merry†event, complete with a buffet for 350 people, music and door prizes. It was billed as a Christmas party for employees of small companies.
Events on New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day also were marketed to the general public.
People are also reading…
Valentine's Day and Mother’s Day are days when most restaurants are very busy, and it is hard to get a reservation, Lorenz said. He said the arena's brunch is another option.
Arena staff hope to attract 300 to 350 people for the Mother's Day brunch, and further showcase the arena’s food capabilities.
Someone who has come to a basketball game and ordered a hot dog and popcorn hasn’t seen the other side of what the arena does, said Greg Gaskins, director of food and beverage operations.
The arena caters a number of private events every month: evening banquets, morning breakfasts, fundraisers. In December alone, it handled 20 catered events ranging from 20 people to 1,200 for the New Year’s Eve party, Gaskins said.
Pershing Center also catered public and private events, Lorenz said, including Kawasaki dinners and the Shriners' Potentate Ball.
