Category Archives: Arenas

You don’t say

Friday4:08 p.m.

“I’m very happy because the first thing those folks thought of was Hartman Arena.”

— Wink Hartman Sr. on how some people wanting Intrust Bank Arena tickets are calling his Park City arena

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , Filed under Arenas, Intrust Bank Arena, You don't say | Comments (0)

Gaithers to bring gospel music to Intrust Bank Arena

Nov. 4, 200910:02 a.m.

WICHITA — It was just yesterday that Intrust Bank Arena general manager Chris Presson said he wants to bring in all kinds of acts — not just the country music that seems so prevalent so far.

It looks like that includes gospel.

According to Bill Gaither’s Web site, he and the Gaither Vocal Band are coming to Intrust April 30.

The site, which shows a picture of the arena, says tickets will be presold starting Jan. 11. A public sale starts Jan. 25.

By Carrie Rengers | Filed under Arenas, Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (13)

You don’t say

Oct. 8, 20091:48 p.m.

“Security needs to be extra tight that night to keep Kanye from bum-rushing the stage.”

— Associated public relations director Shawn Steward’s comment on this blog after hearing Taylor Swift is coming to Intrust Bank Arena

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No foolin’, Taylor Swift to play Intrust Bank Arena April 1

Oct. 8, 200911:07 a.m.

taylorWICHITA — Among the varied reactions to the Brad Paisley news yesterday — he’s the debut act for Intrust Bank Arena on Jan. 9 — one comment was: “They should have gotten Taylor Swift.”

Well, it looks like they have, though not until April 1.

According to www.taylorswift.com, she’s playing Wichita on that date. The site doesn’t list the venue, but indications are Intrust is it.

“We can neither confirm nor deny that Taylor Swift is performing at the Intrust Bank Arena,” says Beth King of King Merj Public Relations. King also is spokeswoman for SMG, which manages the arena.

Look for more news on Swift’s appearance soon.

In the meantime, take one of our polls here or here on the arena’s choices so far.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , Filed under Arenas, Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (55)

You don’t say

Oct. 7, 20096:46 p.m.

“Where is Jimmy Buffett when you need him? Parrot heads RULE!”

— Retired concert promoter Buck Goodman’s comment on this blog upon hearing Brad Paisley is Intrust Bank Arena’s opening act (Goodman says Paisley is great and will probably sell out but isn’t a superstar)

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , Filed under Arenas, Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena, Music, You don't say | Comments (0)

Brad Paisley to headline Intrust Bank Arena’s debut concert

Oct. 7, 20091:10 p.m.

bradWICHITA — Country singer Brad Paisley will be Intrust Bank Arena’s opening act on Jan. 9.

Paisley will perform with Justin Moore and Miranda Lambert.

“For us to have an A-list artist of that caliber is not the easiest thing to do,” says Chris Presson, arena manager.

“It’s all about who’s on tour, when they’re on tour, and that has a big portion to do with any time of the year that you’re booking an act,” he says. “We’re obviously not a large city, and (Paisley) probably could have gone many different places and made more money.”

Tickets go on sale Nov. 14. Prices haven’t been determined yet.

Although Presson is calling Paisley the debut act, he says there’s still a chance other acts could be named for Jan. 7 or 8.

“We’re just always looking to push the envelope,” he says.

That doesn’t mean he’s not satisfied with Paisley as the inaugural act.

“He’s won virtually every country music award imaginable,” Presson says. “We’re pumped about Brad, and I don’t know if we could have done much better.”

Want to express your thoughts on the opening concert? Check out our poll.

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You don’t say

Aug. 6, 20091:44 p.m.

“We’re still working the phones.”

— Intrust Bank Arena manager Chris Presson on how there’s not been an opening act booked for January yet

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , Filed under Arenas, You don't say | Comments (8)

You don’t say

Aug. 5, 20092:43 p.m.

“I almost wrecked my car I got so mad.”

— Wichita Downtown Development Corp. president Jeff Fluhr, speaking to the Wichita Professional Communicators club today, on listening to a radio show where callers griped about potential parking problems at Intrust Bank Arena

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John Nath is out as general manager of Hartman Arena

July 23, 20092:01 p.m.

nath2WICHITA — On the heels of Jacque Wedel’s departure from Hartman Arena, general manager John Nath (pictured left) is now gone, too.

“Effective today, John Nath is no longer associated with the Hartman Arena,” says Wink Hartman Sr. “Arena management has decided to go in a new direction at this time.”

Nath couldn’t be reached for comment.

Wedel, who was marketing and advertising manager, and Nath used to be in similar positions at the Kansas Coliseum and joined Hartman Arena in 2008 before its March 2009 opening.

“Effective immediately, Mr. Eric Blockie will fill the general manager’s position at Hartman Arena,” Hartman says.

Earlier this month, Have You Heard? reported that Blockie joined Hartman Arena as director of financial and marketing development, which resulted in Wedel’s departure.

“I just felt when Eric came on board, it was time for her to pursue other opportunities,” Hartman said at the time.

Blockie is from the St. Louis area, where he worked for Live Nation, the world’s biggest promoter.

“Eric brings a diverse background in the industry to Hartman Arena,” Hartman says, “and will continue to bring a wide range of entertainment options to the community.”

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Tweet of the week

July 10, 20092:29 p.m.

WICHITA — “Must admit that I voted no. Sorry!”

— Kelsey Rawson (@krawson), advancement coordinator at the Envision Foundation, who admitted on Twitter today that she’s now getting excited about the Intrust Bank Arena

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