You don’t say

Yesterday4:08 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)

Want tickets to Intrust Bank Arena shows? Don’t call Intrust Bank

Wednesday11:03 a.m.

WICHITA — If you want tickets to any of the upcoming shows at Intrust Bank Arena, don’t call Intrust Bank.

That may seem obvious, but apparently it’s not to everyone.

“You heard that I was Ticketmaster or something?” says Diane Iseman, vice president of corporate communications.

It’s true, she says.

“I’ve been getting calls.”

Read More »

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Intrust Bank Arena lands another rock act, this time of the Christian variety

Nov. 11, 20094:34 p.m.

WICHITA — There’s another new musical act for Intrust Bank Arena, and it’s not a country artist.

Pollstar reports that the Newsboys will play March 21. It’s a Christian rock band.

The only other rock act announced so far is Bon Jovi.

The Newsboys will appear as part of the Winter Jam 2010 Tour Spectacular, which is billed as the largest annual Christian tour.

The tour also includes NewSong, Third Day, Tenth Avenue North, Fireflight and guest speaker Tony Nolan.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , Filed under Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (24)

You don’t say

Nov. 3, 20095:36 p.m.

“We don’t control who tours when but we’re working on providing as many options as we can so we have something for everybody. Keep watching!”

— Intrust Bank Arena general manager Chris Presson’s e-mailed response to criticism that the arena is booking a lot of country acts that appeal only to a limited audience

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , Filed under Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena, You don't say | Comments (2)

Jeff Dunham to perform at Intrust Bank Arena in March

Oct. 14, 20095:50 p.m.

WICHITA — Intrust Bank Arena may not be touting all the acts it has booked yet, but it’s clearly lining up a variety of them.

According to comedian Jeff Dunham’s Web site, he’ll perform at the arena March 12.

If you’re not familiar with Dunham, he’s apparently America’s leading comedic ventriloquist. He has a self-titled show that debuts on Comedy Central next week.

Tickets for his Wichita show go on sale Nov. 14.

The arena so far has announced that Brad Paisley is its debut act Jan. 9. The Harlem Globetrotters are coming Jan. 22.

And, though the arena has yet to confirm it, it looks like Taylor Swift is coming April 1.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , , Filed under Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (9)

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

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , Filed under Arenas, Concerts, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (0)

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.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , Filed under Arenas, Intrust Bank Arena | Comments (112)

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)