(BEMIDJI, Minn. – March 23, 2022) — ASM Global—the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management and event strategy—has added Bemidji, Minnesota’s Sanford Center to the company’s growing list of venues in the region. Sanford Center joins ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues around the world, including three others in Minnesota: The Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium, both in Minneapolis, and The Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
ASM Global President and CEO Ron Bension said, “We’re delighted to begin work with Sanford Center to help their team build on their success as one of the finest venues in Minnesota. We look forward to customizing our work with the center to leverage our expertise and partnerships across the industry to bring even more exciting concerts and events while helping them continue with the ongoing success in building a great community venue.”
Bemidji’s Mayor Jorge Prince said, “This is an historic day in the history of Sanford Center as ASM Global begins its stewardship and management of our center. I look forward to a new chapter as we move our center forward.”
Sanford Center, with its 4,373-seat hockey arena, is home to the Bemidji State University (BSU) men’s and women’s hockey teams. The venue also includes the George W. Nielsen Convention Center with 14,000 square feet of meeting and conference space. Since its official opening in 2010, it has played host to numerous concerts, expos, conventions, rodeos, meetings, weddings and graduation ceremonies.
ASM Global is the second management company to oversee operations at Sanford Center since it opened in October 2010. ASM’s experience with venue management surrounding college and university sports closely matches with Sanford Center’s need as the center’s primary tenant will continue to be Bemidji State University (BSU). ASM Global will be able to provide BSU with operations and marketing support as well as assisting in developing promotions and contests to drive attendance.
Sanford Center joins an extensive network of markets where ASM Global oversees multiple arenas, convention centers, stadiums and theaters.