SMG Outbids AEG, Global Spectrum To Operate Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena

1st Mariner Arena operator SMG is the "winning bidder for a new five-year contract" to run the facility and oversee its potential renaming, according to a memo from a city official cited by Scott Dance of the Baltimore SUN. SMG's proposal "awaits approval by the Baltimore Board of Estimates but has cleared the rest of the city's bidding process." SMG "beat proposals" from AEG and Global Spectrum. It is "unclear what awarding the contract to SMG would mean for the naming rights." 1st Mariner Bank has held the rights since '02, and the bank "has expressed interest in retaining the marquee." The Dec. 11 memo signed by acting Baltimore Purchasing Agent Timothy Krus said SMG was chosen for "providing the best overall value to the city." The memo added that AEG's bid was "disqualified for failing to meet minority- and women-owned business subcontracting goals" (Baltimore SUN, 12/15). 

ON THE BOARDWALK: In Atlantic City, Derek Harper reported Global Spectrum "will replace" Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority operator SMG in early '13. Global Spectrum COO John Page said that the company "will look to use its resources to increase the profile" of the Atlantic City Convention Center, Boardwalk Hall and West Hall, "both for entertainment and trade shows." A final contract, "including costs and fees, will be ratified in the coming weeks between Global Spectrum and the ACCVA." Federal court filings show that the current contract with SMG "is worth $221,052 per year ... with as much as $221,052 available in different bonuses and incentives" (PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY, 12/14).