The Blue Jackets' Nationwide Arena "should end its fiscal year in the black even after the management company that oversees the arena uses operating funds for arena upkeep," but next year, the venue "could lose as much as it made" in '14-15, according to a front-page piece by Rick Rouan of the COLUMBUS DISPATCH. Columbus Arena Management CEO Xen Riggs said that the arena "is expected to finish with a $250,000 surplus that will be rolled into its rainy-day fund when its budget year concludes at the end of this month." Budget projections for '15-16 "show a $250,000 loss" even after a $4.2M subsidy from the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. Columbus Arena Management "has started or will begin several small projects at the 15-year-old arena, including new locker room carpet and a hot-water heater and rebuilding two ice compressors." Larger projects "already are being deferred as casino tax receipts fall short of expectations." For example, replacing the arena’s upper-bowl seats "has been delayed." The arena "has turned an operating profit each year since its public takeover" in '12. Next year's projected loss "could change as more shows are booked." Riggs last year "projected a seven-figure loss, but the arena now is expected to finish in the black after several large tours made stops in Columbus, including Katy Perry, Fleetwood Mac and Bob Seger." Blue Jackets attendance "dipped this year because the team played fewer home games after missing the playoffs" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 6/10).
