Organizers of fall events at Sears Centre remain in limbo
The people planning events this fall and winter at the Sears Centre hope they'll know more about the future of their concerts and sporting events later this week after the arena's ownership meets internally.
The Ryan Companies could turn the financially troubled arena over to the village as early as Oct. 1. But the village doesn't expect to be fully ready to assume operational responsibility before January. The village could close the arena temporarily, which could lead to the cancellation or relocation of the six events which have tickets on sale between October and Jan. 1.
It's not certain the venue will close, or if it does for how long. None of the dates being discussed are in stone, as village officials have complained nothing has been provided by Ryan Companies in writing.
Clarity may come later this week. Event organizers and Hoffman Estates officials said representatives from the Minnesota-based developer are in town to discuss when the firm could turn over the building. Ryan Midwest President Jeff Smith was out of the state and couldn't be reached for comment on Monday. Meanwhile, event organizers remain in limbo, waiting for an announcement.
"We're trying to get some assurances from Sears - but we can't wait much longer," said Bob Patton, president of Chicago Basketball Tournament Inc., the group that's hosted the Chicago Invitational the last three years in Hoffman Estates.
Moving the tournament, which features Northwestern University and the University of Notre Dame, would cost Patton's company. If the tournament is forced to move, Patton said he hopes to return to Sears Centre in 2010.
The confusion also has placed a cloud over the Chicago Bliss of the Lingerie Football League. While all systems are go for tailgating at 3 p.m. Friday for the inaugural game, Bliss spokesman Stephon McMillen said the team has spoken with two other venues as alternative sites for the Dec. 18 game.
Promoters for the Nov. 12 Mannheim Steamroller concert said they hadn't heard from Sears Centre management. Village officials also said there's a possibility that the Oct. 23 TNA wrestling event would be relocated. Tickets are supposed to go on sale next week.
Village officials said ticketholders won't have to worry as they would get their money refunded if events are canceled. An e-mail to Ticketmaster for comment was not returned.
The arena reported an operating loss of more than $512,000 last year, leading the Ryan Companies to want to turn it over to the village, which gave the firm a $55 million loan to build the facility.