MEDIA RELEASE

 

March 2, 2018

For information, contact Director of Public Events Tim Ross at 270-687-8350 or rossts@owensboro.org

 

BLAKE HENRY NAMED GENERAL MANAGER FOR CROSS INSURANCE CENTER

 

Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, the providers of Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality and Ticketing and Fan Engagement to the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter has tapped General Manager, Blake Henry to lead the company’s efforts at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine.

 

A 20-year industry veteran, Henry has worked in venue management and live entertainment in Baton Rouge, Los Angeles, and New York City. Under Henry’s leadership, 2017 was a big success for the Convention Center which hosted over 114,814 visitors in 461 event days, provided a home for a wide variety of events: the Kentucky Bar Association Annual Convention, 4^th Fest presented by Kentucky Legend, Kraftucky Arts and Crafts Expo, OMGCon, the 3^rd Region KHSAA High School Basketball Tournament, and several national touring concerts, and surpassed budget for the second consecutive year.  The success of these events and others have laid the groundwork for ensuring that Owensboro will continue to see a diverse mix of high quality programming, conventions, private events and concerts which was Henry’s vision when he moved here last year. 

 

Most recently, Henry and Spectra have expanded their scope of work to include management of the City owned 5,000-seat Sportscenter where Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro Catholic High School and Kentucky Thoroughbreds are main tenants for basketball.

 

“I look forward to the challenges ahead but will miss this town and the all fine people I had the pleasure to work with while growing our business.  Owensboro is an incredibly unique community with the right blend of progressive City leadership and involved citizenry.  It feels like there is always something special going on in Owensboro. Spectra Venue Management is fortunate to be part of downtown Owensboro's continued upward trajectory and I can't wait to see what that partnership will bring in coming years.  Keep it up Owensboro!” Henry said.

 

“Blake’s great strength has been bringing in a variety of events and selling the facility.  His focus on the bottom line through a variety of new events has added to our city budget and to the local economy through hotel stays and restaurant visits. I have every confidence in Spectra to bring in another great manager who will build on the great work that Blake had done.” City Manager Bill Parrish said.

 

In conjunction with the City of Owensboro, Spectra will immediately begin the search for Henry’s replacement and expects a smooth transition. Potential candidates will be presented to the City for its final approval.

 

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 About the Owensboro Convention Center (owensborocenter.com): Western Kentucky’s newest, premier meeting space - the Owensboro Convention Center - is a full-service meeting facility overlooking the scenic Ohio River in revitalized downtown Owensboro, KY. The multi-purpose center boasts over 160,000 sq. ft. including a 44,000+ sq. ft. exhibition hall, and additional ballroom and meeting space. Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, a worldwide leader in venue management, proudly manages the Owensboro Convention Center.

 

About the Owensboro Sportscenter The Owensboro Sportscenter is a multi-purpose 5,000 seat arena. The arena floor has over 11,000 square feet of usable space modified for basketball, concerts, expos, banquets, and other events. The Sportscenter is the home of the 8-time Division II national champions Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers basketball team. The Men’s and Women’s teams play in the G-MAC Conference.The Sportscenter is also home to the Owensboro Catholic High School Aces. Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, a worldwide leader in venue management, proudly manages the Owensboro Sportscenter.

About Comcast Spectacor: Comcast Spectacor is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Comcast Spectacor’s three core businesses are the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center venue, and Spectra, the expert in hosting and entertainment through its Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Ticketing & Fan Engagement divisions. Visit us at ComcastSpectacor.com, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com and WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com for more information.

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