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by Justin Jones
A strong vibe of excitement is floating around the city of Allen, and for good reason.
Listed by Forbes as the 19th best place to move with populations above 25,000, Allen has the luxury of massive growth potential, great educational and park systems and phenomenal retail, among its many attributes. In short, Allen has it all.
Adding to the city’s mystique was the highly-anticipated Allen Event Center, which, Allen Mayor Stephen Terrell says, "will be an integral part of our city."
"The facility offers a new venue for community, organizational and family events," Mayor Terrell added. "Quality retail development and the availability of this caliber facility are huge assets to Allen’s last phase of growth. It’s one of the last pieces of the puzzle that past and present city council members envisioned for the community."
This piece of the puzzle and the massive excitement it carries would not have been possible if not for the joint efforts between the City of Allen, Global Entertainment Corporation and the MGHerring Group.
"Everywhere I go people are very excited about the Allen Event Center, especially as they see the finishing touches put on the building," Peter Vargas, city manager of Allen, said about the $52.6 million facility. "I think it will be a tremendous asset to the city—a destination location venue for entertainment purposes. It gives Allen and this region an entertainment venue we have never had before, and it will improve the quality of life in this area."
Furthermore, Mayor Terrell said, "With approximately 150 revenue generating events each year, the event center will draw more than 600,000 visitors annually, and spending visitors will generate sales revenue in lodging and dining and retail goods and services.
"Our event center is somewhat unique in that it is part of a large retail development—The Village at Allen. It is not a stand-alone facility close to everything—it is part of everything," Mayor Terrell said. "For visitors, they have the convenience of dining, shopping and lodging all at one stop. Because of this integration, parking is free and the parking garages are located right next to the center. Close and free parking is an amenity not offered at similar facilities in the region."
Something for everyone
Located within The Village at Allen along U.S. 75 and Stacy Rd. in Allen, the AEC features a seating capacity of 8,100, including 24 suites, a community ice rink and it will host concerts, shows and be home to the Allen Americans, a Central Hockey League team.
"The Allen Event Center will have a huge impact by creating more community event involvement and having another destination to hold local activities," Doug Waugh, general manager of the event center said. "Our goal is to host the same type of shows that the American Airlines Center, Superpages.com and Nokia Theatre have been booking that draw fans by the thousands."
With the Allen Americans—a Dallas Stars CHL affiliate—already entertaining hockey fans, and country-singing sensation Reba McEntire performing the center’s first concert, the center is already on its way to joining the elite company that Waugh speaks of.
"This facility has the ability to host any arena-type event that is promoted across the country," Waugh said. "My vision and goal is to create a venue or bright spot that gives our guests a chance to escape into the magic and lasting memories that live entertainment creates."
Planning pays off
Although Waugh came on board after the initial planning began for the event center—a product of nearly three years of hard work—he, and everyone else involved in its birth had a similar vision.
"We employ a strategic plan process where every year we sit down with the city council to review what our goals are for that year," Vargas said. "Several years ago, the council identified that we wanted to create a destination location for this city. We were introduced to the entertainment venue concept and to us it was a good business model that we wanted to see in Allen."
Since then, the Allen Event Center has more than exceeded the city council’s expectations, according to Vargas, who credits the city’s partners and professionals who built the facility.
"This has really created a lot of excitement in our community and I think it is going to be something that everybody is very excited to see open," Vargas added. "The center solidifies the appeal of the city because you will have everything you need in Allen. You have medical services, great educational and park systems and now a great entertainment district, along with great retail. Basically, Allen has it all."
For more information about the Allen Event Center, you may call 972.678.4646. For more information about Allen Americans, call 972.912.1000 or visit www.allenamericans.com.
Justin Jones is a freelance writer.
Photos by Julie Sandy. |
