CAA gives SMG an extension

The Convention and Arena Authority extended the management contract it has with SMG for two additional years last week. The agreement was to have expired on June 30, 2009, but now it will end on June 30, 2011.

SMG, a venue management firm based in Philadelphia, oversees the daily operations at DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena for the CAA. SMG has been the only manager of the arena and has operated the convention center since the mid-1990s, when the city of Grand Rapids hired the firm to manage the building that was known as the Grand Center.

The CAA is responsible for the financial operation of both buildings.