(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Minnesota Timberwolves and Nederlander Organization have been approved by the Minneapolis City Council to jointly manage, operate and book Target Center in Minneapolis. The new joint venture established will be called Midwest Entertainment and becomes effective on May 1.
Under the new agreement, the Minnesota Timberwolves will concentrate on personnel, day-to-day operations and management of the venue, while Nederlander will focus on booking and promoting events for the 19,000 seat facility. Nederlander plans to maintain its booking relationship with former Target Center manager Clear Channel Entertainment therefore ensuring a seamless transition between managers.
"We're excited about what this change means to our fans and concert goers in the Twin Cities market," said Minnesota Timberwolves president Rob Moor. "This new arrangement will allow us to make both the customer service and structural changes needed to deliver a superior entertainment experience. We look forward to working in partnership with Nederlander to strengthen Target Center's position as the best arena in the Upper Midwest."
"Nederlander prides itself on delivering quality live entertainment throughout the world," said James L. Nederlander Jr., President of Nederlander Organization. "We are thrilled to be working with Glen Taylor at the Target Center and feel the combination of our two organizations will greatly enhance the arena."
Target Center, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, is one of the premiere entertainment facilities in the country hosting over 250 event days annually. Target Center is home to the NBA's Midwest Division champion Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA's Minnesota Lynx.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are owned by a limited partnership whose general partner is Taylor Sports Group, a company owned solely by Glen Taylor. Taylor is chairman of the Board of Taylor Corporation with companies in the printing, marketing and electronics industries. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
