(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Brenda Tinnen has been named as the general manager of the Sprint Center, currently under construction in downtown Kansas City. Kansas City native Tinnen currently serves as the VP of Events at AEG's Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Excavation has begun at the facility, slated to open in September 2007. It will feature 18,500 seats, optimal sightlines for both Basketball and Hockey and a transparent glass exterior and is owned in part by AEG.
Tim Leiweke, President and CEO of AEG has reported that more than 60 of the 72 luxury boxes planned for the arena have been sold at $110,000 to $115,000 and that AEG is exploring the possibility of attracting a NHL or NBA franchise to the arena, reported the Kansas City Star.
There has been some controversy surrounding the construction. No bids were initially received for the excavation, with potential contractors citing high risk and complex documents. The proposal was re-written and 4 contracts were received, but for substantially higher costs than were anticipated. The final cost has yet to be calculated. "We’re struggling," Leiweke told the KC Star. "The bids have come in a lot higher than expected." – CelebrityAccess Staff Writer
