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In business development Thomas & Mack slated for $60 million in upgrades By Paul Takahashi staff writer Since it opened 30 years ago, the Thomas & Mack Center arguably has become one of the most storied and successful collegiate venues in the country. Although there are larger venues, most college arenas host only about 15 or 18 basketball games and a number of university-related events each year. Not the Mack. Nearly 22 million people have visited UNLV's Thomas & Mack since 1983, brought there by Frank Sinatra, or Bono, or maybe a circus, rodeo, monster truck or ice skating show. Last year, the arena hosted 180 events, attracting 800,000 visitors who infused more than $200 million into the local economy. What has made the Thomas & Mack so successful? Partly, it's the 18,500 UNLV fans that pack the arena on major game nights. And much of its success is due to the allure of Las Vegas, which each year attracts hundreds of high-profile events. "It's been a great 30 years," said Mike Newcomb, Thomas & Mack's executive director. "We're lucky to be busy and lucky the university lets us operate like a professional facility. We try to bring a lot of events to Las Vegas to keep our building paid for and vital." When the Thomas & Mack Center opened Nov. 21, 1983, it was the only large-event indoor arena in Las Vegas. Before the Thomas & Mack, the Runnin' Rebels played at a 6,300-seat arena in the Las Vegas Convention Center. With its maximum seating capacity of 19,522, almost every major event coming to town was staged at the home of UNLV basketball. Today, it's no longer the only arena in town; the resort industry has built its own arenas near the Strip, including the Orleans Arena and the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and more arenas are being planned, such as MGM's $350 million, 20,000-seat arena slated to open between New York-New York and the Monte Carlo in 2016. Today, the Mack concentrates on luring marquee events that return year after year. "Our focus has changed over the years," Newcomb said. "We've had to adapt as the city evolved." To keep attracting more visitors amid increasing competition, UNLV officials are gearing up for nearly $60 million in renovations to the arena. Officials argue the renovations are necessary to keep the Thomas & Mack viable. "The 30-year anniversary is a reminder to keep the Thomas & Mack current," said Gerry Bomotti, UNLV senior vice president of finance. "Certainly, the 30 years is time to celebrate all the accomplishments, but it's also time to recognize it's not a good birthday for major electrical and plumbing systems." This year, UNLV officials successfully lobbied state lawmakers for $47  million in funding to renovate the facility. University officials hope to raise the remaining $13 million needed for renovations through the UNLV Foundation, which is launching a $500 million capital campaign to build a new UNLV stadium and medical school. & Most of the renovations won't be discernible to the average fan. Major electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems will be replaced, and new fire alarm and security systems will be installed. The renovations also would bring the Thomas & Mack up to current building codes, including new regulations for Americans with Disabilities Act seating that weren't set in 1983. Other proposed changes to the Thomas & Mack may be more noticeable. University officials plan to expand the concourse and add more restrooms, escalators and points of access to the arena to help congestion. New seats may be put into the lower bowl section, and if funds permit, the upper bowl seats may be replaced too. Just like the Thomas & Mack gave way to more events, the UNLV stadium — if built — could spur bigger events to relocate to Las Vegas. "Thirty years ago, the Thomas & Mack allowed the community to bring more events to Las Vegas. A big stadium would do that as well," Bomotti said. Hall Associates CPAs, LTD 39.6% Tax Rate ? Smart with Proper Deductions. Advice on Limiting Risk. It's Your Largest Cash Outflow. You Have a Choice Who Does Your Taxes. CHANGE IS EASY. 702.629.1886 TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS LEGAL SUPPORT FRAUD CONTROLS BOOKKEEPING BUSINESS STRUCTURE TAX PLANNING SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION ACCOUNTING COACHING 4815 W. Russell Rd., #8H Las Vegas, NV 89118 www.hallcpas.net | 23 DECEMBER 2013 20131223_VI07_F.indd 13 | 13 12/19/13 3:07:18 PM

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