The city of Bemidji (Minn.) and Bemidji State University continue to negotiate a lease for the new Bemidji Regional Events Center, with some local officials arguing the proposed terms are too low. The city of Bemidji (Minn.) and Bemidji State University continue to negotiate a lease for the new Bemidji Regional Events Center, with some local officials arguing the proposed terms are too low.
Under the terms of the lease, the city would receive a minimum of $190,000 annually from the university. In return, the university would receive 100 percent of the gate receipts for Beavers games, 100 percent of the proceeds from temporary signage, and 90 percent of the suite revenue. The university would also receive 10 percent of the proceeds from permanent signage.
Besides the revenue from non-Bemidji State events, the city would also receive additional funds on game days from a ticket surcharge.
If the Beavers were to drop NCAA Division I hockey, the rent from Bemidji State would be set at $230,000 annually, to make up for lost hockey revenues. It doesn’t seem likely: last week the WCHA voted to lift a moratorium on expansion, and Bemidji State officials say they’ll submit an application for league membership.
Still, the $190,000 figure has city officials wondering if the agreement isn’t too one-sided. In response, administrators say the city will see more in terms of game-day revenues; that’s just the amount Bemidji State will pay.
