Fair Park First Awarded 20-Year Dallas Fair Park Management Contract

DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With a 14-0 vote, Dallas City Council unanimously approved local nonprofit Fair Park First to assume management of 277-acre Fair Park. Fair Park First will work with Spectra—one of the nation's leading management and hospitality companies—to privatize operations for Fair Park in a 2o-year contract starting January 1, 2019.

Fair Park First, Spectra, and park development experts Biederman Redevelopment Ventures have collectively identified significant opportunities to optimize the cultural, educational and sports facilities just east of downtown Dallas that host 7 million visitors annually.

Home to the Centennial Building, Cotton Bowl Stadium and State Fair of Texas, with 1.2 million square feet of covered exhibit space, Fair Park is poised to enhance existing business, attract unique events, and expand the customer experience. 

"Fair Park First is honored to have been selected by City Council as the catalyst that will revive Fair Park as a cultural hub and economic generator," Darren James, Fair Park First's board president, said. "Through meaningful job creation, an imaginative events schedule, and reinvigoration of green spaces, we're eager to create a destination for both Dallas residents and visitors to the city, all year long."

Spectra will run day-to-day operations and market the diverse space to fill Fair Park year-round. The hospitality company manages venue, food services and partnerships for more than 320 venues across the nation, including 22 different fairgrounds and agricultural centers. Spectra manages a blend of services for several facilities in Texas, including: Texas Tech University Athletic Facilities in Lubbock, Southwest University Park in El Paso, Ford Park Entertainment Complex in Beaumont, Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville, Ortiz International Center in Corpus Christi, Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds Complex in Robstown, and Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center.

"From the very first conversation, Spectra saw mammoth opportunity with Fair Park," John Wentzell, President of Spectra, said. "Now that we have the green light, we're looking forward to working with the City of Dallas, its residents, and our partners to reinstate the space as a top-tier destination in Texas and in the nation."

Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, the urban development firm that will be responsible for updating the Parks Master Plan and creating a neighborhood park, will guide strategic oversight of green space development.

"What I've found most important with a long-term revitalization like Fair Park is having champions with a vested interest in the success of the project," Dan Biederman said. "Dallas city officials want to turn gray into green and transform an under-utilized park into a year-round destination. A new, exciting Fair Park will feature extensive, compelling programming, which will attract families and ensure long-term financial success and sustainability. Residents will soon experience a reimagined, beautiful green space in their backyard, and Dallas will gain a great revitalized park."

When Fair Park First begins the contract in the New Year, the City of Dallas will provide oversight across the tenure of the agreement.

"An investment in Fair Park is an investment in the future of Dallas," Bobby Abtahi, Dallas Park and Recreation Board President, said. "For years, we've watched Fair Park fall short of its potential, but now we're taking the necessary steps to fix that. Fair Park First, Spectra and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures will be the game-changers we've needed." 

About Fair Park First
Fair Park First's mission is to restore, revitalize and renew the more than 270-acre historic venue known as Fair Park to attract attention from across the region and the country. The Dallas-based nonprofit seeks to create and implement a master plan for Fair Park; increase attendance with new events and world-class entertainment; create marketing campaigns to attract sponsors and awareness; improve tenant relations and secure revenue development; and ultimately improve and sustain the profitability of Dallas Fair Park. Fair Park First's priority is to reestablish Dallas Fair Park as a one of Dallas' premiere performance venues accessible and enjoyed by all.

About Spectra
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra's unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com. Follow Spectra on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV Corp.)
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation is the private consulting firm of Daniel Biederman, co-founder of the Bryant Park Corporation and The 34th Street Partnership. BRV Corp. is a nationally recognized leader in the creation and revitalization of parks, public spaces, streetscapes, and business improvement districts. BRV works with real estate developers, government agencies, and non-profits to reinvent public spaces.  Dan Biederman's greatest revival project is Bryant Park which he helped transform in 1992 from a crime-ridden, drug-filled, dangerous midtown location behind the New York Public Library into a seven acre jewel and quiet haven for New Yorkers and tourists in midtown Manhattan. Other past BRV venues include the new South Street Seaport in New York, The Boston Common, and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Biederman has also consulted on downtown redevelopment / management projects in Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, and Pittsburgh, among other cities. More detailed information is at www.brvcorp.com  

SOURCE Spectra