Private Management Firm Pitches Takeover of Saline County Expo Center

Representatives from Oak View Group presented to Saline County commissioners during a July 28 study session about potentially managing the county's Expo Center, describing possible efficiencies from operating it alongside the nearby arena the company already manages.

Rick Hontz, a senior vice president for Oak View Group, said the company manages close to 300 venues nationwide, including stadiums, arenas and agricultural expo facilities. He said the firm has managed the nearby Salina arena for 14 years and also does consulting work for Kansas State University's Bramlage-area event operations and oversees facilities in Topeka and a horse park in northern Idaho.

Hontz said the company could bring additional shows and events, help with marketing, sponsorships and food and beverage operations, and create staffing "synergies" by treating the arena and Expo Center as one complex. He cited an Idaho facility that he said went from a $1.2 million annual loss to a $1.2 million profit within two years after restructuring under Oak View Group.

Hontz repeatedly emphasized that any pricing or rental decisions would remain with the county, saying, "It's your building still," and that community events would be maintained. He said staff could be either county employees or Oak View Group employees depending on how a deal is structured.

County Administrator Matt Stiles noted the Expo Center remains fully funded within the 2027 budget and that no decision is required immediately. He said the county is also exploring other partnerships, including a meeting scheduled with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss a possible feasibility study. Hontz said the company would need to review financials and could produce a proposal within a couple of weeks if the county wanted to proceed.