by April Scheinoha
Reporter
Jason Aarestad was instrumental in bringing Priscilla Block and Jake McVey to Ralph Engelstad Arena, and he’s planning to bring more entertainment to Thief River Falls. At its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 5, the Thief River Falls Committee of the Whole heard about a proposed contract between Aarestad and arena management company VenuWorks.
As part of the proposed contract, Aarestad would provide a minimum of two events per year for three years. Any live entertainment at REA and the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center would be required to exclusively work with Aarestad Entertainment LLC. For the three-year term of the contract, the locked rental rate would be $3,500 for Aarestad Entertainment, including installation, janitorial services, removal of the glass and installation of the dry floor. The firm would ensure proper security for each event and work with VenuWorks and outside parties to help with ticketing. Concessions would be split with 40% going to Aarestad Entertainment. He would keep all merchandise splits negotiated with the artist.
During the meeting, Aarestad, a Thief River Falls City Council member, sat at the table reserved for citizens wishing to speak to the council. Aarestad said he and VenuWorks Thief River Falls Executive Director Travis Collins had been working with VenuWorks’ corporate team on the proposed contract.
Aarestad said the contract would enable him to help other promoters be successful in hosting events at REA and the HOMCC. He said the contract wouldn’t stop other promoters from hosting events there. Aarestad indicated he wanted to protect the reputation of the arenas.
Council member Mike Lorenson asked why VenuWorks wasn’t serving as a promoter.
Aarestad replied that he serves as a promoter and VenuWorks serves as a management company, not a promoter. He added there are drawbacks to the arenas, noting they’re not user-friendly.