by David Chapman
Staff Writer
“The Greatest Show on Earth” is back in Jacksonville through the weekend, but while the acrobatics and animals are fun for the entire family, the business behind the scenes is much bigger than any elephant on display during the show.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus will be performing “Zing Zang Zoom” during eight shows at the Veterans Memorial Arena and circus and City officials hope to see crowds as large as ones in past stops, even in a down economy.
“It’s almost like a homecation,” said Jonathan Griggs, general manager of “Zing Zang Zoom,” also known as Red Unit. “It compares to going out to a movie and we try to offer more for people to do.”
Both circus and Arena officials will be keeping a close eye on attendance figures, with an anticipated total of 80,000–90,000 total seats for the eight shows over the course of four days.
“We’re all kind of watching the economy and tracking tickets and attendance,” said Bob Downey, general manager of SMG, which manages the Arena and several other venues in town. “It’s different ... the (profit) margins have to work over eight shows instead of one, such as a concert.”
An attraction like the circus also has numerous last minute ticket purchases, said Downey.
Even with various ticket prices — ranging from $14–$69 — and traditional appeal, the circus has seen the effects of the less discretionary income to go around.
“Oh yes, we feel the pinch just as much as everyone else (in the entertainment business),” said Griggs.
Between 13 tractor-trailers loaded with equipment and a one-mile long train housing the animals and performers, diesel fuel increases for fuel and power have drastically increased — but it’s necessary for the show to go on.
“It’s actually one little city on wheels,” said Griggs. “All the performers and their families, all the animals, all the equipment ... we take it all from one place to another and it does cost.”
Aside from transportation, the cost of food — for both performers and animals — is another major cost while on the road. But, the circus’ food cost does benefit the local economy.
“We contact the local vendors for things like fencing, feed from feed stores and produce,” said Griggs. “It’s all purchased locally.”
Additionally, as members of the circus live on the train, food is prepared in the train’s pie cart and much of the food is locally purchased.
Not all the meals are freshly made and eaten on the train, as Griggs noted that during down time, performers and crew frequent local establishments for dining and shopping — Griggs himself went to a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant with his son earlier in the week.
There’s not a ton of down time for performers and crew, though, as the show hits the road 50 weeks of the year. Griggs, a 24-year circus veteran, is on the train all 52 weeks of the year and calls it home.
Over his career, he’s seen the business and industry change, most noticeably in the attitude of how people perceive the show.
“I’d ask people if they were going to the circus while it’s in town and they’d say ‘I went 10 years ago ... it’s the same thing.’,” said Griggs. “So we’ve had to change with them.”
Three years ago, Griggs said that big format changes were made. Gone were the traditional three rings and in their place came a curtain backdrop.
“They really spiffed it up,” said Griggs.
Show format changed slightly from the traditional fare, such as the “Zing Zang Zoom” show featuring many magic and illusion tricks to go along with the acrobatics and animals.
The recent alterations have made Griggs take notice.
“One thing I noticed before was close to the finale and winding down, I’d look up and many people had already left,” said Griggs. “Now, people keep the stands packed to the end and it’s great.”
For Downey and SMG, bringing the show back to Jacksonville makes traditional and business sense.
“Going to the circus is almost a rite of passage with people, especially with children,” said Downey. “It’s tradition .... many times people seem to go at least three times in their lifetime. Once as a children, then they grow up and take their children and oftentimes as grandparents taking their grandchildren.”
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