by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Just as winter has come and gone, so will Feld Entertainment when “Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate!” completes its eight shows today through Sunday.
Feld provides SMG, the company that operates the City’s performance venues, with a stable customer that provides Jacksonville with five different family entertainment productions each year.
“Working with Feld is like working with a company like SMG,” said Robin Timothy, assistant general manager of the Arena and director of marketing for SMG Jacksonville. “At SMG, we have systems in place and event procedures that are standards from event to event and you get used to working within these parameters,” said Timothy.
“Working with the same promoter, you’re used to the same sort of routine and requirements. They typically don’t change from event to event, so once you’re familiar with the expectations, it’s easier to coordinate various events for the same promoter.”
Feld, based in Vienna, Va., brings some of the most popular events to Jacksonville from January to April, including the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Monster Jam, which draw large crowds to the Arena and EverBank Field, respectively.
Disney Live!, Disney on Ice and Supercross are also part of Feld Entertainment.
Despite a tough economic environment, the popularity of the shows has not begun to wane.
“Attendance for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Monster Jam were outstanding this year,” said Melinda Hartline, a spokeswoman for Feld Entertainment.
“Disney On Ice is pacing forward with sales. Parents still want to take their children to the shows and spend quality time with them at good family shows,” she said.
The company has also noticed a trend in Florida.
“The Florida markets are doing better each year,” said Hartline.
“We are seeing an incremental increase each year, and we haven’t seen a downturn in business.”
Sales might be good for this weekend’s Disney On Ice performances, but Timothy points to Feld’s opening act as its most popular at the Arena.
“While Disney On Ice is a successful event for us, it just can’t compete with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus,” said Timothy.
”The circus may be more popular just because the time of the year it comes. In January, I think many people are looking for family friendly entertainment after the post-holiday break.”
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