GREENVILLE ARENA DISTRICT

RENEWS NAMING RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP

Arena to Continue as Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Greenville, S.C. | [June 6, 2023] – As the governing body of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Greenville Arena District is excited to announce the renewal of its naming rights partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. An extension of the partnership for an additional five years will ensure that the award-winning arena will continue to be known as Bon Secours Wellness Arena. This renewed partnership running until 2029 solidifies the ongoing collaboration between these esteemed community partners and reinforces their commitment to providing exceptional experiences for fans, athletes, and artists alike.

Matt Caldwell, Market President of Bon Secours St. Francis, expressed his excitement about the extended partnership: “It’s been nearly a decade since we took over the naming rights of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and it’s been a fantastic partnership that continues to be a source of pride. Together with General Manager Beth Paul and her staff at the Arena, we’ve continued to keep wellness as the central focus of this partnership – hosting important health screenings and community programs such as Well Walkers in addition to providing educational events like the annual Human Trafficking Symposium.”

Since the original agreement in 2013, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System has demonstrated unwavering support for the Greenville community, making a positive impact through their dedication to healthcare and wellness. The extension of this naming rights partnership underscores their continued commitment to position the arena and the city of Greenville as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

“We’ve truly used this collaboration to expand our reach beyond hospital walls and live out our mission of building healthier communities, which is why we are very excited to extend this partnership and continue working together to make a difference in our community for many years to come,” Caldwell continued.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena has established itself as a leading sports and entertainment venue, attracting a diverse range of high-profile events including family shows, concerts, sports championships, and conventions. The continued support from Bon Secours St. Francis Health System allows the arena to thrive and contribute to the vibrant cultural fabric of Greenville.

Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, emphasized the importance of extending the naming rights partnership: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, and they share in our commitment to a first-class fan experience and a long-standing commitment to our community.  The Bon Secours Wellness Arena has long been a hub of entertainment in Greenville, and we are fast approaching our 25^th Anniversary- we are proud to enter the next chapter of community impact, together with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.”

As part of the renewal, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System’s branding will continue to be prominently featured throughout the arena, ensuring widespread recognition of their commitment to the Greenville community.  The partnership will continue to deliver community events such as Well-Walkers, health-screenings, and other wellness-oriented programs. The arena’s continued success is a testament to the strong collaboration between these partners and their shared dedication to providing exceptional experiences for attendees.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is located at 650 N Academy Street in downtown Greenville, SC.  For more information about the Greenville Arena District visit www.greenvillearenadistrict.com and for more information about Bon Secours Wellness Arena and its schedule of events, visit www.bonsecoursarena.com.

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About the Greenville Arena District:

The Greenville Arena District is a special purpose district created by the General Assembly of South Carolina in 1940. Governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor, the District manages its facilities to provide educational, cultural, athletic, and convention center services for the citizens of the District.

About Bon Secours Wellness Arena:

Located in the vibrant city of Greenville, South Carolina, Bon Secours Wellness Arena stands as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. With a seating capacity of 15,000, the arena hosts a diverse range of live events, including electrifying concerts, captivating family shows, sporting competitions, minor league hockey, engaging seminars, and more. Managed by the Greenville Arena District, Bon Secours Wellness Arena continues to captivate audiences and serve as a hub for unforgettable experiences, contributing to the cultural richness of the upstate community. For tickets and frequently asked questions visit https://www.bonsecoursarena.com/.

About Bon Secours Health System:

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Bon Secours St. Francis Health System provides compassionate medical care to thousands of area residents through Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown and Bon Secours St. Francis Eastside, as well as a network of primary and specialty care practices, and ambulatory care sites across the Greenville region. The mission of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit BonSecours.com.

Today, the Greenville Arena District, owner and operator of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, announced an exclusive, multi-year partnership with Levy to operate and elevate its dining and hospitality experience. On September 1, Levy, the industry leader in creating incredible experiences at world-class sports and entertainment venues and events, will partner with the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to craft unique food and beverage experiences during concerts, Swamp Rabbit hockey games, sporting events, community events, and private group events.

“Levy’s innovative approach to partnerships, award-winning culinary initiatives, and their detailed approach to fan hospitality positions the Arena to deliver top-tier guest experiences on-par with world class entertainment options. The foundation of the elevated experience will be deeply rooted in our community through locally sourced foods, focused environmental and sustainability efforts, community outreach and food rescue programs, and career training and opportunity,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “The selection of a hospitality partner is a critical decision, and Levy is perfectly aligned with the strategic objectives and core values of the Greenville Arena District.”

“We share the same vision as the Arena District to create a guest experience for the Greenville and the Upstate community that celebrates the hospitality that makes this place so warm, welcoming, and unique,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy. “Whether a favorite, must-have restaurant or signature recipe you can only find at the Arena, each visit will bring guests together around the food story and tastes that define dining in the Carolinas.”

Together, Levy and Greenville Arena District’s management teams are reimagining dining experiences at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. COVID-19 has radically changed the live entertainment industry, and evolved safety practices are at the core of the guest experience. Upon reopening, guests can expect that all food service operations will comply with the most stringent quality standards.

Levy will draw on its strong reputation for elevating local communities and flavors nearby at Spectrum Center, Truist Field, and Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, as well as State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The company is also the market leader serving fans at major arenas around the country, including Barclays Center in Brooklyn, United Center in Chicago, and Staples Center in LA. Levy’s portfolio includes iconic events like the Grammy Awards, Kentucky Derby, and US Open Tennis Championships.

Venue Hospitality Solutions, led by Michael Bekolay, advised the Greenville Arena District throughout the selection process resulting in the very best operating solution and partnership for the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

About Greenville Arena District

The Greenville Arena District owns and operates the Bon Secours Wellness Arena located in Greenville, S.C.  The Bon Secours Wellness Arena is the leading sports and entertainment venue in South Carolina and has been in operation for over 20 years.  With a capacity of up to 15,000, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL, and year-over-year hosts a wide variety of concerts, collegiate and professional basketball, family shows, sporting events, and corporate events.  For more, visit www.bonsecoursarena.com.

About Levy

The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Twice named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and one of the top three Best Employers for Diversity in America by Forbes, Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, PGA Championship, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit www.levyrestaurants.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Furman basketball will return to downtown Greenville during the 2019-20 season with three “Weekends at the Well” at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, it was announced by Paladin athletics director Jason Donnelly in a press conference on Thursday morning at the arena.

“Furman basketball belongs to Greenville and we believe that ‘Weekends at the Well’ will strengthen our connection with the city and the Upstate community and allow the basketball programs to return to their roots,” said Donnelly. “With Furman University now having more alumni in Greenville than in any other market and with Bon Secours Wellness Arena set to host the NCAA Women’s Regionals in 2020 and NCAA Men’s First and Second Rounds in 2022, it is a great time to paint the town purple! Our men’s and women’s coaching staffs are building teams capable of winning Southern Conference titles and earning NCAA Tournament bids this season and we want the city of Greenville and the entire Upstate to join the Paladins on this journey.”

The Furman men’s basketball team will host perennial Big South Conference contender Winthrop downtown on December 14, before entertaining Southern Conference rival UNC Greensboro at “The Well” on January 11 as part of a doubleheader with head coach Jackie Carson’s Furman women’s team taking on Samford prior to the men’s game. Head coach Bob Richey’s men’s team will conclude this season’s “Weekends at the Well” series with a noon tip-off versus instate rival Wofford on February 22.

“Bon Secours Wellness Arena is thrilled to host a series of Furman Paladins Women’s and Men’s Basketball games this season,” said Beth Paul General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “With an already outstanding partnership, “Weekends at The Well” will only heighten the Arena’s relationship with Furman University, as well as put a spotlight on the success of their basketball programs. We look forward to reconnecting Paladin basketball with downtown Greenville, and to creating a best-in-class experience for Furman’s student-athletes, coaches and athletic staff, faculty, alumni, fans, and students.”

Season tickets for 2019-20 Furman basketball, which include each of the Paladins’ three appearances downtown, are on sale now at FurmanPaladins.com and start at $110. Four-game packs, featuring Furman’s men’s and women’s games at the Well, are available now at the GSP International Airport Box Office at Bon Secours Wellness Arena and start at $60. Ticket packages will be available online early next week. Full ticket information is available on the “Weekends at the Well” page.

“Playing games at the Well is a great opportunity for us to go into Greenville, which is something that is consistent with our mission, instead of asking the Greenville community to come to us,” said third-year Paladin head coach Bob Richey. “We’re blessed with one of the best cities in America, and we have a beautiful facility in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena that is an NCAA Tournament venue and sits right in the middle of Greenville. We want to go into our great city and connect with everyone and let them be a part of what we are trying to do.”

Furman basketball called downtown Greenville its home from its inception in 1908 until the closing of the Greenville Memorial Auditorium following the 1995-96 season. Prior to its move into the Auditorium, Furman played its home games on East Washington Street at Textile Hall, the site of Frank Selvy’s historic 100-point game on February 13, 1954. The Paladins’ last regular season games in downtown Greenville came during the 2006-07 campaign when they hosted Davidson and College of Charleston at the Well.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena, which opened in 1998, hosted NCAA Tournament First and Second round action in 2002 and 2017. The Well will host the NCAA Women’s Regional this season before again welcoming the NCAA men’s first and second rounds back to Greenville in 2022.

Furman, coming off of a record-setting 2018-19 season that included an upset of 2018 NCAA Final Four participant Loyola Chicago, a victory at defending national champion Villanova, a school-record 25 wins and an NIT berth, will open the regular season on November 5 at 2019 NCAA Tournament participant Gardner-Webb before welcoming Loyola Chicago to Timmons Arena for the home opener on November 8.

Weekends at the Well
Dec. 14 vs. Winthrop, 12:00 p.m.
Jan. 11 vs. Samford (women’s), 4:30 p.m.
vs. UNC Greensboro, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 22 vs. Wofford, 12:00 p.m.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena celebrates the grand opening of our new Sensory Suite with a ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 10am. This new space is specifically designed to meet the unique sensory needs of guests that may have difficulty processing the sights and sounds of a typical arena show.

Key features of the suite that will make this possible include sound and light dampening glass to enclose the suite, soft seating options, a de-escalation space with a privacy curtain and calming sensory accessories.

“The new Sensory Suite furthers the Arena’s commitment towards inclusiveness and accessibility,” shares Beth Paul, General Manager of Bon Secours Wellness Arena.  “The availability of Sensory Kits, special programming such as Skate, Roll, and Stroll, and now the Sensory Suite are simple improvements to the Arena, that will make a lasting impact on the community we serve.”

Bon Secours Wellness Arena already offers Friendly Access Sensory Safety Kits to guests at all events. Each kit includes an assortment of useful tools to help guests enjoy an event with greater comfort. Additionally, the Arena holds multiple “Skate Roll and Stroll” sessions where families with children with disabilities are invited to explore the ice in their wheelchairs or walkers, walk on the ice, or be pulled around the ice in a sled or wagon.

“As an Occupational Therapist, I am thrilled to see such a thoughtful and well-designed space in the Greenville community outside of a therapy clinic,” says Heather Herdt, Occupational Therapist with Greenville County School District. “This space will provide a place for families to experience events together while addressing the needs of their family member with sensory sensitivities.”

Heather is just one of several community partners that assisted with the design process for the Sensory Suite.  Representatives from The Meyer Center, Project Hope Academy, the Center for Developmental Services and several parents of special needs children worked closely with the Arena and architects McMillan Pazdan Smith to provide key insights on the room’s design for families.

“It’s easy to take for granted that every child enjoys the same fun activities in the same way, but that is simply not the case if you have a child with a disability,” shares Robin Blackwood, a parent of a special needs child.  “You have to change most of your outings and types of entertainment that your family can enjoy together. The Sensory Suite means families will be able to attend events at The Well in a place that is more comfortable, more inclusive and more enjoyable for everyone.”

For more information, please visit www.bonsecoursarena.com/sensorysuite

The Greenville Arena District, political subdivision of the State of South Carolina, which owns and operates the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, starts the new fiscal year with Amber Drummond’s appointment to its Board of Directors. “The Greenville Arena District is extremely fortunate to add Amber Drummond as its newest board member. Amber’s community involvement and vast professional experience provides excellent perspective to our Board” says Dante Russo, Board Chairman of the Greenville Arena District.

Amber Drummond is a graduate of Clemson University where she obtained a degree in accounting. After graduation, Amber served four years as a police officer with the City of Greenville before joining Hubbell Lighting as a Pricing Analyst. She is an active volunteer with the United Way and with Shady Oak Baptist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling and playing with her two young sons.

Officer elections took place during the July Board Meeting, and Dante Russo will continue to serve as Chairman of the Greenville Arena District Board of Directors.  Neetu Patel was elected to the Vice Chairman position, Joyce Smart will continue to serve as Secretary, and Barry Formanack will remain the Treasurer.

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena announced today that it has entered a three-year partnership with The SPINX Company, who will have entitlement rights to the Guest Services program at the arena.  SPINX will now be “Making Life Easier” for guests attending events at The Well.

“As a local company, we are committed to supporting other local organizations that make our community a great place to live, work and play, and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is an integral part of the Upstate’s vibrant culture,” said Stewart Spinks, Founder and Chairman of The SPINX Company. “We’re excited about our new partnership with The Well and look forward to supporting the guest services program, which we feel is a high-visibility platform to support our brand promise of ‘making life easier.’”

The SPINX Making Life Easier Guest Services program includes branding of the guest services desk, as well as the Safe Kids ID and Texting programs. In addition, members of the SPINX Xtras Loyalty Club will have an opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to select shows.

“Spinx has a rich history in the Upstate, and we are proud to partner with a strong local company,” says Beth Paul, General Manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “The Spinx brand is synonymous with customer service and aligns perfectly with our Guest Services program and the guest experiences we offer at the Arena.”

Founded in 1972 with a home heating oil delivery service and one convenience store in Greenville, SPINX now operates more than 81 stores in South Carolina and employs over 1,400 associates. Since its humble beginnings, the SPINX company has always focused on being the friendly, neighborhood company that makes people’s lives easier and gives back to the communities it serves.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament will be played in Greenville, S.C. for the next three years, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced today. Greenville previously hosted the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2005 and 2017 and has now been awarded the tournament for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

“The SEC’s experience in Greenville for our 2017 Women’s Basketball Tournament was outstanding and provided the motivation for our return,” said Commissioner Greg Sankey.” The three-year commitment for Greenville to serve as the home for SEC Women’s Basketball is a testament to the city’s wonderful hospitality, the quality of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, and our desire to build on this year’s success. We look forward to partnering with our hosts in Greenville to build a special experience for SEC student-athletes, coaches and fans for years to come.”

The tournaments will be played in the Bon Secours Wellness Arena which is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue. “We are honored that the SEC has chosen Greenville and the Bon Secours Wellness Arena to be their home for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Tournaments,” said Beth Paul, General Manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. “We look forward to welcoming back student athletes and fans from across the Southeast.”

VisitGreenvilleSC, the destination marketing organization for the community, worked with the Greenville Arena District to secure the event for the City of Greenville. “Greenville is thrilled that the Southeastern Conference has chosen to return for three grand years in ’19, ’20 and ’21,” said Chris Stone, President of VisitGreenvilleSC. “No doubt, fans, teams, and coaches all echoed desires for a return after experiencing the energy and exceptional atmosphere of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Coupled with our award-winning dining, shopping, and strolling Main Street, March now positions Greenville, South Carolina as the Women’s Basketball Capital of The South.”

“As Mayor of the City of Greenville, I am honored that the SEC has chosen to return to Greenville for the 2019-2021 Women’s Basketball Championship,” said Mayor Knox White. “Guests who attended the games in March now know that Greenville is a vibrant, exciting city and we look forward to hosting teams and fans for many years to come.”

The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament was previously announced for Nashville in 2018, 2022 and 2026.

In the women’s tournament’s history, 14 cities have hosted; Albany, Ga.  (1987-1992); Athens, Ga. (1984, 1986); Baton Rouge, La. (1981); Chattanooga, Tenn. (1993-1997, 1999-2000); Columbus, Ga. (1998); Duluth, Ga. (2007, 2010, 2013, 2014); Greenville, S.C. (2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021); Jacksonville, Fla. (2016); Knoxville, Tenn. (1980, 1983); Lexington, Ky. (1982); Oxford, Miss. (1985); Memphis, Tenn. (2001); Nashville, Tenn. (2002, 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2022, 2026); and North Little Rock, Ark. (2003, 2006, 2009, 2015).

The Greenville Arena District, political subdivision of the State of South Carolina, which owns and operates the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, has started the new fiscal year with three new board members: Michael Allen, Neetu Patel and Jimmy Pittman. “The Greenville Arena District is excited to gain Michael, Neetu and Jimmy as its newest board members. The value they will bring to the board with their extensive knowledge in the architectural enhancements, service industry and procurement process will help further our board for years to come” says Dante Russo, Board Chairman of the Greenville Arena District.

Michael Allen is a Registered Architect with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, with over 17 years of experience. He studied Architecture Design at Clemson University, where he was also a 4-year Football Letter winner. After his college football career, Michael played semi-professional football which included the former Greenville Rhinos. Michael’s primary role with McMillan Pazdan Smith is designing Sports Facilities and operating as a new business development manager across the Southeast.

Neetu Patel is the Vice President of Operations for Sycamore Investment Group where he leads the operations teams for the Home2 Suites Greenville Downtown and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.  Mr. Patel was born and raised in Greenville and is a graduate of The University of South Carolina with degrees in Finance and HR Management.  Prior to joining Sycamore Investment Group, Mr. Patel was the Sr. Operations Officer for the Office of the Executive Vice President for the American Red Cross in Washington D.C.  Since returning to Greenville, Mr. Patel is actively involved in the Greenville community and currently serves on several boards, including the American Red Cross – Greenville Chapter, VisitGreenvilleSC, Euphoria, and the City of Greenville Accommodations Tax Committee.

Jimmy Pittman is a native of Greenville, South Carolina and is a graduate of Clemson University. He was employed by Daniel Construction for over 27 years. Mr. Pittman currently owns Maintainit, Ltd., a facility management and maintenance services company.  The company is based in Greenville and has operations throughout the upstate.  He has previously served on the Board of Directors of Regent Bank of South Carolina, the Board of Directors of Woodruff Corporate Center, and the Board of Visitors at Clemson University.

Greenville, SC —The NCAA has awarded seven cities Division I Women’s Basketball Championship hosting duties for regional play in 2019 and 2020, with five of the seven arenas hosting the championship for the first time.

Selected to host regionals in 2019 are Albany, New York (Times Union Center), Chicago, Illinois (Wintrust Arena), Greensboro, North Carolina (Greensboro Coliseum) and Portland, Oregon (Moda Center), with play taking place March 29-April 1.  Albany, which will also serve as a regional host site in 2018, will be hosting for the third time, while Greensboro will be hosting its fifth regional.  Wintrust Arena, as well as the Moda Center will be hosting the NCAA Division Women’s Basketball Championship games for the first time.

In 2020, Fort Wayne, Indiana (Allen County War Memorial Coliseum), Greenville, South Carolina (Bon Secours Wellness Arena), Portland (Moda Center) and Dallas, Texas (Moody Coliseum) will serve as the four regional sites, March 27-30.  Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and Moody Coliseum will be first time hosts.  Portland and the Moda Center will be hosting for a second straight year.

Here is a full list of the 2019 and 2020 regional sites and hosts that were selected:

This is the second time for this specific NCAA championship bid process, which created the largest host site announcement ever, spanning 84 championships across as much as a four-year cycle.  Previously, selection announcements varied by sport.  The process now gives the NCAA and host sites more time to plan the championship experience.

Bidding for 84 of the 90 NCAA championships began in July and more than 3,000 bid applications were ultimately submitted.  Each sport committee, per division, selected the host sites it believed would provide the ultimate experience for the respective student-athletes, resulting in more than 500 total championship event sites being awarded.  More than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships each year.  The six championships not included in the process due to preexisting site arrangements are: Division I baseball, Division I football, Division I softball, Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field and Division III women’s ice hockey.

About the NCAA                                                                 

The NCAA is a diverse association of more than 1,100 member colleges and universities that prioritize academics, well-being and fairness to create greater opportunities for nearly half a million student-athletes each year.  The NCAA provides a pathway to higher education and beyond for student-athletes pursuing academic goals and competing in NCAA sports.  For more information on all of the NCAA championship sites awarded, log on to www.ncaa.com/site-selections.