High Expectations Surround New Facility

Part of the two-phase expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, the new Performing Arts Center is now open and will host its first major event this weekend.

While unquestionable excitement surrounds its opening, it needs to be tempered with the fact the $8 million facility is a long-term investment. That needs to be kept in mind through the favorable fanfare and positive aesthetic reviews that are surely due in the coming weeks and months.

The beautiful new facility has a capacity of 1,200, but that many will most likely not be at the opening event at the facility this Saturday. We booked tickets on Wednesday morning at 8:30. Best available seats were in Row Q, which is still on the lower level. Approximately 800 tickets had been sold as of Wednesday night.

The biggest questions surrounding the new facility deal with its overall economic impact and what kind of acts will be booked in the coming weeks, months and years in the venue.

On the positive side, it’s a charming addition to Ocean City’s offerings and if 1,200 people attend an event in the resort in the off-season that normally would not be here and subsequently support restaurants and hotels and other establishments then it’s a major success. Surely it will have an economic impact of some sort and it will clearly be a cultural improvement for the community because it will attract events Ocean City otherwise could not host previously. The question is whether it will be a major draw to those outside the area.

Without question, the size hamstrings the booking lure and that’s why early expectations must be mild. Big names will probably be few and far between at this facility, but that doesn’t have to be a negative. Being too big and having a half-empty room at most events would be much worse than selling out too quickly.

Who will actually be booked at the facility will be interesting to observe and through casual conversations with promoter Bob Rothermel, who brought The Texas Tenors to Ocean City this weekend, it’s going to take some creativity. Rothermel does not seem dismayed. He just seems challenged by the size. Others in trade feel the same way.

This issue was studied by a committee, comprised of many business and tourism individuals who understand the economy and positive and negatives of the center’s size. These folks understand the strengths and weaknesses of the area and threw their support behind the project.

In recent years, Ocean City has regressed when it comes to its shoulder seasons. Less people are coming to Ocean City in the off-season now than 10 years ago. It’s getting harder for businesses to stay open year-round or even eight or nine months for that matter.

The Performing Arts Center is about addressing that fact and it’s that ancillary impact on the resort area and its businesses that will ultimately be its judgment over the long term.

We are optimistic and looking forward to seeing many diverse events at the facility for the years to come. We encourage the community to do the same and enjoy the new entertainment and cultural opportunities.