Top Stories Wichita

BY DAN VOORHIS

The Wichita Eagle

Brad Paisley was the hero of the day Saturday, the first day of ticket sales for the first concert at Intrust Bank Arena.

People started lining up at the newly opened arena box office about 7 a.m. to buy tickets, although there never was much of a crunch because most people bought tickets online or by phone.

Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. By 3 p.m. when the box office closed, the arena had sold 6,400 of the 10,100 available tickets through all channels.

The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, but tickets remain for sale online at www.selectaseat.com.

The first person in line at the ticket office, who gave his name only as Tim, said he came over after work ended about 6:30 a.m.

Paisley was a great choice to open the arena, he said, because he’s a great guitarist and a top act.

“This community has gone through a lot to get this (arena),” he said, “and it’s good to see somebody like him come here to open it.”

Paisley will play Jan. 9.

Arena staff moved into the building late last week. They will be cleaning the building and overseeing the installation of more equipment and furniture.

A series of open houses is planned for various groups and the general public. A schedule of events will be announced soon, said arena manager Chris Presson.

Presson smiled slightly when asked about the arena’s growing concert schedule and past skepticism surrounding the arena.

“We have confidence in the market,” he said, “which is why we agreed to be at (financial) risk in running the arena.”

Scheduled concerts so far include Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Reba McEntire and George Strait.

SMG has full control of the arena operations and, under the contract, will take losses if the arena doesn’t make money. It will also take some of the profits if the arena makes money.

The people who showed up Saturday had no doubt that the arena’s opening act was a great choice.

Sue Pearce came early to make sure she got tickets on the floor.

“I’ve got to be able to see him up close and personal,” she said.

And Dani Marstall and Heath VanArsdale also bought down front.

“We’re both huge fans,” Marstall said.

“We’re excited that there’s a lot of big names coming to town,” VanArsdale said.

Reach Dan Voorhis at 316-268-6577 or dvoorhis@wichitaeagle.com.

     Showing:

Oldest firstNewest firstMost-recommended firstLeast-recommended first

@Nyx.CommentBody@