Arts and entertainment venues upgrade communications system to meet business demand in multiple locations
DALLAS, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The SMG-managed Santander Arena and the Santander Performing Arts Center bring world class entertainment to the Greater Reading region, hosting hundreds of concerts, thousands of shows of all genres, intimate musical and theater performances, and serving as the home for the Reading Royals of the East Coast Hockey League, the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Broadway on 6th Street series. The organizations have had a huge regional economic impact, given the caliber of performances and entertainment they showcase. They recently added another value-add to their venue – a cutting-edge communications system benefiting employees, entertainers, teams, media and fans.
Partnering with telecommunications provider Frontier Communications (NYSE:FTR, news, filings), Santander enlisted the expertise of Frontier’s sales, engineering and operations teams to design and install a telecom system that would accommodate current and future growth and also help attract other entertainment opportunities. The new system enhances and streamlines communications between the Arena and the Performing Arts Center, enabling connectivity between both venues now using one integrated system. Frontier’s solution allowed Santander to recognize cost-savings since much of the existing voice cabling was reused, while upgrading technology to provide the latest in applications and advanced features.
“Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center have grown significantly over the last decade, attracting an ever-increasing list of premier entertainers as well as serving as the home for our local hockey team, symphony and theater,” said David Farrar, General Manager, SMG Managed Santander. “The entertainment arena demands state-of-the-art communications, and we are excited to have Frontier Communications, an industry leader, partnering with us on communications technology that benefits our audiences, performers and staff.”
Commenting on the new technology and resulting enhancements, Frontier’s Regional Sales Manager Doug Baker noted that the company installed a 51 VoIP phone system offering applications and enhancements such as voice mail to email, “Meet Me” conferencing and twinning. “We kept the voice and data network completely separate, so phone quality is constant. Plus, if a change is needed to Santander’s data network, there will be no impact to the voice communications.”
Frontier Communications has provided Santander with phone service since 2011 and views itself as more than a vendor. “We’re backed by the resources of a Fortune 1000 company but we are based locally. Frontier’s employees live in the markets we serve, so we understand the needs of customers and we serve as partners in their business,” added Baker. “Santander has already proven to be an exciting economic driver to the Greater Reading area, fostering additional jobs and overall new business opportunities. We recognize that Santander is a terrific venue at which we advertise and host our own training and events. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Santander and help make a positive impact on the local area.”
Farrar echoed the benefits of Frontier’s partnership, stating, “We’re very pleased to build on our relationship with Frontier. Their staff and technicians deliver excellent personalized and reliable service. We can’t afford to have our communications down and Frontier has ensured that we are able to meet the needs of all our audiences, from individuals purchasing tickets via phone to entertainers demanding sophisticated communications. We now have enhanced technology, we recognized a cost-savings, and we have a partner that has our back. We’re glad to have Frontier on our team.”
About SMG
Founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Solider Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 130 accounts worldwide.
About FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS
Frontier Communications Corporation (NASDAQ:FTR) offers broadband, voice, video, wireless Internet data access, data security solutions, bundled offerings, specialized bundles for residential customers, small businesses and home offices and advanced communications for medium and large businesses in 28 states. Frontier’s approximately 17,400 employees are based entirely in the United States. More information is available atwww.frontier.com.
Frontier Communications
Patricia Amendola, 570-631-6013
Communications Manager
Patricia.Amendola@ftr.com
or
Santander Arena
Joanie Berney, 610-898-7231
Marketing Manager
jberney@santander-arena.com
Source: Frontier Communications Corporation
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