April 28, 2010

SMG, arena management company for the INTRUST Bank Arena, has announced the resignation of Chris Presson as the general manager.

Presson was named the general manager in June 2008 and worked with Sedgwick County to open the INTRUST Bank Arena in January 2010. Presson’s resignation is effective May 7 due to family reasons.

“We recognize the time and energy required for arena management and appreciate the decision Chris has made,” said Gary Desjardins, SMG general manager, Ford Center and SMG regional oversight manager. “We will look within our SMG family for a replacement who can provide a high level of customer service, strong management skills and a clear understanding of the entertainment business to assure the continued success of the INTRUST Bank Arena.”

Prior to taking his position with the arena Presson served as general manager of the Wichita Thunder hockey team.

Sedgwick County entered into a management agreement with SMG on August 1, 2007, to provide pre-opening consulting services and management for the INTRUST Bank Arena. SMG manages stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world. “We appreciate all of the work that Chris and his team have done for the successful opening of the INTRUST Bank Arena,” said Ron Holt, Sedgwick County assistant manager and arena project leader. “It required a significant amount of planning and time to establish systems and operating procedures, even before the doors were opened to the public,” Holt said. “We have good communication with SMG and believe operations and events will continue smoothly during this change.”