When I was young enough to rock a kid-mullet, I met RoboCop. A defining moment of my childhood. I met RoboCop the same day I saw the 1960’s TV series “Batman” Batmobile. It was at the annual car show held in the Civic Center in downtown Fargo.
Born and raised in Fargo, ND meant that I went to the Civic Center A LOT as a kid. Everything from the FM Beez, to trade shows to prom (all three years I attended Fargo South High) and more. Heck, did I mention that I spent hours happily waiting in lines for over 20 years attending the annual Fargo Kiwanis Pancake feed?
I witnessed uncountable flag raising ceremonies and watched as the colored guard performed their duties. I saw concerts, comedians and car shows. I learned how to race RC cars in the basement on a homemade track.
I met Jim Gaffigan downtown the evening he was set to do a show at the Civic Center and I said, “Sorry you have to do a show in Fargo.” To which the amazing performer replied, “Anyone can sell out a show in Chicago or New York. You really know you’ve connected when you can sell out a show in Fargo, ND.” And he was RIGHT!
A recent article in the newspaper stated that the Civic Center has lost around $2.2 million over the past 15 years, operating at a deficit each year since 2006. While I am certain this is true, I think it does ask a bigger question.
Why?
There are countless things we could be seeing in that venue. Too big for the Fargo Theater too small for the Fargodome. Why has there not been a group of people who have figured out how to energize that space. I have a few ideas.
- Slash the rent. Have you tried to rent The Fargo Theater or a giant banquet room recently? It costs a lot and the schedule is packed. Why not cut the rental rate in half and see how many more entities you attract. Compete with some of the other spaces that offer sizable square footage?!? Here is one of the major bonuses to using the Civic Center for your craft show over another venue – DOWNTOWN, baby! There is a large lot steps away to the east, there is a parking ramp less than a block away to the west. Additional ramps and lots are available – plus a skyway!
- Look what Folkways did with 2021 Christkindlmarkt! Utilizing the Civic Center’s space as PERFECT. The ambiance, it was a huge draw and one more reason that Fargo remains a unique gem in the upper Midwest.
- Engage the community organizations. We have very active Veteran groups, we have clubs like Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary and more. The Scouts. Valley Senior Services. Utilize the space. These organizations won’t move the dial on direct income BUT they will give us a good reason to keep the lights on!
- For years there have been vocal citizens asking for a performing arts center. I am a huge fan of that idea. Let’s make a proof-of-concept by utilizing this space. Pumping some additional dollars to make a workable performing arts space while money is raised for a remodel and upgrade. Excellent evolution for that space. With groups like FMCT looking for space – seems like a no brainer to find a group of roaming tenants who can make great use of the space, the ticketing window and with that minimal rent (ticket price sharing, flat fee, etc) we can pay for the upkeep and salaries. Don’t believe that the arts make “cents?” Just look at the number of sold out shows that FMCT, Theatre B, Gate City Bank Stage, Trollwood, etc have in a year. Huge opportunity and a great way to engage with a larger crowd. They do all the work promoting and filling the seats while the Civic Center reaps the benefits. A total win win for both parties.
The Civic Center shouldn’t be thrown away. Let’s all be honest, the community hasn’t been the best user of the facility and we constantly forget that it is even waiting for someone to come a-knockin’.
Rather than bury the Civic Center before the heart stops beating, let’s explore some options.
I would really like to meet RoboCop again. How about bringing back that car show and some of the guests that came along with the tour?
JJ
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