Bismarck Event Center Operations & Food Beverage Services

The City of Bismarck (COB) is soliciting proposals for the management and operations of the Bismarck Event Center (BEC). The BEC is a vital community asset comprising multiple venues including an arena, exhibit hall, and the Belle Mehus Auditorium. The City is responsible for the oversight of this important public facility that currently has approximately 700 event days annually, attracting over 300,000 attendees and generating significant economic impact for the region.

In May 2025, the City engaged Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to conduct a comprehensive review of the management and operations structure of the BEC. JLL's analysis included evaluating current operations, analyzing event data, engaging with over 20 stakeholders, and developing recommendations for improving operational efficiency and performance. Based on these findings, the City Commission has determined that transitioning to a third-party management model under the oversight of a newly formed BEC Authority Board would best serve the community's interests.

The development of this RFP is aligned with the City's goal to establish clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and success measures that will enhance the impact and performance of the BEC and reflect the City’s priorities. The selected operator will be expected to implement fundamental operational changes to optimize space utilization, increase revenue generation, and elevate the BEC's position as a premier regional destination.

This RFP encompasses both operations and food and beverage services for the BEC. The City is particularly interested in operators who can demonstrate experience in successfully managing similar multi-venue facilities, implementing standardized operating procedures, and delivering measurable results through data-driven management practices.

City staff and JLL are administering this RFP process on behalf of the City Commission.

Responses to this RFP can include a combination of contractors who are focused on operations and food and beverage; however, one contractor shall be designated as the prime contractor, and any other contractor(s) will sub-contract with the selected prime contractor.

This RFP is being issued as a result of the comprehensive review conducted by JLL in May 2025, which recommended transitioning to a third-party management model to optimize BEC space usage, increase revenue generation, and enhance the venue's position as a premier regional destination. The selected operator will be expected to implement fundamental operational changes and meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with the City's strategic objectives for the facility.

The City expects that the financial projections and operational plans submitted as part of this RFP response will function as the agreed-upon roadmap for the next three to five years of BEC operations. These projections will be incorporated into the final management agreement and will serve as a basis for performance evaluation.