The City of Janesville is soliciting Requests for Proposals (RFP) from qualified sports and convention facility management companies to provide start-up/pre-opening services, ongoing facility management, and/or operational support through a hybrid approach to manage, operate, and maintain the Woodman's Sports & Convention Center.
The Woodman's Sports and Convention Center (Woodman's Center) will be Rock County's most significant gathering space, serving local athletes and residents and attracting sports teams, regional and national companies, and organizations for meetings, conferences, and trade shows. The Woodman's Sports & Convention Center will be constructed at 2510 Milton Avenue, occupying the former vacant Sears building at Uptown Janesville (formerly known as the Janesville Mall).

The Woodman's Center will be a true public-private partnership from its initial construction and annual operations to its ongoing programming with numerous partner organizations. An advisory group, including representatives from the Janesville Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau (JACVB) and primary user groups, will be established to provide input into facility operations and maintain a balance between the needs of the community and tourism. The JACVB has committed 10% of room tax revenue for financial support estimated at $85-100,00/year and sales and marketing staff and in-kind support valued at $98,000.

The Woodman's Center is planned to operate under a public model and be owned by the City of Janesville. Operations of the facility will be the responsibility of the Recreation Division within the Neighborhood & Community Services Department. The City is prepared to oversee the facility's operations; however, the City wishes to explore engaging a private management company to provide day-to-day operational services and/or support and options for assistance with facility start-up, which may be of additional value to the community. The purpose of this document is to provide interested parties with information to enable them to prepare and submit qualifications to assume responsibility for operations of the Woodman's Center and/or provide options for a hybrid management approach that includes additional support.

To review the complete RFP, visit the City's website.

Attachment A-Consultant Services Agreement