The Sanford Center broke ground in April of 2009 and officially opened doors in October of 2010. Our building is the home of the Men’s and Women’s Bemidji State University Beaver Hockey Teams. Attached to the building, you will find the George W. Neilson Convention Center. Between the Arena and Convention Center we have hosted a number of different events: hockey games, concerts, wedding receptions, expos, conventions, meetings, rodeos and graduation ceremonies.

Mission Statement

The Sanford Center encourages community engagement through entertainment in Northern Minnesota by providing a gathering place for cultural, recreational, educational and entertainment events. We will create outstanding guest experiences while remaining fiscally responsible and contributing to the economic development of the city and region.

By the Numbers

193,000

Square Feet

4,373

Hockey Seating Capacity

25

Private Suites

Our Convention Center has three ballrooms which can open up into a 10,000 square foot room & one 4,000 square foot lakeside room that can divide into four rooms of 1,000 square feet each.

Venue Management

The Sanford Center is managed by ASM Global, who is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences.  It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management — delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners.  The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 325 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.  Follow us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn and Twitter.

Visit asmglobal.com

Meet Our Team

Bobby Anderson

Ethan Rogers

Director of Sales and Sponsorships

Erogers@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4003

Janine Johnson

Director of Food & Beverage

jjohnson@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4014

 

 

Krysta Hutchens

Director of Finance 

khutchens@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4006

Shelana Ysen

Senior Events and Production Manager

Sysen@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4002

Emily Dukek Haasken

Marketing Manager

Edukek@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4048

Heidi Neese

Malaak Khattab

Events Manager

mkhattab@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4033

Adam Kadrlik

Brandon Mack

Senior Finance Manager

bmack@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4001

Jason Larimer

Executive Chef

jlarimer@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4049

Nate Anderson

Facility Operations Manager

nanderson@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4011

 

Rodney Anderson

Conversions Manager

randerson@thesanfordcenter.com
218-441-4010

Jordan Mann

Human Resources Assistant 

jmann@thesanfordcenter.com

Brie Klingbeil

Marketing and Events Coordination Intern