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

Sheila Murphy

General Manager
218-441-4008

Robert "Bobby" Anderson

Assistant General Manager
218-441-4005

Genny Lowry

Director of Finance
218-441-4006

Emily Dukek

Marketing Manager
218-441-4048

Ethan Rogers

Director of Sales and Building Marketing
218-441-4003

Heidi Neese

Sales Manager
218-441-4007

Shelana Ysen

Senior Events and Production Manager
218-441-4002

Malaak Khattab

Events Manager 

218-441-4004

Brian Leduc

Operations Manager
218-441-4019

Nate Anderson

Facility Operations Manager
218-407-0621

Brandon Mack

Finance Manager
218-441-4001

Adam Kadrlik

Ticket Office Manager
218-441-4031

Alan Stanek

Food and Beverage Manager 

 

Jocelyn Cannon

Food and Beverage Manager 

David Woodward

Executive Chef