By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media international interview exclusive conducted live ringside at the Sands Casino Resort Hotel Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Tommy Schantz, an owner of the Sands Events Center, and his General Manager Matt Salkowski, told their incredible story about how the Sands Events Center came into existence on the former Bethlehem Steel property. Former World Heavyweight champion Iron Mike Tyson, President of Iron Mike Productions, will kick off a monthly series of boxing cards entitled ‘KO Kings of Tomorrow’ beginning February 22, 2014, in the Sands Events Center. The Universal Streaming Network will offer low cost Pay-Per-View boxing live from the sands Bethlehem for those unable to attend for only $4.99 via
http://www.ustreamtv/universalstreamingnetwork
Real Combat Media: “How did the Sands Events Center come about? It certainly was not in the original plan of the casino. How did you get involved?”
Tommy Schantz: “It all started out when three partners, myself and my two partners, built an ice rink down the street in Bethlehem. After we built and opened the ice skating rink, we thought of changing it to a Dave and Buster’s Restaurant, then to a House of Blues Club.”
Real Combat Media: “What happened next?”
Tommy Schantz: “The Sands Casino started up (with entertainment on the casino property) with Aris Quest and Music Quest, who built a separate Aris performing arts center on the back of the Sands property. We started working with music promoter Live Nation, and went into partnership with the Sands. The Sands took care of the outside (and built the Sands Events Center adjacent to the Sands Casino). We (the three partners from the ice skating rink) took care of building the inside of the Sands Events Center.”
Real Combat Media: “What kind of shows to do book into the Sands Events Center?”
Tommy Schantz: “We do a lot of concerts and comedians. We started a Universal Streaming Network on You Stream. Where you can pay to watch. We have some great fights (boxing) tonight!”
Real Combat Media: “Who books the shows into the Sands Events Center?”
Tommy Schantz: “Matt Banealey books the venue for us. Live Nation and Matt work together to get all of our events here.”
Real Combat Media: “What has the Sands Events Center meant to the local economy?”
Matt Salkowski: “A huge economic impact. We employ between 150 and 200 full and part-time employees.
Tommy Schantz: “Major John Callahan of Bethlehem was very instrumental in getting the casino here. He got the city in on it and sold the Sands Corporation on it. He started the Arts Quest. He was very instrumental in turning Bethlehem around.”
Real Combat Media: “Do you have any expansion plans for the Sands Events Center in the foreseeable future?”
Tommy Schantz: “That’s not up to us, that’s up to the Sands Bethlehem. It’s their property. The Sands is talking about expanding the hotel, building a convention center, and adding a Bass Pro Shop (fishing and hunting gear). ”
Real Combat Media: “Has the Sands Events Center been a successful financial venture for you and your partners?”
Tommy Schantz: “Everything is going well! We have a great partnership with the Sands. We’re booking great acts, and we have a great crew. We (also) own the bar Vision in the Events Center.”
Real Combat Media: “So you are happy the success of the Sands Events Center.”
Tommy Schantz: “Yes, we are. ”
Real Combat Media: “And your ice rink?”
Tommy Schantz: “The ice rink! It is still here. The ice rink came about when we bought three acres of land from Bethlehem Steel and built the ice rink before the Sands Casino came in.”
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