Tahoe Blue Event Center coming together inside, opening planned in August

STATELINE, Nev. - The multifunctional Tahoe Blue Event Center isn't open yet, but there are already conventions filling up the space that will also host concerts, nonprofit events, ice hockey, basketball, and other sporting and other entertainment events.

On the VIP level of the two-story center, there are 13 regular-sized VIP suites, four mini-suites, and 85 club-level seats with an outdoor party deck. The versatile center has a lot of opportunities for events and experiences that can be tailor-made for the customer. The convention rooms will all be named after shades of blue in honor of Lake Tahoe. The glass-walled Tower Room can be rented out for receptions, a VIP section for conventions, or whatever else is needed. There is also the Party Suite which has an outdoor deck with great views of Tahoe scenery.

So far there are already 66 confirmed days of conventions and events in the center located on the Bally's Lake Tahoe parking lot with 7,500 room nights. Two shows have been announced, Comic Con and Billy Strings and within the next couple of weeks more will be announced according to Bill O'Malley, regional marketing director for Oak View Group (OVG360), the entertainment management group hired for the center.

On the lower level, there are concession stands, a "grab and go" station, a box office, two main entrances, along with two fireplaces and furniture. That level will also house the Lake Tahoe Visitor Authority and OVG staff.

O'Malley said they are only able to have shows for 2,500 people or less from June 15-Labor Day due to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency-issued rules. The rest of the time they can fill the place which seats 5100 with floor seating, 5200 general admission, or 4,200 fixed seating only. He said there are no "nosebleed" seats in the center.

There is only one suite left for annual rental, according to O'Malley.

The unique setup of the "bowl" where the seats surround a stage is a large curtain that can block off unused rows when an intimate setting is desired. The curtain is removed for larger capacity events.

A massive scoreboard is above the southern section of seats with an electronic video board circling around the bowl.

"This is set up for a high fan experience," said O'Malley.

There will be 15 full-time employees for the center, many of who are already on site, and 200 part-time staff members to work shows, banquets, and other needs.

For more information and to sign up for even notifications, visit https://www.tahoebluecenter.com/.