Board members complain about negative news coverage

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) board on Tuesday unanimously approved a $548,000 scoreboard at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center.

During the meeting, RSCVA President Mike Larragueta said the new scoreboard will help attract new business, retain existing clients and create advertising opportunities. “This scoreboard will match the quality you see in other event centers,” he said.

Initially budgeted at $275,000 for fiscal year 2021-22, the project’s cost increased due to previously overlooked power requirements. RSCVA made up the difference by reallocating funds from other capital projects.

RSCVA finance executive Jose Martinez said the organization saved more than $400,000 on two other projects: painting the convention center’s exhibit hall and repairing airwalls. “These savings more than cover the cost of the new scoreboard,” he said.

George Combs, general manager of the Reno Rodeo, expressed support for the purchase. He noted that the new scoreboard would help accommodate more spectators at sold-out rodeos. “Last year, we started a viewing party and had to rent a board for people to watch the rodeo from the indoor arena,” James said.

Media coverage criticized for being ‘toxic’

RSCVA board members complained that news media coverage of the organization has been toxic. They asked one of their hired PR firms to promote the organization’s positive efforts and highlight “the shift that’s happened.”

“I know that historically, unfortunately, there have been things that have happened with this organization [but] it’s different,” said lobbyist and board member Eddie Ableser. “So I ask… please highlight, because I think of course, our local media has to always assume something, you know, wrong is happening, or what have you, and they don’t get to see, I think, the well-functioning machine that this organization is and this board is acting towards. Whatever you can do to magnify that is great.”

Sparks Council member and RSCVA board member Charlene Bybee said that people are tired of negative news.

“It’s exhausting,” she said. “I mean, you don’t want to listen to any media because it’s just overwhelmingly negative and toxic. And so really, those good stories that I know media … doesn’t think people want, I think they’re craving that.”

RSCVA has generated headlines for the high-profile firing of its CEO, CEO resignations, denying public access to online meetings and staff criticizing their CEO before quietly resigning.

Room tax revenue reaches record high in August

RSCVA officials reported record-setting room tax revenue in August. Larragueta said August’s revenue was about $56 million, surpassing the record set in September 2023 by $900,000. “Cash room nights were up over 16,000 from the prior year, or 5.2%. Occupancy was up 3.9%,” he said. He noted that convention rooms, which create a base for yield opportunities, increased by 8.8%.

The numbers come after months of declining revenues. From October 2023 through July 2024, taxable revenue had been slightly below the prior year, ranging from 2% to 11% depending on the month, Larragueta said.

“[Special] events are what’s going to save us, quite honestly,” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said, while also highlighting the need for better coordination with the City of Reno to streamline event planning processes. She said she wanted the “legacy events” under RSCVA. 

“I think there is some negativity with the city [when it comes to special events],” she said. “We’re changing things over there.” 

Richard Jay, representing the Reno airport, said travel is increasing too. “[The] airport experienced its busiest summer in two decades.”