An energetic leader has big plans for both Huntington and its civic arena.
By Jean Hardiman
HQ 107 | AUTUMN 2019
Driving by the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in downtown Huntington, you can’t miss its eye-catching new paint job, but the changes at the arena don’t end with paint.
It’s just one outside indicator of the dynamic change going on inside the arena under the leadership of Cindy Collins, who in September marked her one-year anniversary as general manager — a job that gives her an opportunity to make a difference in her hometown.
She’s already initiated a four-phase plan and accomplished the first two phases: updating the exterior of the building and renovating the conference center. Next, she plans to beautify the plaza in front of the arena to create an attractive, energetic, park-like setting that will generate activity and enhance the downtown area.
“I want the arena to be a part of Huntington’s downtown revitalization by providing a space for people to gather, bring their lunch and just relax,” Collins said.
She has plans for the inside of the arena as well. The 7,000-seat facility needs upgrades, and Collins plans to tackle them as soon as possible.
“This arena needs some love,” she said. “What’s more, we’d like to find ways to expand and enhance the arena’s events and activities.”
“The new ideas that Cindy brings are refreshing,” said Phoebe Patton Randolph of Edward Tucker Architects, who assisted Collins with the conference center renovations. “Cindy has an incredible vision for the arena, and it’s been very exciting to work with her on the improvements. She wants the arena to be a community asset and to be a catalyst for economic development. She has a way of seeing past what the building is and envisioning what it can become, and she has a keen understanding of the entertainment industry and what’s needed to draw bigger and better shows to the venue.”
For Collins, whose childhood was spent following her father’s military career across the United States, Huntington was the first place her family really put down roots.
“My dad was from ‘Out Wayne’ as the locals say, so when he retired he returned to this area. I spent my formative years here in Huntington. I lived up near the museum, which was one of my favorite places, and played in Ritter Park. I attended Cammack, Huntington High and then Marshall University.”
One of her first jobs after college was at the Paramount Arts Center.
“I started off in the box office and ended up as the assistant director,” she said. “The theater provided a plethora of arts and educational opportunities and kicked off my career track.”
While there she created the HEARTS (Health Enriched through Arts) program, one of the first arts-in-healthcare programs in Kentucky. She also helped launch the Highway 23 Jamboree in collaboration with Clear Channel Radio, now iHeart Radio, and worked with Gov. Paul Patton and the state tourism department on the development of the Kentucky Music Trail.
“I was able to oversee $8 million in renovations at the Paramount, not to mention meeting the artists and booking the shows. It was just a great experience,” she recalled.
But Collins had set her eyes on a larger prize, to someday work for SMG (now ASM Global), a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas including the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. She eventually left the Paramount and worked as a freelance promoter until an opportunity opened at SMG. She then spent four years in Pikeville, Kentucky, running SMG’s Eastern Kentucky Expo Center before landing her dream job back home in Huntington.
“I was always on a journey home,” she explained. “I wanted to make a difference and help facilitate growth in my community with my family and friends.”
Collins said most people don’t realize how much impact a civic arena can have on a community.
“I’ve heard it called ‘Rockonomics’ which is cool,” she said. “A local arena contributes to job creation, generates taxes, improves property values and increases business for hotels, bars, restaurants and retail. An arena also supports local businesses such as radio, television and newspaper, helps drive tourism and strengthens a city’s brand.”
According to a 2013 study by Marshall University’s Center for Business and Economic Research, the Big Sandy Superstore Area had a $17 million economic impact on the local economy — “all that and we enrich people’s quality of life through music and cultural experiences,” Collins said.
Collins noted that she is grateful for her small but hardworking team of 10 full-time employees and part-time staff who make things happen every day at the arena.
“I have people who are seasoned and know what they’re doing,” she asserted. “Nobody does it alone.”
When she isn’t at the office or overseeing a huge concert, the mother of two grown children said she enjoys getting away from it all.
“I’m an outdoor girl. I like kayaking, hiking and camping. If I’m not here surrounded by thousands of people, I’m where there’s hardly anyone — that’s another reason why I love West Virginia.”
Looking back at her first year on the job, Collins said she is grateful that her enthusiasm and vision for Huntington’s future is shared and supported by her company ASM Global and nurtured by numerous local leaders including Mayor Steve Williams, Huntington City Council, Director of Economic Development Cathy Burns and numerous others that she lightheartedly refers to as her team superheroes.
“I love that I’m encouraged to try new things and be innovative. How can you lose when you have so much support?”
