Crown Coliseum Opens Mall Store to Spark Sales

Concert goers can go to the Crown Coliseum to buy their tickets. It is a convenient stop for Cumberland County residents, but not as easy for people in the 20 or so other counties who often come to coliseum events.

So, the Crown has opened up for business inside the mall. It is a way to get the attention of the nearly 20 million people who shop atCross Creek Mallevery year.

"The ultimate goal is to get more people into the coliseum, and greater exposure to the area," said Kendall Wall, president of theCumberland County Coliseum Complex.

In the first couple years of operation, the Crown has done well with attendance, but some of their major shows have been postponed. They estimate a $775,000 shortfall.

Along with better customer service, they hope the mall store will help them market their events. It worked on Lucas Lloyd, who was shopping at the mall. He saw the store, and strolled in to see what concerts were coming up.

"Because I come to the mall anyway, having it available would be good for me," he said.

The store is also a full serviceTicketmasteroutlet, which helped Tito Guerrero, who just heard about a concert on the radio.

"It's very convenient," he said. "I'm from Charlotte, but I'm out here right now. So I can come in, figure out the date and see if I can purchase a ticket, and won't have to go through the hassle out there."

Leaders say they will also use the mall store to promote upcoming events. They also plan to have autograph signings and personal appearances at the store.