Columbus, Georgia

Contact: Robin Lee Walker; rwalker@columbusga.org

Phone: 706-653-4482

FAX: 706-653-4481









FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



COLUMBUS CIVIC CENTER IS AWARDED THE PRIME SITE AWARD!



Columbus ? February 16, 2005 ?

Facilities Magazine has announced that the Columbus Civic Center has been named

one of the top entertainment venues for 2004 and will be awarded a 2004 Prime

Site Award. The Civic Center will be featured in a full-page layout in the

Spring/Summer issue of the magazine. This honor acknowledges the best venues

in the United States and Canada.



The annual Prime Site Awards are based on the opinions of industry members

directly involved with site selection (promoters, booking agents and event

promoters.) Voting criteria includes location convenience, facility

attractiveness, technological capabilities, and ease of setup/breakdown,

maintenance, and the quality of staff.



J. Dale Hester, General Manager of the Civic Center said, ?What an honor! This

award means that our facility has been acknowledged at the national level.

It?s great recognition for the dedicated employees of the Civic Center, as well

as the City of Columbus. If you thought last year was great, wait ?til you see

what is in store for the community this year.?



The facility had a busy 2004 with several sold out events and great

entertainment such as Harry Connick, Jr., Alabama, Disney on Ice, Nashville

Star, Lonestar, Gerald Levert, KC & JoJo, Keith Sweat, Ron White, Gretchen

Wilson and Big & Rich.



2005 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year. Upcoming events include

Rascal Flatts, Sisters in the Spirit, BET Comedy Tour, Champions on Ice,

Widespread Panic, BB King, and Sesame Street Live, to name a few.