Three of the new spectator suites in the Fargodome remain empty, despite months of sales pitches to area businesses.
But the Dome Authority is hoping to make use of the space and hopefully make a little extra money in the meantime.
Eight new spectator suites were constructed in the dome this past summer and offered to potential advertisers as a way to help finance the new Daktronics video scoreboards.
The idea, approved Monday by the Fargo Dome Authority, is that the dome will rent out the suites on an event-by-event basis until they're sold.
Suites 22 and 31, on the north end of the dome, will be rented primarily for the purpose of generating income.
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The priority for Suite 19 is occupying it with a potential naming rights company. However, it also will be rented out for the purpose of income.
Renting out the suites also will allow the dome the opportunity to continue with sales efforts.
"The goal still is to sell the packages," said Kris Sheridan, Fargo Dome Authority member.
Originally, the goal was Sept. 7, which was North Dakota State University's home football opener.
Rent for the open suites will depend on the event. For a concert, suite rent would be $750. For NDSU football games, excluding an NDSU/ University of North Dakota game, would be $500.
All rentals also would require the purchase of 16 event tickets rounded up to the nearest $50, along with a $200 damage deposit.
The key now is letting people know what's available, said Sara Granger, sales and marketing manager for the dome.
Granger said she plans to send e-mails to businesses and groups throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.
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"I'd love to be able to do this on a monthly basis and be able to tell them every event that's coming up that month," Granger said.
Dome Executive Director Paul Johnson said he hopes to have contracts signed on the remaining suites, minus the naming rights suite, by the end of this year.
In the meantime, advertisers still are being solicited for suite packages, Johnson said.
Occupants of the other new suites are NDSU, Master Construction, Clover-dale Meats, Paces Lodging and Solid Comfort Furniture.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Jo Almquist at (701) 241-5531
