An internationally-recognized leader in arena and venue management is now overseeing TD Station.

OVG360 has been selected to operate and manage the multi-purpose arena, the company announced Tuesday.

The move is designed to increase the quantity and quality of live events and to help the arena operate more efficiently.

“We’re excited about bringing some new content, increasing the programming within the facility, trying to get more people through the building which, in turn, will help the Saint John region,” Blair McGauchie, the arena’s new general manager, said in an interview Tuesday.

The company will oversee the day-to-day operations and food and beverage services of TD Station, book and schedule events, and handle all marketing and sales.

Back in 2020, the city sought experienced organizations interested in buying or leasing TD Station.

The city later entered into confidential negotiations with Spectra, which was acquired by OVG360 just over a year ago.

Regional vice-president Dan Berger, who was involved with that proposal, said the company operates under a management fee structure.

“Based on the performance of the venue, if the venue does well, we have an opportunity to be paid well. If the venue doesn’t do well, we don’t receive payment,” said Berger, who declined to get into specifics.

Berger said even with their management fee included, they expect to improve TD Station’s bottom line.

OVG also looks after a combination of operations and food and beverage at 24 Canadian properties, including Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont., Downsview Park in Toronto, and Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, Sask.

This is OVG’s first foray into Atlantic Canada, but Berger said they do have two venues just across the border in Maine.

James LeMesurier, chair of the Harbour (TD) Station Commission, said he looks forward to seeing what this will mean for the Saint John region and the province.

“TD Station is one of the top sports and entertainment venues in Atlantic Canada and has been managed well by our own staff for the past 30 years,” LeMesurier said in the release.

“[OVG’s] plans for TD Station align well with the Board’s vision to ensure that the facility continues to be an important cultural and entertainment asset for our region.”

There were no job losses or changes to the arena’s staffing structure, according to McGauchie.

The new partnership between TD Station and OVG360 officially began on Feb. 15.