Frequently Asked Questions

Rabobank Arena | Theater & Convention Center | Event | Ticketing | Catering | General

 

Rabobank Arena FAQs

Q. How old is Rabobank Arena?
Rabobank Arena opened October 2, 1998 with comedian Bill Cosby.

Q. How much did Rabobank Arena Cost?
Approximately 38 Million dollars.

Q. Who owns Rabobank Arena?
The City of Bakersfield.

Q. Who runs Rabobank Arena?
SMG, a private management company.

Q. Does SMG profit from events at Rabobank Arena?
No. SMG is paid a fee to manage Rabobank Arena. Any money made on events goes to the City of Bakersfield.

Q. How many people can Rabobank Arena Seat?
It depends on the seating configuration. Please refer to our capabilities section for specific capacities.

Theater & Convention Center FAQs [top]

Q. How old is the Theater & Convention Center?
The convention center opened in October of 1962.

Q. How much did the Theater & Convention Center cost?
Approximately 6 Million dollars.

Q. Who owns the Theater & Convention Center?
The City of Bakersfield.

Q. Who runs the Theater & Convention Center?
SMG, a private management company.

Q. Does SMG profit from events at the Theater & Convention Center?
No. SMG is paid a fee to manage the Convention Center. Any money made on events goes to the City of Bakersfield.

Q. How many people can the Convention Center Seat?
It depends on the seating configuration. Please refer to our capabilities section for specific capacities.
Q. How many people can theTheater Seat?
3000

Event FAQs[top]

Q. What is the phone number to get event information?
The Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center Event Line is 661-852-7777; however, if your are looking at this web site you already have the most up to date information.

Q. Why don't you book *********, they're my favorite band?
We are dedicated to bringing diverse quality entertainment to Bakersfield. If it is possible to bring a popular artist to Bakersfield, we will.

Q. How do I get a Backstage pass?
Backstage passes are issued by the show for show personnel only.

Q. How can I meet the artist / band?
Sometimes (Not Always) there is a meet and greet with the artists. Those passes are usually won on the radio or issued through an artist's fan club. Meet and Greet passes cannot be purchased or obtained from Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center.
Q. Who is opening for ******** ?
If we know who the opening artist is it will be posted on the web site.

Ticketing FAQs[top]

Q. What ticketing company does Rabobank Arena use?
Ticketmaster

Q. Does Ticketmaster charge an extra fee to buy tickets?
Yes

Q. Why does Ticketmaster have a service charge?
The convenience fee Ticketmaster charges pays for all of the equipment and personnel to sell tickets. The box office does not charge a convenience fee.

Q. How much is the service charge?
The service charge varies from event to event. When you purchase tickets from Ticketmaster you will see the service charge before you finalize your purchase.

Q. What is the best way to buy tickets for a concert?
The best way to buy tickets for popular shows is on-line, through charge-by-phone, or at Rabobank Arena's box office.

Q. Why is there a limit on the number of tickets I can purchase?
On popular shows we set a ticket limit to help curtail the scalping of tickets.

Q. How do I get a refund on my tickets?
There are no refunds or exchanges on any tickets unless the event has been canceled. You can get a refund on a canceled event from the place you purchased your tickets. If you purchased tickets on-line call Ticketmaster at 661.322.2525.

Q. I saw tickets on the internet for more than you have posted on you web site. What gives?
The only authorized ticket agent is Ticketmaster. If you see tickets on a web site or from another company at a higher price, those are being sold by a ticket broker. Ticket brokers are third party's that purchase tickets and re-sell them at a higher price. We do not endorse or condone selling tickets above face value.

Q. Why do you sell tickets to ticket brokers?
We do not intentionally sell tickets to ticket brokers. They purchase tickets the same way that you do, on-line - phones - outlets. We have no way to tell who is buying tickets for themselves or for ticket brokers.

Q. How do I reserve tickets to a show?
Buy Them. We do not hold or reserve tickets

Catering FAQs[top]

Q. Can my company cater events at the Rabobank Convention Center (RCC)?
Yes. Clients of the RCC can contract with any caterer of their choice for food and non-alcoholic beverages for a sit down or buffet style service. Aramark Entertainment has exclusivity for all concession and alcohol service in the Convention Center.
Q. Who do I call to book a catered event at the RCC?
The Greater Bakersfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the responsible party for booking the facility more than twelve months out. SMG in turn is responsible for all bookings within 12 months of event date. On occasion with the permission of the GBCVB, SMG has and will continue to aggressively book the facility inside or outside the twelve month period. For example, SMG has held dates and booked traveling touring shows such as David Copperfield, Riverdance, and Annie. If you as an open caterer have a client interested in renting the Convention Center, please call us. Our ultimate goal is to book each and every day of the calendar year. Your leads are very important to us.
Q. Is there a full service kitchen in the RCC?
Unfortunately not. When the RCC was built in 1962, a full service kitchen was not part of the original design. However, various companies have successfully catered both small and large events in the past.
Q. Is my company required to sign a Catering Contract with the RCC?
Yes. Attached is a sample "Independent Contractor's Agreement for Outside Catering Services".
Download Contract
Q. Will the RCC continue to receive a fifteen percent (15%) commission on catered events?
Yes.
Q. What events are coming to the RCC?
Our website is updated daily. Please visit our Event Calendar for the most current events coming to the RCC.
Q. Can my company advertise its services for upcoming RCC events?
Absolutely, SMG has advertising packages available to meet your needs. Our sales department can customize a package that works best for you.

General FAQ's[top]

Animal Policy

Service animals are welcome at Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center. All other animals are strictly prohibited.

Camera Policy

As a general rule instamatic type cameras are allowed at most events. Professional cameras or cameras with long telephoto lenses and video cameras are strictly prohibited. If there is a prohibition on cameras at a particular event the policy will be posted at all entrances.

First Aid

First aid is located behind section 114-115 on the concourse level. Fully trained EMTs are present for all Rabobank Arena events.

Food and Beverage

Outside food and beverage are strictly prohibited.

Smoking Policy

Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center are smoke free buildings. The smoking area for Rabobank Arena is located outside the blue doors behind section 114/115. (The south-east corner of the building). The smoking area for the Theater & Convention Center will vary from event to event. Please see an usher and they will direct you to the smoking area.

Lost and Found

During events, any recovered items can be picked up at guest services at the main doors. Post event lost and found is at our security desk located at the loading dock entrance on the south side of Rabobank Arena. You can contact security at 661.852.7391.

Parking

Parking lots for Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center are located south of the facilities. The parking fee for most events is $5.00 vehicles, $10 Limos, $15 Busses.

Prohibited Items

Laser Pointers (Patrons who bring laser pointers will be automatically ejected).
Noisemakers, whistles, or air horns of any type.
Coolers, bottles, cans, containers, or other projectiles.
Weapons or other potentially dangerous objects.
Any Illegal substance.

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