False, you aren't going to charge for parking when there will be businesses open to the public. OVG is replacing Best, who currently manages the parking for JTS and Hilton. In addition, OVG will take over running concessions at JTS and Hilton, plus they will manage non-ISU events at JTS, Hilton, CY Stephens, and Fischer.
OVG has professionals who are experts at securing and running concerts and other live events, since their staff in DSM at the Iowa Events/Casey's Center does it daily. The ISU Athletics department does not have experience in what it takes to run large-scale music events like Luke Combs, whereas the OVG people do. Additionally, OVG has access to all the major concert promoters, so it's much easier for them to secure concerts than the ISU Athletics department.
Throw in running the boys' state basketball tournament, which is nothing like running the NCAA women's basketball tournament. OVG has been running the state basketball tournaments since moving to Wells Fargo Arena (now Casey's Center), so they are well-versed in what it takes to get people in and out of an arena, what load-in/load-out looks like, etc. Also, OVG has the staff to run all the concessions at Hilton and doesn't rely on students, since they can pull from their Casey's Center staff in DSM. I personally know the OVG Event Manager who managed the girls' state basketball tournament, and she worked 106 hours during the week of the tournament.
This is a smart move by Jamie, recognizing that his staff doesn't have the expertise to do this and contracting with someone who does.
