FEATURED ATTRACTION
Some probably wouldn ’ t have faulted Arena Manager Kristi Balla if the Corbin Arena had eased back into hosting events in 2021 . After all , 2020 , the pandemic and ensuing lockdowns made it nearly impossible for artists to tour and gatherings to take place , making it even more difficult to book such events . But Balla didn ’ t rest on her laurels or use the pandemic as an excuse to put in less effort . Instead , she got busy .
“ When everyone else was quiet in 2020 I continued to work behind the scenes and developed relationships with new promoters and booking agents that we ’ d never worked with before ,” Balla wrote in response to questions about the Arena ’ s year in 2021 . “ That led to some big partnerships this year and a wider range of event opportunities .”
A range so wide , 2021 was the busiest year in Corbin Arena history . It hosted 40 events over the course of a 50 day total — nearly doubling any previous year ’ s numbers , Balla said .
“ Every year I set a goal to be bigger and better than the last ,” Balla wrote . She had previously told city officials during a city commission meeting she had set the goal of hosting at least 30 shows at the Arena this year . As previously mentioned , she ’ s managed to surpass that goal .
“ After all the hard work we ’ ve done I didn ’ t want the setbacks thrown at us in
Page 52 — The Times-Tribune • Community Guide 2022