CORBIN ARENA
2020 to backtrack us so I put all my focus on making 2021 the best year yet ,” Balla added .
Part of the work put in by Balla and her staff were replacing all of the Arena ’ s lighting to LED daylights ; and renovating all its offices , dressing rooms and catering areas . The Arena ’ s parking lot has been resealed and striped . Balla designed new acoustic panels , as her crew built them , helping improve the sound quality of live shows . They ’ ve also switched to a new point-of-sale system in the Arena ’ s concession area and recently had the Arena ’ s basketball court completely refinished .
“ So far , the biggest positive feedback has been regarding the drastic change in the acoustics ,” Balla wrote . “ Obviously the new basketball court and lighting will come into play during the 13th region tournament . I ’ m excited for everyone to see the changes .”
Many have already had the opportunity to experience some of the Arena ’ s newest renovations - many of which were funded through a grant secured by Balla and her team this past summer - during performances from big name acts like 3 Doors Down , Seether , ZZ Top and more . Balla said those three shows stand out to her because it was the first time people had the chance to experience the new acoustic renovations and said the response she got from people “ was amazing .”
“ Also , I ’ ve known Seether for 20 years and I am friends with Steel Panther so , bringing bands to my hometown that mean something to me on a personal level is really cool for me ,” Balla wrote . She also noted being home to artist Ryan Upchurch ’ s first arena show as another highlight .
“ There was a lot of really great behind the scenes moments ,” she said on the country-rapper ’ s performance , that sold so well an extra show was eventually scheduled . Upchurch performed at the Corbin Arena January 7-8 of this year as well .
Upchurch ’ s shows weren ’ t the only well-attended events at the Arena . Balla said over the course of 2021 , the Arena played host to 80,000 visitors from 18 different states during events ranging from high school graduations , basketball tournaments , rock-shows and the 2021 SOAR Summit . She says state-mandated
Page 54 — The Times-Tribune • Community Guide 2022