Tag Archives: Jim Rice

Judas Priest should still be “Delivering the Goods” on June 1 Riverfront Park concert

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Image result for judas priest little rock

As reported earlier today (May 30), the new estimate for the Arkansas River crest in Little Rock is now expected on Wednesday, June 5 at 29 feet.

“At the current levels, coupled with the forecast from NOAA, we feel confident that none of the critical operating components of the stage, the seating area, the pit or the loading areas will be adversely affected by rising water at the time of the Judas Priest Concert on Saturday, June 1,” said Jim Rice, COO, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Based on the current situation and forecast, the concert will proceed as planned.

LRCVB operations will continue to monitor both NOAA reports and the venue daily and remain in close contact with the concert promoter so that if anything changes, ticketholders can be notified as quickly as possible.  Additionally, the media will be updated as well as our websites and social media postings.

The box office will open at 12pm on Saturday for concertgoers who prefer to purchase tickets upon arrival.  Gates will open at 5pm.  Show starts at 7:30pm.

For updates, please visit www.rivermarket.info or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lrrivermarket.

RobinsoNovember: James Rice and Jim Rice

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J Rice 1920On June 7, 1920, the Little Rock City Council finally authorized the demolition of Little Rock’s 1906 temporary auditorium.  The structure had originally been built as a skating rink which, when chairs were added, could be used for public meetings.  Since the mid 1910’s, the City Council had discussed tearing it down over safety concerns.  But since Little Rock had no other structure as a substitute, the Council kept delaying the decision.
In 1920, though there was not alternative space available, the Council decided that the structure had to come down.  So City Engineer James H. Rice was authorized to have the building removed.

JimRice RobinsonToday, Rice’s grandson, also known as Jim Rice is the COO of the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In that capacity he oversaw the renovation of Little Rock’s 1940 municipal auditorium – Robinson Center Music Hall.

While his grandfather was efficient at demolishing a worn out building that was beyond repair, Jim deftly helped make sure that the existing city auditorium was refitted and restructured so that it would no longer be worn out.