Besides many private functions, such as office parties and business meetings, Citizens Business Bank Arena hosts concerts, hockey games, boxing matches and Lakers and Harlem Globetrotters basketball games. (File Photo)

But doubling as a nightclub isn't the only time the arena holds private events, Oxarart said.

Since its opening in October 2008, the arena has been the site for a prom, several high school and college graduations as well as business meetings. The most common use has been for office parties.

The American Red Cross even rented out the suites and taught CPR classes, Oxarart added.

The private bookings and "non-ticketed" events are not a sign that the arena has fallen on hard times, she said.

"It was something we could see the potential. It's not until the community was able to come in and see it, did we know the success," she said. "It's something that would happen regardless of the economy."

The goal in the first year was to host 125 events, which included private parties, she said.

They finished the year with 135, Oxarart said.

By the end of the first year in October, the arena had brought in more than 100 "ticketed" events such as concerts, hockey games and shows.

As for the non-ticketed events, the arena had played host to 35 private bookings.

"It's proof that the community has embraced the arena as their home for entertainment," she said.

The functions

Some of the largest private bookings last year were when the University of Phoenix used the arena for its graduations.

And the requests to use the arena keep coming in.

"This June we look forward to hosting over 40,000 guests who will watch their graduates cross the stage and receive their degree in three separate ceremonies," said Bryan Newman, campus director at University of Phoenix.

And because of the success with the ceremonies, the university is branching out and holding its first-ever homecoming event in September, as well University of Phoenix Family Fun Day and Alumni Expo, at the arena.

When the American Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter was looking for a place to train 500 people in CPR, the arena came to mind because of its size and location, said Yevette Ramos, the chapter's chief operating officer.

Split between two session, trainees sat in the suites and watched the CPR video over the giant television and then broke into their class sessions held in each suite, she said.

But there was some doubt on Ramos' end that the venue would work.

"We weren't sure how it would work out, and so we had several meetings," she said. "It was such a success that we are looking at partnering with the arena again this summer."

The arena has also been used for public and private parties. Earlier this year the Ontario Chamber of Commerce held its anniversary dinner on the concourse level, and last year the Boy Scouts honored Councilman Alan Wapner with a special dinner on the arena floor.

San Bernardino County's Economic Development Department held two events, both on the floor of the arena.

The size of the venue has been the main draw for county organizers.

"It's so versatile, you don't have a one-dimensional building. The space was very adaptable," said Paul Herrera, marketing and communications director for the county's Economic Development Department.

When events reach more than 1,000 people, options are limited, he said.

"When you get to that size you have no choices," Herrera said. "The arena gave us a second option and a less expensive option."

Generating concerts

Arena staff have also been pleased with the success of their concerts and family shows with slightly more than 100 shows booked in the first year.

The first part of the year saw well-known acts like Metallica, Slipknot and Carrie Underwood, many of which sold out, Oxarart said.

One of the reasons that the concerts sell out is because the public is "able to see them in an intimate and close-up venue."

But after the first couple of months things slowed down dramatically, Oxarart said.

"The fourth quarter we were struggling a lot," she said. "We would like to see more concerts but because of the economy it's not quite as we would have wanted."

And while venues like San Manuel Casino have booked acts like Usher, Stone Temple Pilots and Sammy Hagar in recent months, Oxarart said arena staff members were not worried.

It's hard to predict how many events will be booked this year because there are so many factors, Oxarart said. It depends on who is on tour and if they are looking for smaller venues or a stadium, she said.

Things have started to pick up in terms of concerts being booked at the arena, Oxarart said.

The arena will be busy next month with a rock worship concert tour as well as Foreigner and the Eagles lined up.

"I think for us the area between August and the first of the year concerned us, but it is turned around so much and it looks like maybe a record year," she said.

Tracking progress

Because of the success of the private and public events, arena staff members are considering other events in the San Manuel VIP Club such as wine tasting, or dinner with the chef, as well other ideas for the summer calendar.

Oxarart attributes the arena's success to the community's desire for options.

People in the Inland Empire have to drive 35 to 40 miles to get another venue that's like the arena.

"I don't find too many quality sites for events, this is a beautiful venue," said lounge promoter Drue Love. "It's something that the IE has needed."