SMG Worldwide Entertainment is based out of Philadelphia and manages more than 1.5 million arena seats around the world, including the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.

A study conducted last year concluded that the Johnstown arena needed to be more competitive to stabilize its finances and keep the Johnstown Chiefs hockey team as its primary tenant.

Cambria County commissioner P.J. Stevens called the change in management "an excellent move."

Stevens said SMG will team up with Ticketmaster so tickets can be purchased online and scanned. He also praised SMG's concession and accounting systems.

In addition to professional basketball and hockey games, SMG arenas also host events like Disney On Ice, live concerts with some of the biggest names in music.

Previous Stories: June 30, 2009: War Memorial General Manager Suspended June 29, 2009: Cambria County War Memorial Gets 'Best Fan Poll' Award June 26, 2009: New Manager Sought For War Memorial June 26, 2009: Philadelphia-Area Company Discusses Taking Over War Memorial Arena June 25, 2009: War Memorial Under Investigation, Promoters Say Arena Owes Them Money June 24, 2009: Investigation Underway Involving Cambria County War Memorial April 27, 2009: War Memorial Board Vote Tied On Chiefs Check April 27, 2009: War Memorial To Vote On Payment To Chiefs' Management April 21, 2009: Big Run Officials Discuss Selling War Memorial Building April 17, 2009: Chiefs Future Bright Pending Arena Vote March 1, 2009: Talks Continue Over New Operator For War Memorial