Meridian Center contract terminated The Kansan The city of Newton will decide Tuesday on the future of operations of the Meridian Center, a conference and event center constructed on E. Broadway by the city in July 2011. Since the center opened, it has been operated by Kemper Sports under an agreement with the city. Kemper sports also operates Sand Creek Station Golf Course. The move was brought on by COVID-19 and increased competition in the event center industry. "We have been searching for a more ways to reduce costs of operating the center," said city manager Kelly McElroy. "Cancellation of the management contract and agreement became a necessity."