Celebrating a Remarkable Year of Growth and Gratitude

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year of growth, record-breaking achievements, and the powerful connections that unite each of our communities. The VenuWorks family, driven by our dedicated employee-owners, has worked hand in hand with partners, fans, and patrons to deliver signature experiences in every city we serve. More than ever, our success is the result of shared passion and the vibrant communities that welcome us.

This year has been about more than numbers—it’s been about people. Our teams stepped up to volunteer in their cities; leaders earned well-deserved accolades; and our venues continued their evolution as true community hubs. Join us as we revisit the highlights that made 2025 a year to remember across our venues nationwide.

Powering Local Economies and Creating Unforgettable Moments

Our venues are not just buildings—they are economic engines and cultural cornerstones. Across the country, VenuWorks teams delivered exceptional experiences that brought people together, boosted business for our local partners, and left a lasting impact.

Burnsville, MN

The Ames Center in Burnsville continued to experience high facility use demand paired with strong financial performance.

The venue introduced many new event offerings while maintaining a robust portfolio of repeat clients, highlighting the center’s significance as a gathering place for the arts and local engagement.

Programming levels remain strong and are projected to continue through year-end.

Ames Center is currently on target to meet or exceed budget expectations for 2025.

Cedar Rapids, IA

Alliant Energy PowerHouse hosted Parker McCollum for the highest-selling concert in a decade, selling 6,019 tickets.

ImOn Ice marked its 25th anniversary, surpassing 4 million visitors and 60,000 events.

McGrath Amphitheatre staged 16 events for 20,000 attendees, while the Paramount Theatre hosted 85 events, including "Holiday Movies" supporting area nonprofits.

The Cedar Rapids team exemplified community spirit by volunteering during United Way Day of Caring—prepping products for Days for Girls, painting shelters for Cedar Rapids Parks & Rec, and assisting the Economic Alliance.

The Paramount Theatre’s movie nights donated proceeds to Foundation2 Crisis Services and Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control.

Chesapeake, VA

At the Chesapeake Conference Center, operational enhancements included new Unox combi ovens that increased product yield by 10% and reduced food costs dramatically.

The Center hosted 229 events and served over 21,000 meals to 45,700+ guests. Signature programs reinforced its role as a community anchor, culminating in the prestigious Business Rate Award for superior Google review performance.

Davenport, IA

RiverCenter and Adler Theatre hosted standout events, including Bob Dylan’s concert, the Association of Midwest Museums Convention, a Bernie Sanders rally, and a Bonnie Raitt concert.

Phase one of an HVAC upgrade at the Adler Theatre was completed, improving comfort for future audiences.

Des Moines, IA

The historic Ingersoll Theater is undergoing an extensive renovation after being closed for over a decade, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark.

Reopening on December 31, 2025, the Ingersoll Theater will become Iowa’s only dinner theater, offering a unique cultural and dining experience for the Des Moines community and visitors from across the state.

Dodge City, KS

United Wireless Arena welcomed over 82,000 visitors across 325+ events and surpassed $1 million in food and beverage sales.

The arena extended its naming rights agreement for another three years and secured the 2026 and 2029 KSHAA 1A D1 basketball semifinals, quarterfinals, and finals.

We hosted the Multi-Day National Church of God in Christ Mennonite Leadership Conference, with daily attendance of 1,500 and more than 6,000 meals served—We look forward to hosting it again in 2026.

Evansville, IN

The VenuWorks-owned Evansville Thunderbolts hockey team captured the SPHL Presidents Cup in May 2025, marking a tremendous win for the city and our organization.

We were awarded the management account for the Old National Events Plaza in September by Vanderburgh County, expanding our footprint in Evansville.

At the Victory Theatre, we celebrated a sold-out Matt Mathews show in April and saw our content go viral on TikTok. The theatre hosted intimate performances from Mac McAnally, Ben Folds, Jason Isbell, Louis CK, and Needtobreathe.

Grand Island, NE

The Heartland Events Center experienced a milestone year in 2025 as VenuWorks completed its first full year as facility manager. The team hosted a dynamic calendar of arena and event programming, welcoming guests from across the region.

A complete overhaul of the food and beverage service led to remarkable gains in customer satisfaction, an expanded menu selection, and a boost in profitability—demonstrating our commitment to both innovation and hospitality.

The venue attracted top musical talent throughout the year, including unforgettable performances by Kansas, Hairball, Lonestar, Scotty McCreery, Colin Raye, and Lindsey Stirling (coming in December), further establishing the Heartland Events Center as a go-to destination for entertainment in Nebraska.

Jefferson City, MO

The Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater delivered an outstanding employee appreciation event for Hitachi, catering to 2,200 guests with seamless logistics and stellar support from our Food & Beverage team.

The event featured a high-energy performance by The Dave Baker Band and a modern dessert truck court—demonstrating flexibility and creativity.

Joliet, IL

The historic Rialto Square Theatre achieved a positive net operating income for the second consecutive year—something not accomplished before in its 97-year history—and is preparing for its centennial celebration in 2026.

Kennewick, WA

At Three Rivers Convention Center & Toyota Center, the $71.3 million, 120,000 sq. ft. expansion broke ground this spring and is rising rapidly as the year ends. We anticipate roof installation early in 2026.

The Toyota Center hosted its first-ever back-to-back sold-out concerts with Zack Top in November, the largest-grossing concerts in its 37-year history, along with sellouts from Theo Von, Ivan Cornejo, and Cirque Musica.

Oshkosh, WI

The Oshkosh Arena management team kicked off its first year full of energy, staging Wisconsin Herd G League basketball and a packed schedule of unique community, entertainment, and sporting events.

Major highlights included a sold-out Valentine’s Vendetta Murder-Mystery Dinner, the return of community staples like the Winter Farmers Market, Wisconsin State Dartball Tournament, and two high school graduations welcoming over 4,000 guests each.

The arena hosted its first national entertainers in two years (Josh Blue, Broadway's Rock of Ages Band, Kansas, Blue Oyster Cult), revitalizing live music for the region.

Ottumwa, IA

Bridge View Center cemented its reputation for tech/rehearsal support, hosting four national touring productions: The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Shamrock Tenors, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello Tour, and Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 2025 Christmas Tour.

Paducah, KY

The Paducah Convention Center hosted the dynamic Prichard Committee Groundswell Summit, facilitating key conversations for education leaders, parents, and advocates.

We welcomed the Kentucky State Legislative Session, driving overnight stays, catering, and downtown activity.

The Annual Paducah Chamber of Commerce Meeting drew nearly 800 leaders for a fully booked, electric event, strengthening community bonds.

Team highlights included Kevin’s promotion to Sergeant in the Army Reserves, Angela being named a Kentucky Colonel for her statewide leadership, and Curtis getting engaged!

Park City, KS

Park City Arena made history by hosting its first NAIA Women’s Wrestling National Championship, joining its Men’s Championship and the annual KSHAA 5A Boys & Girls State events.

The 9th annual Bacon, Bourbon, & Brews festival was a sellout, even with expanded capacity, showcasing local food and craft beverage businesses.

Pelham, AL

The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena exceeded budget by $621,172, turning the first-ever profit in its history—a turnaround of over $1 million under VenuWorks management.

We secured a five-year contract extension through 2031, 1.5 years before the prior contract was set to expire.

Rochester, NY

Blue Cross Arena became part of the VenuWorks family in May. Highlights included sold-out shows by Nate Bargatze and Billy Strings.

We established long-term tenant leases with the Rochester Americans (AHL) and the Rochester Knighthawks (NLL).

Upgraded concessions at the arena with revamped menus, launched a VIP Suites program, enhanced point-of-sale systems, and introduced Amazon’s Grab-and-Go “Just Walk Out” technology to improve the guest experience.

Skokie, IL

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (NSC) welcomed thousands of guests with a diverse array of events, from Broadway blockbusters and music legends to family-friendly performances and community gatherings.

NSC continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier performing arts venues through innovative programming, exceptional guest service, and impactful community partnerships such as Vet Tix, school collaborations, and free ticket initiatives.

FY2025 was a record-setting year for ticketing, with estimated total gross sales exceeding $6.1 million.

The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation grant enabled vital technical enhancements, ensuring NSC remains a top choice for both touring productions and local groups seeking state-of-the-art facilities.

Topeka, KS

The Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) revitalized its Banquet Hall after an extended renovation, reopening with a celebration for downtown merchants and earning recognition for major facility upgrades.

A completely new HVAC system for the complex

Vicksburg, MS

The Vicksburg Convention Center celebrated Vicksburg’s Bicentennial in 2025 with a stellar lineup of events that showcased the facility’s versatility and community importance.

Festive traditions such as Breakfast with Santa, the V105.5 Christmas Caroling Contest, and the Jester's Ball brought families and the wider community together for memorable celebrations.

The venue hosted prominent youth and professional gatherings, including the TSA Central District Convention, DECA Leadership Conference, Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference, MS Alpha Network District, and MAPS conventions.

The center welcomed nearly 6,000 attendees for the prestigious Miss Mississippi Competition and was proud to host the 2025 VWSD Graduations.

Celebrating Our People: The Heart of VenuWorks

The heart of VenuWorks is our team of employee-owners. Their passion, service, and pride fuel our progress, whether they're helping communities or achieving individual milestones. This year, we recognized promotions, awards, personal celebrations, and heroic volunteer work, reinforcing that our people are our greatest asset.

Advancing Innovation and Excellence Across Our Venues

Innovation is at our core, and our venues led the way in operational improvements and guest experience:

Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena launched Amazon’s "Just Walk Out" technology for speedier service at concessions.

Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena achieved historic profitability, and the Chesapeake Conference Center excelled in operational efficiency and customer service recognition.

Our venues continue to evolve, offering new amenities, enhanced technology, and memorable experiences in every community.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The achievements of 2025 have laid a strong foundation for an exciting future. In 2026, we proudly celebrate the 30th anniversary of VenuWorks—a milestone marking decades of growth, innovation, and community partnerships. This year, we welcomed several new and expanding venues, including Blue Cross Arena (Rochester, NY), Oshkosh Arena (WI), ONEP Evansville and Aiken Theater (IN), Heartland Events Center (Grand Island, NE), Pelham Park (AL), and Ingersoll Theater (Des Moines, IA). More venues will join the VenuWorks family in January 2026, further broadening our reach and impact.

Major projects are also underway, including expansions in Kennewick and exciting developments like One City Center Jacksonville, the Birmingham Family Fun Center, and the Merle Hay Arena, Urbandale. With these additions and new venues on the horizon, the future has never been brighter.

To every employee-owner, community partner, and guest—thank you for making 2025 a year of achievement and connection. Your dedication and support inspire us to aim higher in 2026 as we celebrate 30 years of creating spaces where communities thrive and memories are made. Here’s to a future filled with growth, collaboration, and new possibilities.