VENUWORKS AND ATG ENTERTAINMENT SELECTED TO MANAGE FRESNO CONVENTION AND ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

The City of Fresno has announced the selection of VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment as the new managing partners for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center. This partnership will oversee operations for the complex—including the Fresno Convention Center, Valdez Hall, Selland Arena, and the historic Saroyan Theatre—beginning January 11, 2026, marking a new era of collaborative management for the city’s premier event venues. 

The decision follows a successful joint bid from two organizations whose qualifications and experience set a new standard for venue management in the region. With nearly three decades of proven success, VenuWorks brings a legacy of operating performing arts centers, arenas, convention, and expo halls in communities across the nation. As the industry’s only 100% employee-owned management firm, VenuWorks is deeply invested in the prosperity of every venue and community it serves, fostering an ownership culture that inspires excellence at every level. 

ATG Entertainment complements this expertise as one of the world’s leading live entertainment companies, renowned for bringing world-class programming to theaters across the globe. Their vision is rooted in expanding access to unforgettable shows and experiences, supported by a network of more than 70 venues—including the nearby Orpheum, Golden Gate, and Curran Theatres in San Francisco. 

Together, VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment are united by a shared vision: to deliver an innovative, community-focused approach that extends beyond the venues themselves. Their dedicated teams are committed to partnering with the City, local stakeholders, and patrons to develop actionable plans, maximize operational efficiencies, and spark a new era of success for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center. Every aspect of their approach will be tailored to create memorable experiences, drive consistent and sustainable revenue, and establish the FCEC as a benchmark for excellence—where guests don’t just attend events, but experience the heart of Fresno. “This is a major step forward in our ongoing revitalization of the downtown Fresno.” Said Mayor Jerry Dyer. “By partnering with VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment, we are expanding the number of events that activate our downtown core, create economic opportunity, and bring people together. I look forward to seeing the Fresno Convention and Event Center as a premier venue that brings locals and visitors to the area for arts, sporting events, conventions, and so much more.” 

VenuWorks will manage the overall operations for the entire Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center complex. This includes overseeing executive leadership, convention sales, finance, marketing, sponsorship development, events, security, and food and beverage services. VenuWorks will be responsible for setting the annual operating budget with the City, managing complex-wide financials, and hiring all full-time and part-time staff for these departments. VenuWorks CEO Steve Peters said “We are honored that the City of Fresno has entrusted VenuWorks, alongside our partners at ATG Entertainment, to usher in this exciting new chapter for the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center. As an employee-owned company, our team brings a deeply personal commitment to operational excellence and a passion for serving the communities where we live and work. We look forward to leveraging our collective expertise to elevate the guest experience, drive economic growth, and ensure these venues serve as a vibrant gathering place for the entire Fresno community.” 

ATG Entertainment will take the lead on programming the Saroyan Theatre, granting VenuWorks staff key resources through their extensive booking network and theater management best practices. ATG Ticketing will also service the FCEC complex. “We look forward to embarking on this partnership with VenuWorks and the City of Fresno to deliver exceptional live experiences to residents and visitors alike. The City’s vibrant cultural arts ecosystem and strong sense of community make it an ideal place to create meaningful, engaging events. We are grateful for this opportunity and excited for what we will build together,” said Lori Hotz, ATG Entertainment North American CEO. 

This strategic partnership is designed to maximize the potential of each venue while operating as a unified and thriving community hub. By combining VenuWorks’ extensive experience in comprehensive venue management with ATG Entertainment's global leadership in programming and ticketing, the collaboration will deliver a broad array of cultural, recreational, and educational events for the benefit of the Fresno community.