With 11 sold out shows and more than $13 million in ticket sales, the Peoria Civic Center came close to matching the best fiscal year in the city-owned venue’s history.
New general manager Beau Sutherland presented the downtown entertainment and convention complex’s latest annual report at the most recent Peoria City Council meeting, showing an adjusted gross income of $7.8 million.
“Overall, operating revenue remains strong, driven by healthy ticket sales, concession performance and event-related income across the facility,” said Sutherland. “The convention center contributed over $2 million in net income this last year, highest in venue history.”
Sutherland, who was promoted to GM following the departure of Rik Edgar earlier this year, said the outlook for the civic center remains positive for the upcoming year, despite market fluctuations and uncertainty overshadowing the venue management business.
“Like many venues nationwide, we face ongoing challenges: labor, insurance, maintenance and utility costs continue to increase. The live entertainment industry is also experiencing tour instability and changing consumer preferences,” he said.
“Despite these challenges, our team remains focused on efficiency, innovation and maintaining strong financial performance. The 2027 budget reflects the venue's second highest revenue target.”
After surpassing the $8 million mark for the first time a year ago, this was the fourth straight year the civic center eclipsed $7 million in adjusted gross income. Concession sales topped $4.5 million, and the facility generated nearly $550,000 in tax revenue for the city.
“Nearly 72% of our ticket buyers come from outside the Peoria metro and county area,” said Sutherland. “This means our events bring dollars into the local economy through dining, lodging, shopping and other visitor spending.”
Sutherland said the venue also performed well despite disruptions from ongoing major construction projects. The ongoing renovation of the glass arcade started in March during the center’s busiest month, while installation of the new ice plant for the Carver Arena hockey rink is on track for completion in time for the Peoria Rivermen’s home opener on Oct. 24.
“We removed the original floor only to discover another subfloor, replaced nearly nine miles of piping, completed pressure testing and poured a new concrete slab that is currently curing,” he said.
Sutherland added that the civic center has managed to lower its utility expenses, cutting its electrical costs by 19% and its natural gas usage by 46%.
Tourism improvement district approved
The city council also approved a funding mechanism aimed at attracting more overnight hotel stays in the city.
The creation of the Peoria Tourism Improvement District [TID] adds a 1.5% fee to short-term room rental nights, with proceeds used to market Peoria as a destination city.
JD Dalfonso, president and CEO of Discover Peoria, said the move “shows incredibly keen awareness” in adding a critical tool for growing the city’s economy.
“The TID will help us compete for business that fills hotel rooms, brings customers to our restaurants and shops, and supports jobs throughout our community,” said Dalfonso.
Mayor Rita Ali noted that the proposal received overwhelming support from Peoria’s hotel owners as a way to work collaboratively with Discover Peoria and facilities like the Peoria Civic Center and the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex to attract more out-of-town guests.
“Our hotel owners have invested in Peoria and are vital to the success of tourism in our city, which is why I am thrilled to support this initiative beside them,” she said. “Peoria has the venues, hospitality and community spirit to welcome visitors from across the region and beyond.”
The vote to approve the TID was 9-1, with council member Alex Carmona dissenting.
“I look at this very simply as another way we’re just increasing the tax burden overall in our city,” said Carmona. “I just don't think it looks that good for our city, even though I know that it will help to have a special little fund that you know the hotel industry can use here.
“But what's next? Are the restaurateurs in town going to band together and ask for the same thing? Shoemakers? Auto mechanics?”
Council member Tim Riggenbach lauded the step as a way to generate a reliable funding source for promoting the city and what it has to offer.
“Imagine winning just a few more conventions or tournaments or other major events and the meaningful impact that will have,” said Riggenbach. “If we’re able to alleviate some of that funding stress from other sources, it’s only going to be to the advantage of the tourism industry here in Peoria.”
