DCU Center staff told the Civic Center Commission on June 26 that social media engagement and recent events have contributed positively to outreach and revenue even as summer is typically a quieter season.

John (marketing staff presenting the report) said the center's social media presence has grown: "We've grown our social media followers from 50,000 to nearly 54,000." He highlighted several high-performing posts, including a short video related to an upcoming family show that received very high engagement and a Facebook reel tied to a past event that produced hundreds of thousands of interactions.

Staff recapped event results: a single‑day concert produced roughly $200,000 in gross event income with more than 5,000 attendees; the facility also hosted multiple graduations (several high schools and colleges) and proms, and sales and catering teams reported successful food‑and‑beverage results, including a Brazilian culinary offering that produced strong concession sales. Staff said the VCU/DCU naming-rights partner had funded teacher‑lounge refreshments during several graduations and continued community and scholarship initiatives.

Finance staff reported that the month covered in the report was under budget for event income by about $114,000 but that year‑to‑date results were positive. Staff said year‑to‑date actuals were approximately $303,829 ahead after $366,000 in indirect cost savings; projections through June indicated the center would finish the fiscal year about $1 million ahead of its annual budgeted target.

Operations updates included work on loading-dock/trash-room contracts (contractor onsite and scanning for penetrations), attention to RTU (air handling) components and a reminder that event schedules — including a multi‑day rehearsal in July — will constrain possible on‑site construction activity. Staff asked contractors to provide two‑week look‑ahead schedules so venue operations can evaluate work near events.

Commissioners asked about crowding at recent graduations and whether the center should offer overflow viewing options or additional screens; staff said schools had implemented ticketing procedures and that screens and alternate spaces are available if schools choose to use them.

No formal commission action was taken on marketing or finance items; staff presented the report to update commissioners and to solicit input on communications and scheduling.