Craig Thomas, chairman of the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE), told the Winnebago County Board on Oct. 23 that RAVE posted a profit for the year and is investing in capital improvements to attract national events.

The authority’s general manager, Gretchen Gilmore, said the authority separated revenue by venue and highlighted that the Coronado Theatre had about 93,000 attendees—“5,000 more than last year”—and the BMO Center had nearly 300,000 attendees. “We still made a profit,” Gilmore said, adding that operating profit goes “directly back into our capital improvement fund.”

RAVE officials described recent and planned capital work: intelligent stage lighting (24 lights at the Coronado, 44 at the BMO), a new public-address system at the Coronado (with city support), and a new dasher‑board system for the arena that RAVE expects to install in December. Thomas said the authority spent roughly $1,800,000 in capital improvements at the BMO in 2024 and estimated about $1,500,000 in capital spending this year. He also said the City of Rockford’s funding in the renewed intergovernmental agreement totals more than $8,000,000 and thanked Winnebago County for its contribution, noting “we still have a year and a half left on the current [agreement] and then the $2,000,000 will kick in after that.”

Thomas framed the capital investments as part of RAVE’s strategy to attract promoters and larger events. He announced a national event—an American Hockey League (AHL) All‑Star Classic and related ceremonies—would be held in February and said the dasher boards will debut ahead of that event. “So we are extremely proud to bring the AHL All Star Classic to the BMO Center,” Thomas said, adding the games and ceremonies will create a “national spotlight” and economic activity for local businesses.

Board members asked questions about specific capital items and timelines. Board Member Sweeney asked whether planned capital work would widen a concourse “choke point.” Thomas and Gilmore said some expansion options had been removed from prior renovation plans for cost reasons and that the exterior elevated concourse project is still seeking roughly $2,000,000 to finish remaining work. Board Member Penny praised RAVE’s use of local union contractors and noted the projects’ benefits for regional quality of life.

RAVE officials also described a new membership product called Club Coronado to offset the loss of a previous private partnership and listed examples of recent improvements—a marquee upgrade and LED lighting—and ongoing equipment replacement priorities.

The presentation concluded without a board vote; RAVE officials fielded questions and thanked the board for county support.