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Stafford Center posts year-over-year revenue gain; center director reports event surge, insurance coverage for freeze damage
Summary
Stafford Center leadership reported higher event revenue, several upcoming performances and competitions, and said insurance will cover an evaporator coil damaged during a freeze.
Brian Blum, president of FM Square, told the Stafford Economic Development Corporation on Feb. 25 that January revenue at the Stafford Center was about $70,000 higher than January 2024 and that event bookings are trending upward.
Blum said the center is hosting a national dance competition season that can occupy the entire facility for weekends and bring thousands of performances over multiple days. He highlighted upcoming events including the Motortown All Stars concert with a 28-piece orchestra, the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra (March 9), the H-Town Card & Collectibles Show, the American Gun Show (March 21—23), a Taste of Ireland performance, and the Grand Kiev Ballet (April 17).
Blum said a market study by Convention, Sports & Leisure (senior vice president Bill Krueger) is underway; the firm has surveyed potential users and is analyzing the center—s historical financials and bookings. Blum said the study and outreach could help attract groups that have not previously used the facility.
Blum also reported that the Texas Municipal League has indicated the center—s evaporator coil damaged during the winter freeze is covered by insurance.
Board members asked about midweek bookings and the potential impact of an on-site limited-service hotel to attract conventions; Blum said midweek business has grown and that an on-site limited-service hotel would improve competitiveness. Directors praised rising ticket sales and larger consumer and trade shows, and Blum said the center set a record in the prior year and is ahead of that pace in the current year.
Blum closed by thanking staff and one volunteer who provided meals to first responders during the freeze; he invited questions and said he would provide additional updates on the Convention, Sports & Leisure study when available.
