Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Convention Center posts record net operating profit after busy season
Summary
Convention Center and Sports Center reported a strong year with 19 conventions, net event income just over $580,000, and a combined record net operating profit of $140,049 that beat budget by $381,648; staff outlined follow-up investments and continued booking efforts.
Jeff Esposito, operations director for the Convention Center and Sports Center, told commissioners Owensboro saw a busy year: 19 conventions produced a net event income of just over $580,000 and both buildings combined produced a record net operating profit of $140,049, beating budget by $381,648.
Esposito highlighted standout events — including a first‑time PBR bull‑riding event and a sold‑out Jack Harlow concert — and large local draws such as regional tournaments that contributed to higher concession sales and attendance. He credited the sales team, downtown hotels and Visit Owensboro for helping attract conventions and said ongoing capital upkeep and targeted facility refreshes (new carpet, video walls and lobby furniture) are planned.
Commissioners asked whether the center planned to continue pursuing major concerts and how the new indoor Sportsplex would be coordinated. Esposito said the center’s booking team continues to make offers and coordinate with OVG partners and the new RiverPark general manager; he described scenario planning for multi‑venue events that could use the convention center, the new sports facility and the Sports Center in complementary ways.
The mayor and commissioners praised the staff and noted the planned hotel expansion downtown should further increase capacity for overnight visitors and conventions.
