La Crosse Center cites record wrestling attendance and strong digital ad performance as bookings pick up

Sales and marketing staff told the board the La Crosse Center had an active February—10 events, about $236,000 in built-out revenue and more than 16,500 visitors through the building—and highlighted strong digital-ad performance and booking momentum.

The sales presenter (S2) said the sports show drew more than 7,000 people and that the wrestling tournaments produced record attendance after expanding team fields. "We set a record for the wrestling... Attendance wise," the presenter said, and noted the event will return for at least two more years.

On marketing analytics, staff reported February Google Search and Display results of roughly 120,000 impressions, about 2,700 clicks (a 2.25% click-through rate) and 18 conversions (a 0.66% conversion rate), which the presenter said exceed typical benchmarks for search and display. On Meta platforms, the presenter reported about 141,000 impressions and 10,000 clicks for a 7.64% CTR, again described as above-normal performance for the platform and indicative of effective targeting driving leads into the booking system.

Staff also discussed tactical items for upcoming high-profile shows: a temporary phone-pouch policy (Yondr) for Bob Dylan that may require extra volunteer support at the box office, and notes that Bob Dylan tickets were "pretty close" to sold out with a few hundred seats remaining. The center reported seeing 10–12 bookings after a waterfront venue closure, and presenters said that has helped convert business downtown to the La Crosse Center.

Kate (S8), food-and-beverage staff, reported net upsides on several events, citing a 15% gross-revenue increase for a darts event year-over-year (partly attributed to a $1 price increase on beer) and new menu items such as a "dirty soda." She also highlighted successful specialty cocktails at the Chamber event and a champagne wall concept for weddings.