Arena’s Annual Economic Impact to the City in 2024 Reaches $55.8 Million, More Than Twice the Estimated $21.5 million in 2016

The Greenville Arena District (GAD), owner and operator of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, a cornerstone of entertainment and economic vitality in the Upstate, proudly announces its cumulative economic impact of more than $2 billion since it opened 25 years ago.

The arena’s annual net new economic impact on the City of Greenville has more than doubled from $21.5 million to $55.8 million since the previous economic impact study in 2016. Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) conducted the study as part of the master planning that’s underway.

Key findings of the CSL report include:

• City of Greenville: The arena, including construction and ongoing operations, has driven $482 million in cumulative net new direct spending, contributing $875 million in total economic output. Over 750 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs have been supported, generating $250 million in personal earnings.
• Greenville County: The impact extends to $468 million in net new direct spending, yielding $850 million in total output and creating 760 FTE jobs, resulting in $243 million in personal earnings.
• State of South Carolina: Statewide, the arena has accounted for $402 million in net new direct spending, leading to $827 million in total output and 1,150 FTE jobs, with $284 million in personal earnings.

The study also highlights the arena’s success in attracting more than 600,000 attendees annually across concerts, sports, and community events, with notable visitor spending outside the facility on lodging, dining, and retail. This economic activity benefits local businesses, supports infrastructure development, and enhances the region’s cultural vibrancy.

“We are extremely proud to contribute to the prosperity of Greenville and the entire Upstate by generating revenue, creating jobs, enhancing the quality of life, and helping position this vibrant destination as a premier hub for live events, concerts, and sports,” said Bon Secours Wellness Arena’s General Manager Beth Paul. “Our goal is to be an arena deeply connected to the community of which we are fortunate to be a part and seeing the economic impact grow so significantly is a testament to this commitment.”

In its comprehensive analysis, CSL’s “net new “ methodology accounted for leakage (spending occurring outside of the studied jurisdictions) and displacement (funds that would have otherwise been spent within the jurisdiction even without the arena). The resulting metrics represent the net positive contributions that would not have otherwise occurred without the presence of the arena to the economies of the city, county and state.

Economic impacts across places like the city, county, and state can’t be added together because the same spending might be counted more than once. For example, if someone from another part of Greenville County eats at a Greenville restaurant before attending an arena event, a portion of that spending would be new money for Greenville but not as much for the county because that person might have spent that same money elsewhere in the county had they stayed closer to home and not instead gone to the arena to attend the event.

Since its opening in 1998, the arena has hosted more than 12 million fans and nearly 3,000 commercial and community events, including high-profile attractions like the Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament. In 2024, this tournament generated an estimated $16 million in economic impact over five days, marking it as the City of Greenville’s largest event to date.

The arena is self-supporting with a dedicated administrative team of 32 full-time professionals. An iconic fixture of Greenville’s skyline for decades, it remains one of the busiest venues of its size, hosting approximately 130 ticketed events annually alongside 75 to 100 community and non-profit events. In 2024, events at the arena resulted in approximately 28,000 hotel room nights from overnight visitors to the city.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is located at 650 N. Academy St. in downtown Greenville, SC. For more information about the Greenville Arena District visit greenvillearenadistrict.com or bonsecoursarena.com and follow @bswarena across all social platforms.

VenuWorks is delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Stearns as the new Executive Director overseeing its Cedar Rapids facilities, including the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, the historic Paramount Theatre, McGrath Amphitheatre, and the ImOn Ice Arena Cedar Rapids. Mr. Stearns brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in venue management to his new role and is poised to enhance the vibrant cultural landscape of Cedar Rapids.

“We are thrilled to welcome Darren Stearns to our team and are confident in his ability to lead our Cedar Rapids facilities to new heights,” said Michael Silva, Chief Operating Officer of VenuWorks. “His extensive experience and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to empower communities through exceptional venue management.”

With over 18 years of expertise in arena, theater, and convention center management, Darren Stearns has excelled in budget development, staff oversight, and driving guest satisfaction. His leadership experience at venues such as the BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University and the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, IN, underscores his capability to develop innovative strategies that meet financial and operational goals.

“Darren’s extensive experience in venue management and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences make him the perfect fit for this role,” shared Steve Peters, VenuWorks Founder and CEO. “His expertise will undoubtedly elevate our venues’ standing within the community and beyond.”

Mr. Stearns is eager to collaborate with the Cedar Rapids community to bring a diverse range of high-quality events and foster a thriving cultural scene. “I am excited for this opportunity. The facilities are wonderful and everyone I met during my visit was incredibly welcoming. I look forward to working with the city of Cedar Rapids and the staff at our facilities to continue to provide great entertainment and fan experiences to the Cedar Rapids region.”

VenuWorks has built a reputation for being a trusted and innovative partner in venue management, with three decades of experience and a commitment to community enrichment. The organization’s collaborative approach ensures that each venue it manages reaches its full potential while maintaining its unique character and role within the community. Under Darren Stearns’ leadership, the Cedar Rapids facilities will continue to offer world-class experiences that stimulate economic growth and cultural enrichment.

The 2025 applications for the Education & Service and Venue Excellence awards are now open!  Winners will be honored during VenueConnect 2025 in New Orleans, LA.  We invite you to nominate an IAVM member or member venue that has exceeded expectations and risen above the rest. 

The deadline to submit applications is March 24, 2025.  The application process is extensive, and we encourage venues and organizations to create an “award team” to complete the application process as well as gather photos, etc.  Detailed instructions are found within the application itself.

Education & Service Award

The IAVM Education & Service Award recognizes member involvement through community outreach, education opportunities, mentorships, and internships that demonstrate excellence within our industry as well as giving back to the community. Some examples that have been shared include: active in high school programs and career development; offering internships for local college students within the company/venue; mentoring through community outreach or within a university setting; educational offerings to staff within the company/venue; community involvement with youth and young adults.

IAVM takes pride in its members that excel in providing their communities with an enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities. Professional members, university faculty, allied companies as well as retired members are encouraged to apply. The IAVM Education & Service Award is given annually to no more than two companies/universities/venues and one individual. 

To view the criteria for Education & Service Award nominations, click here.

NOMINATE NOW →

Venue Excellence Award

The Venue Excellence Award recognizes five IAVM venues of any type within the membership which demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. This includes but is not limited to amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, complexes, convention centers, exhibit halls, fair/festival grounds, performing arts centers, racetracks, stadiums & university venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities.

Any venue publicly or privately owned and operated, that has demonstrated excellence within the last calendar year and has at least one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing may apply. Venues are eligible to win multiple VEAs; however, previous winners are eligible to apply in the third year following their most recent award. As an example, a venue that wins in 2024 may apply for the 2027 award.

To view the Venue Excellence Award application criteria, click here.

APPLY NOW →

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority has announced the hiring of Charles Beirne as General Manager & CEO.

With more than 25 years of venue management experience, Beirne will be responsible for the administrative oversight and strategic growth of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops and ArtsBridge Foundation.

“Charlie is uniquely qualified for this position because of his combination of experience leading convention centers, entertainment venues and performing arts centers,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority. “Additionally, as we prepare to launch the renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre in 2025, Charlie brings expertise in this area that is a perfect fit for our future growth.”

Beirne joins the Authority from the Broward County Convention Center Expansion and Hotel Project, where he was regional general manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center, which is currently undergoing a $1.4 billion expansion project. He has operated and expanded a variety of other facilities including the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center, two theaters, and an arena, as well as the Atlantic City Convention Center, where he held a variety of roles including regional general manager for the convention center and arena. Beirne is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Opened in Oct. 1999 as Alltel Arena and located in North Little Rock, Ark, Simmons Bank Arena recently commemorated its 25th anniversary!

To celebrate, they held a memorable Tourism and Hospitality Mixer, where they celebrated their journey alongside community leaders, partners, and friends. General Manager and 40-year industry veteran, Michael Marion, joined local leaders in reflecting on the arena’s cultural and economic impact, honoring the role that Simmons Bank Arena has played in Arkansas and sparking excitement for what’s to come.

We wish them success in their next 25 years!

Simmons Bank Arena celebrates its 25th Anniversary!

Photos and information were provided by Simmons Bank Arena.

We are spotlighting the incredible ways our members are putting their knowledge into action! Whether it’s a new initiative inspired by an IAVM event or session, a training program that elevated your team’s performance, or an innovative solution that made your venue more efficient—your story matters! Send us yours today!