With a record 19 conventions and more than 200 events throughout the 2023-24 fiscal year, the Owensboro Convention Center ended the year in the black for the second time since it opened 10 years ago, turning around a profit of approximately $140,000.
The only other time the Convention Center ended in the black was Fiscal Year 21.
General Manager Jeff Esposito said bringing in a profit over the last year was a result of numerous factors, including timing. But, he said, it was predominantly the effort the staff has put in and the community’s welcoming efforts.
“It’s about our hotels doing a great job. It’s about the downtown restaurants. It’s about Visit Owensboro keeping people aware of all the cool things we have to do while they are here. So I really think it comes to be the whole package experience,” Esposito said.
The Convention Center’s 239 events welcomed 147,964 attendees, generating a gross revenue of $4,175,453.
Looking ahead, Esposito said that the organization plans to improve the lobby of the Convention Center. They also plan to update the carpet, furniture, and fixtures throughout the facility. This will be the first furniture update to the lobby in its 10 years of operation.
While the Convention Center had a beneficial year, the Owensboro Sportscenter had a net loss.
The Sportscenter hosted 50 events and welcomed 58,298 attendees to make a gross revenue of $1,449,935. This includes some standout events over the year such as the 3rd Region basketball tournament, the Bulls and Ghouls bull riding event, and a sold-out Jack Harlow concert.
The Harlow concert, which the first time the Sportscenter hosted a Live Nation show, earned the venue $58,000 in net income. Esposito said that they plan to continue with concerts.
“We never stop. Offers go out as soon as we have a successful show because success leads to more success. We have been sending offers [for more concerts],” Esposito said.
