2015 WAS 25th CONSECUTIVE YEAR WITH MORE THAN 1 MILLION GUESTS

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Monday, February 8, 2016) – The Board of Trustees of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum was updated on a successful and busy 2015, as well as, the venue’s plans for 2016 at their annual organizational meeting on Thursday, February 4.

Highlights of the session included attendance and financial results for 2015, which was the 25th consecutive year that the multi-purpose complex has welcomed more than 1 million guests. Total attendance for the year reached 1,036,997 guests, an increase of 1.6% over 2014. Use days increased by 3.4% to reach 1,346 in 2015. This number is expected to grow again for 2016 with the addition of the new Conference Center.

Net revenue increased by 5.06% over 2014, to $35,910. Coliseum management was proud to announce to trustees that for another year, 100% of all operating expenses incurred by the facility were paid for by earned revenue and that no tax dollars were spent on the operation of the facility, a rarity in the public venue industry.

The estimated economic impact of the facility, on the Fort Wayne and greater Allen County region, increased by 2.9% over the previous year, to reach $103,342,555. This is comprised of direct and indirect spending by Coliseum clients and guests supporting the hotel, restaurant, retail and service industries. According to ticket purchase data, more than 60% of Coliseum guests travel from outside of Allen County to attend events.

Trustees were updated on the successful completion of the Conference Center, which has far exceeded its projections for the first year, with a total of 307 contracted use days. The project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget by local general contractor Weigand Construction.

For 2016, project plans include remodeling of the Coliseum Ticket Office, an upgrade to the Arena & Expo Center entrance plaza and renovation of the Arena dressing rooms.