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What to do and see in Pueblo from start to finish
From the Arkansas River to the Pueblo Zoo, here’s what makes Pueblo unique.
Sarah Wilson Pueblo Chief
Two popular venues in Pueblo set records in 2023 as big names and new acts drew huge crowds from across the Front Range.
The Pueblo Convention Center and Pueblo Memorial Hall both set revenue and attendance records last year, the Oak View Group, which manages both venues, announced in a news release.
The convention center, which opened in 1997, generated more than $2.8 million in revenue, a significant increase from about $2.4 million in 2022. Attendance that year was about 47,000, but last year it swelled to more than 50,000.
Pueblo Memorial Hall is having its best fiscal year since a 2014 renovation. Its total revenue for 2023 totaled $1.3 million, an increase of $675,000 from the previous year.
More than 44,000 people purchased tickets on site. Kevin Ortiz, general manager of the Pueblo Convention Center and Pueblo Memorial Hall, said that number does not include people attending the free event, which could bring total attendance closer to 50,000.
In 2016, a then-record 45,000 people visited the hall.
“The fact that between these two buildings is proof that Pueblo is really becoming the entertainment center of southern Colorado and people are looking to us for activities,” Ortiz said. “I think it shows that Pueblo is really becoming the entertainment center of southern Colorado as well.” It is developing into a city that people want to frequent, not only for entertainment but also for meetings and events.”
While Puebloans contributed to last year’s numbers, people from La Junta, Rocky Ford, Colorado Springs, Alamosa, Walsenburg and Trinidad also frequently visited these two venues.
How two venues generated record numbers
Last year, the convention center hosted more than 270 events, from conferences to conferences and trade shows. Among the most well-attended events were the Pueblo Chemical Depot Chemical Weapons Destruction Commemoration, the Colorado School Nutrition Conference, and the Slovenian American Alliance Conference.
One of its biggest draws is the U.S. Boxing Olympic Trials, which has been the venue for the convention center for the past two years. The event will be held at the venue again this year.
Ortiz said the facility was expanded in 2019 and the space is now more diverse and can host various types of events. He added that the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority’s investment and desire to make capital improvements to the facility helped make it a “prime destination” for locals and people outside of Pueblo.
“I really think we’ve just scratched the surface of what we can do,” Ortiz said.
The Pueblo Memorial Hall also took advantage of its renovation, hosting 65 events, the most since 2014. Most of these are concerts, graduations, dance performances, and comedy and family shows.
There were three sold-out productions, two of which starred big-name actors: Theo Fung and Rob Schneider. The other is a Sept. 21 performance by country singer Travis Tritt.
In October, Ortiz said the hall expected to set attendance and revenue records. He pointed to the venue’s diversity of content and ability to attract more big names as a few reasons why this year is expected to be a record one.
“We’ve seen a huge growth in meetings and entertainment in Pueblo, with people from outside the city limits coming to town and wanting to experience everything downtown Pueblo has to offer, which should make the community proud,” Ortiz said. ”
What shows will be happening at the Pueblo Convention Center and Memorial Hall in 2024?
A popular state darts tournament kicks off the year at the convention center. In April, the venue will host USA Boxing’s international events and SkillsUSA competitions, as well as other special events.
The Arc of Pueblo’s Golden Taco Contest will also return along with dance competitions, galas and conferences scheduled throughout the year.
Black Violin, the Musical “Chicago” and a Johnny Cash concert kick off February at Pueblo Memorial Hall. “Killer Queen”, a tribute to the rock band Queen, and performances by “Spanish Guitar Prince” Benise are scheduled to be held in March. The musical Come from Away rounds out the month.
Pueblo Memorial Hall has a series of other concerts, musicals and performances on its schedule through June.
“We’ve had a very busy year,” Ortiz said.
more: Let’s talk business, Pueblo: Assisting small businesses; community health volunteers honored
Chief reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @josuepwrites. Support local journalism and subscribe to The Pueblo Chief: subscribe.chieftain.com.
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