Tyson Event Center reports strong FY26 performance; OVG outlines venue upgrades and booking strategy

Chad Smith, general manager for the Tyson Event Center, Orpheum and Sioux City Convention Center, told council the venues hosted roughly 70 events last fiscal year and reported increased attendance for several headline shows. Smith said Nate Bargatze was the highest grossing comedy show in venue history and the Bomgaars Rodeo weekend produced strong ticket sales.

Smith outlined capital work completed or underway: a new Zamboni, premium seating upgrades, a new basketball court scheduled to arrive mid-October, a new pizza oven and plans for lactation and premium hospitality spaces. He said the council-provided $300,000 booking incentive is being used selectively and that $125,000 to $100,000 has been applied to specific events so far; Smith said staff is hiring a director of sales to focus on association and midweek conference business.