Ames Center reports steady attendance and tighter finances; 'Angel Fund' near $400,000

The Ames Center reported generally positive performance for 2025 and an improving financial outlook for 2026 at the Burnsville City Council meeting on May 5.

Executive Director Brian Luther said the center hosted about 147 events in 2025 with roughly 130,000 total attendees, including 70 ticketed events, 42 banquets and meetings, and 35 non-ticketed events. Luther told council that while ticketed sales and attendance trended down industry-wide after the pandemic, the center managed expense control and programming adjustments to limit revenue shortfalls; the 2025 revenue budget was $2.4 million and actual revenue was roughly $2.3 million, with expenses also near $2.3 million.

Luther outlined operational improvements, including a new digital playbill and several capital projects completed or planned (new chiller fans, fire/security panel, time clock, wireless microphones, restroom faucet replacements, PA replacement and boiler stack work slated later in the year). He said early 2026 sales trends and strong dance-competition business suggest the center is likely to meet or exceed budget expectations for the year.

Councilmember Gustafson asked about the facility’s Angel Fund, originally established around 2010 to underwrite show purchases. Deputy City Manager Roddy reported the Angel Fund balance is just under $400,000 and said staff review fund usage with city finance on an ongoing basis. Luther and staff said the fund has allowed the center to self-promote certain shows, accepting the commercial risk to increase earned revenue.

Luther credited staff and city collaboration for operational improvements and committed to continuing regular financial updates to the council. The council received the report and thanked Luther and his leadership team.