Century II manager reports attendance dip, $163,000 2025 variance and seeks options

John Hale, general manager of Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, told the Wichita City Council that the venue is navigating market pressures and deferred maintenance while continuing to draw a diverse set of events.

"John Hale, general manager, center 2 performing arts and convention center," Hale said when he opened his remarks. He said the company that manages the facility rebranded after an acquisition and has begun portfolio-wide security and sustainability assessments. "Overall attendance in 2025 actually decreased 1.7% from 2024, but our ticket sales for ticketed events went up by 3%, so we're pretty happy with that." Hale said Century II hosted 151 separate events in 2025, including 54 performing-arts presentations and a mix of banquets, conventions and consumer shows.

Assistant City Manager Dante Martin framed the management review and noted the city is in early conversations with Legends Global about a possible contract renewal. Martin said staff will engage council on any proposed rate or contract changes and use market analysis to inform recommendations. "The city code vests the authority to increase rates in our director of arts and cultural services," Martin said, adding staff want to bring balanced, informed recommendations to council.

Hale presented basic 2025 budget figures and said the venue did not meet the year's budgetary goal. He described a shortfall tied in part to a council-requested $100,000 reduction in the proposed subsidy and to lost shows from a Broadway partner, along with rising wages and utility costs. "We actually came up with a negative variance of a $163,000," Hale said.

The presentation closed with staff commitments to provide council a prioritized list of deferred maintenance items and further analysis on revenue recovery and lease or rate options. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; staff said recommendations would be returned to council for deliberation.