CHARLESTON COLISEUM AND CONVENTION CENTER COMPLEX WELCOMES OVER 1 MILLION VISITORS, SELLS OVER $27.1M IN TICKETS SINCE JAN. 2021

(Charleston, W. Va.) – Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCVB), and the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Board to announce the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex has hosted more than 650 unique events, welcomed more than one million visitors, and sold over $27.1 million in tickets. Earlier this month the Complex hosted three sold-out shows and one at 90 percent capacity in the span of one week, resulting in new venue records being set.

“Two and a half years ago we decided to change the way we operate the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex. Through our continued partnership with OVG360 we have seen more big-name concerts, comedy shows, family events and – more folks packing the Coliseum and Convention Center and the Municipal Auditorium,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative we invest in our future, so that we can continue to capitalize on the energy, excitement, and positive forward momentum.”

From October 3 – 9, the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex hosted three sold out shows: Jelly Roll (country), Lana Del Rey (alternative), and Ringo Starr (classic rock / pop) and sold 90 percent of capacity for Lauren Daigle (Christian contemporary).  When Jelly Roll fans packed the Coliseum, a new single event concessions revenue record was set at $185,000—breaking Morgan Wallen’s building record by $5,000. Two days later Lana Del Rey fans purchased $225,000 in merchandise — breaking Morgan Wallen’s building record of $195,000.

“A lot of great things are happening at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center! What is truly amazing is—we are breaking our own venue records,” said Carrie Fenwick, Chair, Coliseum and Convention Center Board. “That same week, we paid more than $250,000 in wages to local event workers – further supporting the folks in our community.”

For the week of sold-out shows (October 3 – 9, 2023)—19 percent of attendees were visitors from 50 miles away or more, visitor spending accounted for 20 percent of all spending in the city, and hotel occupancy averaged 84 percent – with hotel occupancy being 97 percent on October 5. Top origin markets included: Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland/Akron, OH; Columbus, OH; Norfolk/Newport News, VA; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Roanoke/Lynchburg, VA; and Washington, DC.

“We see clearly that dynamic activity at the Coliseum and Convention Center drives hotel occupancy and visitor spending,” said Tim Brady, President and CEO, Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We know that tourism is economic development and the numbers you’re seeing today bear that out.  Real money is being spent in the city because of this activity and local people are seeing the benefits.  It’s sustainable and it’s a formula that works.”

In addition to hosting more than 650 unique events, welcoming more than one million visitors and selling over $27.1 million in tickets (doubling the average annual live event ticket sales as compared to pre-pandemic sales) – the average annual food and beverage earnings have doubled as compared to pre-pandemic data as a result of the expanded convention space opportunities and increase in concert activity, sponsorship revenue has doubled (as compared to pre-pandemic revenues), the 770 seat Theater has been utilized for commercial ticketed events including nine sold-out shows.

“Since the new management and direction of the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center was established with Mayor Goodwin’s leadership, we have seen more events, more folks coming in to see shows, and more venue records set,” said Charleston City Council Member Chad Robinson. “The diverse lineup of events, the excitement surrounding each announcement, and the positive economic and social impacts we are seeing are all great news for the City of Charleston.”

“It’s an exciting time in downtown Charleston,” said Charleston City Council Member Mary Beth Hoover. “With the revitalization of City Center at Slack Plaza, the continued success of the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex, and the recent investment in the Capital Sports Center—we are not only helping drive visitors to our city for shows, programing and sports but also to shop, dine and stay overnight.”

The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center is now a hub for indoor sports tourism.  In addition to the International Table Tennis Federation Pan American Youth Championships which brought in more than 200 athletes from 27 countries – the facility has also hosted the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship. During this men’s volleyball event—16 percent of attendees were visitors from 50 miles away or more and hotel occupancy averaged 71 percent. Top origin markets included: Pittsburgh, PA; Columbus, OH; Cleveland, OH; and Washington, DC.