Peoria Civic Center

Peoria Civic Center is a popular venue located in Peoria, Illinois, owned by the City of Peoria and operated by SMG (company), a leading provider of facility management services, similar to AEG Facilities and Comcast Spectacor. The center hosts various events, including concerts, Broadway shows, and sports games, featuring teams like the Peoria Rivermen and Bradley Braves. As a major entertainment hub, it attracts visitors from nearby cities like Bloomington, Illinois, Normal, Illinois, and Springfield, Illinois, as well as from across the Midwest, including Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri.

● History

The Peoria Civic Center was opened in 1982, with a grand opening ceremony attended by local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Peoria and Illinois Governor James R. Thompson. Since its inception, the center has undergone several renovations, including a major expansion in 2007, which added new exhibition space and upgraded the existing arena with state-of-the-art sound systems and lighting systems, similar to those used at Madison Square Garden and United Center. The center has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts by Elton John, Billy Joel, and Kenny Chesney, as well as NCAA basketball games and mixed martial arts events, such as UFC and WWE. The center's box office is managed by Ticketmaster, a leading provider of ticketing services, also used by Live Nation Entertainment and Anschutz Entertainment Group.

● Architecture

The Peoria Civic Center features a unique design that combines modern architecture with historic preservation, similar to the Willis Tower and John Hancock Center in Chicago, Illinois. The center's arena is designed to accommodate a variety of events, with a seating capacity of over 11,000, comparable to the Allstate Arena and United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The center's exhibition space is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, including projection systems and sound systems, similar to those used at McCormick Place and Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The center's facade features a distinctive glass and steel design, similar to the Guggenheim Museum and Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House.

● Facilities

The Peoria Civic Center offers a range of facilities and amenities, including a restaurant, bars, and concession stands, similar to those found at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. The center's arena is equipped with luxury suites and club seats, offering premium seating options for events, comparable to those found at Soldier Field and United Center. The center's exhibition space features flexible layout options, allowing for a variety of event configurations, similar to the Chicago Merchandise Mart and Navy Pier. The center also offers parking and shuttle services, making it easily accessible from nearby hotels, such as the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette and Embassy Suites by Hilton Peoria Riverfront.

● Events

The Peoria Civic Center hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, Broadway shows, and sports games, featuring teams like the Peoria Rivermen and Bradley Braves. The center has also hosted comedy shows, featuring performers like Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart, as well as mixed martial arts events, such as UFC and WWE. The center's event calendar includes annual events like the Peoria Riverfront Museum's festival and the Heart of Illinois Fair, which attract visitors from across the Midwest, including Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri. The center has also hosted conventions and trade shows, including the National Association of Home Builders and American Farm Bureau Federation.

● Location

The Peoria Civic Center is located in the heart of Peoria, Illinois, within walking distance of the Illinois River and Peoria Riverfront Museum. The center is easily accessible from nearby interstates, including Interstate 74 and Interstate 155, and is just a short drive from Peoria International Airport. The center's location makes it an ideal destination for events and conventions, attracting visitors from across the Midwest, including Chicago, Illinois, Indianapolis, Indiana, and St. Louis, Missouri, as well as from nearby cities like Bloomington, Illinois, Normal, Illinois, and Springfield, Illinois. The center is also close to several hotels, including the Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette and Embassy Suites by Hilton Peoria Riverfront, and restaurants, such as The Fish House and One World Cafe. Category:Venues