Show Me Center upgrades may lead to more, bigger shows

To the average person walking into the Show Me Center, the changes likely will go unseen.

But the phase 2 renovations to the facility could have a large impact on the quantity and quality of entertainment that come to town.

Over the summer 80 steel beams were reinforced, 20 were added and a new catwalk was installed. Improvements to the north parking lot were also made, probably the most visible change to the facility.

The cost for the structural steel upgrades was $815,715 and for the parking lot improvements was $903,794, according to a news release.

According to Abbie Vander Bol, marketing director for the Show Me Center, there could be an increase from the approximately 20 arena-sized events that are held there each year.

The increased rigging capabilities from the added and improved beams allows Show Me Center staff to expand its search when booking shows; some that require larger on-stage structures will no longer be out of the picture.

"It's always been a matter of looking at what their set is before we book it. And then you always ask them if they're able to cut down a little bit," Vander Bol told Southeast Missourian reporter Bridget Brown. "Now, hopefully, we won't have to ask the people we are seeking out or that are seeking us if they can cut back."

And there have been event coordinators that have sought out the Show Me Center since the renovations, according to Vander Bol. "Vander Bol said they are getting ready to announce several shows in the coming months, and some of those approached them because of the renovations," Brown wrote in the article.

We're excited to see what events and entertainers will grace the Show Me Center with their presence in the upcoming year.