Nutter Center drawing fewer big tours

Competition with newer arenas has hurt the venue

FAIRBORN — Wright State University’s Nutter Center has played host to some of the biggest names in music since it opened 20 years ago this month, but fewer top acts have performed there in recent years because of changes in the music industry and competition from newer arenas in nearby Columbus.

The 12,000-seat sports and entertainment complex has been successful booking major acts over the years because of its proximity to Interstates 75 and 70, said Jim Brown, Nutter Center executive director.

The Nutter Center has annual revenue of approximately $3.8 million and breaks even financially.

“It wasn’t built to make a profit; that’s not why we’re here,” said Steven Angle, university provost.

Rascal Flatts and Kid Rock both are scheduled to perform there next month. However, many tours bypass Dayton in favor of the Columbus venues Value City Arena, which seats 20,000, and Nationwide Arena, which seats 21,000.

“Columbus is a bigger market, so it becomes a numbers game from a promoter’s perspective,” Brown said.

The music industry hasn’t focused recently on developing arena-level acts, and fewer performers can fill large venues, said Scott Stienecker, president of PromoWest Productions in Columbus.

“You look at that combined with the economic situation that has taken place over the last couple of years especially, that’s been a challenge,” Brown said.

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