Largest attended event in the history of The Center with over 8750 attendees! This two-day event had an economic impact of over $2 million, affecting a lot more than just the spirit of the City of Springfield. This dynamic evangelist drew attendees from thirty different states to the Capital city and generated an overwhelmingly positive response to The Center as the host facility.

One of Country music’s hottest acts, Carrie Underwood, wowed fans, to say the least. What can you say about a stage that floated above the crowds?? The production value of the show alone was just phenomenal, and unlike anything Central Illinois had ever seen. Ms. Underwood’s performance absolutely rocked the packed house.

When the Cirque du Soleil – Quidam show came to Springfield, it was unlike any other event in The Center’s history. The prestigious Cirque du Soleil brand’s reputation for putting on a show that crowds will never forget was spot on. From set-up through the last show, Quidam was just awe-inspiring. The coordinated efforts of The Center’s staff and the show’s production team was really something special.

The Annual City Basketball Tournament is one of the most electric events The Center sees all year! Held the third week in January, this three-day battle for bragging rights boasts attendance between 15,000 – 20,000 people with the student sections packed full of kids supporting their home high school teams. The building is never louder than the 4th quarter of the championship game. There’s just nothing like this awesome event in Central Illinois.

Each year in late February the Springfield Area Home Builders Association Home Expo fills The Center with 250+ vendors showcasing residential and commercial home and building products. If you’re looking to improve your home with the latest, innovative products and materials, there’s no better place than this huge event.

Each Fall for the last twenty years, 20,000 – 25,000 people have come to see the Ansar Shrine Circus. This is easily considered the most beloved event The Center hosts. It remains, after all these years, quality and inexpensive family entertainment in its purest form. The Center’s long-standing relationship with organizers makes this event something our staff looks forward to every year, as well.