The Dow Event Center

What The Dow Event Center does

The Dow Event Center is a privately-operated, multi-purpose entertainment and sports venue complex located in Saginaw, Michigan, serving the Great Lakes Bay Region. Originally built in 1972 as the Saginaw Civic Center, the facility was reopened under private management on July 1, 2001 following voter-approved millage, and was renamed in 2004 after Dow Chemical Company acquired naming rights at $250,000 per year for ten years. The complex comprises four primary event spaces: The Arena (up to 7,600 capacity), The Theater (up to 2,276 seats), The Red Room (multi-purpose space for up to 1,200 guests), and The Garden Room (intimate venue for up to 184 guests), plus the Jolt Credit Union Event Park, a 5,500-capacity outdoor venue with a 10,000 sq ft pavilion that opened in August 2013.

The venue is managed by ASM Global — formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG, and operator of more than 300 venues globally — under a management agreement with Saginaw County, which owns the physical facility. Anchor tenants include the Saginaw Spirit (Ontario Hockey League franchise hosting 34+ home games per season since 2002) and the Michigan Arsenal arena football team. Revenue is generated across six streams: ticket sales through Ticketmaster and the on-site box office, concessions and catering via SAVOR/SMG, naming rights and sponsorship, parking, private event rentals (weddings, corporate events, banquets), and seasonal ice rental. The facility is supported by 1,323 parking spaces, modernized LED lighting and videoboard systems, and a venue-wide cashless payment policy. Marketing is concentrated in digital channels — E-Club email list, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, and the doweventcenter.com website — alongside direct sales for group outings and private event bookings.

The Dow Event Center does not disclose revenue or financial statements publicly. Its primary customer segments are local and regional: sports fans (hockey, arena football), live entertainment attendees (concerts, theater, family shows), private event hosts (corporate, weddings), community organizations, and families. The venue competes with larger Michigan arenas in Detroit and Grand Rapids for touring act routing, but retains a structural advantage as the primary mid-market entertainment destination in its region, anchored by long-term tenant relationships and the operational backing of ASM Global.

Name

The Dow Event Center

Legal name

The Dow Event Center

Website

https://doweventcenter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Dow Event Center is a privately-operated multi-purpose entertainment and sports venue complex in Saginaw, Michigan, managed by ASM Global. It serves the Great Lakes Bay Region with an arena, theater, meeting rooms, and outdoor event park, hosting hockey, concerts, theater, and private events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment Venue Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Other Spectator Sports (711219), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Eating Places (5812)

akta.pro primary industry

Multipurpose Event Center Operations (Civic Centers, Community Event Complexes) (MPAGALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA), Venue Food, Beverage & Hospitality Operations (Concessions, Catering, Premium Seating) (MPAGALAN), Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL)

Keywords

• Multi-purpose event venue
• Live entertainment hosting
• Sports arena rental
• Convention and banquet services
• Event catering services

Headquarters

HQ city

Saginaw

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue from tickets sold for events including hockey games, concerts, family shows, and theater performances through Ticketmaster and the box office. Ticketmaster charges convenience fees for online and phone purchases.
2. Concessions and Food & Beverage: On-site food and beverage sales through concession stands (The Grill, Jet's Pizza, The Snack Shack, Dippin' Dots, K&R Almonds) and bars. Full-service catering by SAVOR... by SMG for private events and banquets.
3. Naming Rights and Sponsorship: Naming rights sponsorship revenue. The venue has had naming rights deals with Dow Chemical Company ($250,000/year for 10 years starting 2004), FirstMerit Bank, Huntington Event Park, and currently Jolt Credit Union.
4. Parking: Revenue from parking operations including front lot, parking ramp, and additional flat lots. Parking is cashless.
5. Private Event Rental: Rental revenue from hosting private events including weddings, corporate events, banquets, proms, and conferences in The Red Room, Garden Room, Theater Lobby, and other spaces.
6. Ice Rental: During hockey season, the ice can be rented out for private use including skating parties, hockey practice, games, and tournaments along with locker rooms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Dow Event Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex that rents its indoor and outdoor event spaces to host sporting events, concerts, theater performances, family shows, and private functions such as weddings and corporate events. It also sells tickets to public events, operates concession and full-service catering through SAVOR, manages parking, and generates naming-rights and sponsorship revenue. The complex includes The Arena (up to 7,600 capacity), The Theater (up to 2,276 seats), The Red Room, The Garden Room, and the outdoor Jolt Credit Union Event Park (5,500 capacity).

Product overview

The Dow Event Center is a multi-purpose entertainment complex offering venue rental and event hosting services. The venue portfolio includes four primary indoor spaces: The Arena (7,600 capacity for sports and concerts), The Theater (2,276 seats for theatrical performances), The Red Room (multi-purpose space for up to 1,200 guests), and The Garden Room (intimate space for up to 184 guests). An affiliated outdoor venue, Jolt Credit Union Event Park (5,500 capacity), extends the outdoor event offerings. The venue serves as home to the Saginaw Spirit hockey team (Ontario Hockey League) and Michigan Arsenal arena football team. Additional services include SAVOR catering by SMG, comprehensive box office and ticketing services via Ticketmaster integration, and group outing/private event hosting capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Jolt Credit Union Event Park: An outdoor venue with a 10,000 sq. foot pavilion, main stage, and grassy area designed for concerts, community events, fundraisers, and more, with 5,500 capacity.
• The Red Room
• The Garden Room

Products and services

• The Arena at The Dow Event Center The main indoor arena at The Dow Event Center with 25,000 square feet, new LED lighting, a state-of-the-art videoboard, and a modern public address system. It hosts up to 7,600 people for hockey games, indoor football, concerts, monster truck shows, professional bull riding, circuses, trade shows, and conferences.
• The Theater at The Dow Event Center Theater venue with seating for up to 2,276 guests. Equipped with professional lighting and sound systems, spacious dressing rooms, and convenient loading areas. Hosts Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and theatrical performances.
• The Red Room at The Dow Event Center

Quantifiable outcome

• 34 home games annually from Saginaw Spirit plus additional Michigan Arsenal games provides predictable event calendar
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.

• Dow Chemical CompanyflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 September 2004Naming rights sponsor for The Dow Event Center. Original agreement in September 2004 was $250,000 per year for 10 years. Dow is a Fortune 500 company with about 30% of employees and retirees residing in the Saginaw/Bay area. The naming rights association 'further legitimizes the facility as a regional sports and entertainment destination.'
• Jolt Credit UnionflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCurrent naming rights sponsor for Jolt Credit Union Event Park (outdoor venue). Name change occurred April 12, 2022 after more than five years with previous sponsor Huntington Event Park.
• ASM GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue management company formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG. Manages The Dow Event Center with oversight of Saginaw County Building Authority. ASM Global manages over 300 venues across 5 continents and 14 countries including McCormick Place, Los Angeles Convention Center, and Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
• Saginaw Spirit Hockey ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario Hockey League franchise and anchor tenant since 2002. Garber Management Group purchased the OHL team which was named Saginaw Spirit. The team hosts 34+ home games annually in Wendler Arena, 'adding another dimension to the Event Center' and ensuring local OHL hockey and quality entertainment.
• TicketmastercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary online ticketing platform partner for The Dow Event Center and Jolt Credit Union Event Park. Provides 24/7 ticket services via website, phone (1-800-745-3000), and retail outlets. Convenience fees apply for purchases through Ticketmaster.
• SAVOR... by SMGcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExclusive food and beverage service provider at The Dow Event Center. Offers full-service banquet staff, certified bartenders, and accommodates special menu requests, dietary needs, and custom menu options. Provides concessions during events and suite catering during select arena functions.
• Michigan ArsenalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArena football team tenant hosting home games at The Dow Event Center. Additional team tenant alongside Saginaw Spirit, providing recurring sports programming throughout the year.
• Saginaw County Building AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOversight body for The Dow Event Center along with an Event Center Advisory Group. Voters approved millage for renovations in 2001, and the County Board of Commissioners voted to award the naming rights sponsorship to Dow Chemical Company.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sudbury Community Arena: Home of the Sudbury Wolves (OHL), making it a direct Ontario Hockey League peer to Dow Event Center's Saginaw Spirit. Relevant for league-wide programming economics and touring-act routing through northern-tier markets.
• BOK Center: ASM Global-managed, mid-market multipurpose arena in Tulsa, OK (~19,000 capacity). Closest comparable in venue size, ASM Global management, and tier of touring-act programming; provides a direct read on competitive benchmarks for arena-level economics.
• Wings Event Center: Mid-sized multipurpose arena in Kalamazoo, MI hosting ECHL hockey, concerts, and family shows. Closest geographic and demographic peer within Michigan, providing a direct comp for mid-Michigan event pricing and attendance behavior.
• The Whiting: Mid-sized performing arts and events venue in Flint, MI hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and comedy. Comparable Mid-Michigan venue operating at a similar demographic tier for theatrical and live entertainment programming.
• Liacouras Center: ASM Global-managed multi-purpose arena (~10,000 capacity) at Temple University hosting concerts, family shows, and convocation-style events. Comparable as a tier-two ASM-managed arena with mixed sports/entertainment programming.
• Huntington Center: ASM Global-managed, ~8,000-seat arena in Toledo, OH hosting Walleye ECHL hockey and concerts. Closest same-state (OH/MI border) mid-market arena peer and ECHL/OHL comparable for anchor tenant economics.
• Coca-Cola Coliseum: Multi-purpose arena in Toronto (~8,000 capacity) hosting Toronto Marlies (AHL) and Toronto Rock (NLL). Comparable in arena size, hockey anchor tenant model, and live entertainment programming mix.

Regional players

• Midland Center for the Arts: Regional cultural venue in Midland, MI (Dow Chemical headquarters city) hosting theater, concerts, and exhibitions. Comparable regional-tier arts and entertainment programming and serves the same Dow-anchored Great Lakes Bay audience base.
• Dow Diamond: Minor-league baseball stadium in Midland, MI serving as home of the Great Lakes Loons. Regional sports venue peer sharing the Dow Chemical regional brand association and overlapping Great Lakes Bay audience; comparable on naming-rights sponsor profile.
• Bay County Community Center: Regional event facility in nearby Bay City, MI hosting expos, sporting events, and community functions. Comparable mid-Michigan multipurpose venue competing for a portion of the same regional event rental and exhibition business.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DowEventCenter
• Facebookfacebook.com/thedoweventcenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/doweventcenter
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saginaw-civic-ctr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Dow Event Center