What Durham Performing Arts Center does

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is a 2,700-seat live entertainment venue in Durham, North Carolina, that opened in 2008 as a public-private partnership with the City of Durham. The venue is managed under a long-term operation agreement by Nederlander (a family-owned theater operator founded in 1912 that owns or operates 24 facilities worldwide) and Professional Facilities Management (PFM). DPAC presents Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy shows, and family entertainment, hosting 250+ performances per season and attracting 600,000+ guests annually, with 75% traveling from outside Durham. Since opening, the venue has entertained over six million guests and generated more than $1 billion in measured regional economic impact.

The core product set includes three Broadway subscription series — Broadway at DPAC (flagship season ticket packages), the Sport Durst President's Club premium tier with box seat memberships, and WRAL's Greatest Hits of Broadway — alongside individual event tickets, Behind the Scenes Tours, venue rental ($30,000–$45,000 per event), and corporate sponsorships anchored by First Horizon as presenting sponsor and Blue Cross NC as Ticket Center sponsor. Technology infrastructure includes state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, mobile ticketing through the dedicated DPAC iOS/Android app and Ticketmaster as primary platform, FM-based assistive listening devices, and GalaPro real-time captioning. Distribution runs through Ticketmaster, the in-house Blue Cross NC Ticket Center (phone, in-person, online), group services for parties of 10+, and an ecosystem of hotel and restaurant partners (21c Museum Hotel, Aloft Durham Downtown, SpringHill Suites, Unscripted, Counting House, NanaSteak) plus Delta Air Lines as official airline.

Revenue is generated across four primary streams: ticket sales (Broadway tickets start at $41.50 plus tax), cashless food and beverage concessions, corporate partnerships targeting 500,000+ annual guests, and venue rental for outside event organizers. The venue is consistently ranked among the top five theaters and performing arts centers in the United States since 2010 and has won the IEBA Theater of the Year Award (2018), the NC Visitor Attraction of the Year (2018), TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice (10-time winner), and Triangle Business Journal #1 Performing Arts Organization (16 consecutive years).

Name

Durham Performing Arts Center

Legal name

Durham Performing Arts Center

Website

https://dpacnc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Durham Performing Arts Center is a 2,700-seat live entertainment venue in Durham, NC, presenting Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy to 600,000+ annual guests under management by Nederlander and PFM.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment Venue

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Event Operations & Venue Services (Box Office, FOH/BOH, Concessions) (MPAIAFAL), Venue Food, Beverage & Hospitality Operations (Concessions, Catering, Premium Seating) (MPAGALAN)

Keywords

• Live entertainment venue
• Broadway productions
• Performing arts center
• Event ticketing services
• Venue rental services

Headquarters

HQ city

Durham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: DPAC generates primary revenue through ticket sales via Ticketmaster and its Blue Cross NC Ticket Center. Ticket prices vary by event; Broadway tickets start at $41.50 plus tax. The venue hosts 250+ performances annually attracting 600,000+ guests.
2. Food and Beverage Concessions: The venue operates multiple lobby bars and snack kiosks offering cocktails, wine, craft and domestic beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. All purchases are cashless, requiring credit/debit cards or mobile payment.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: DPAC offers corporate partnership packages including dynamic signage, lobby television network, logo inclusion, on-site visibility, sampling opportunities, customized promotions, hospitality, and premium tickets. Target reach: 500,000+ annual guests plus millions through marketing messages.
4. Venue Rental: DPAC rents its Performance Theater for events at rates ranging from $30,000 to $45,000 per event, which includes rent, event staff, production equipment (sound and lights), security, ticketing, and utilities. Requires proof of successful track record in venues of 2,000+ seats.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) operates a 2,700-seat performing arts venue in Durham, North Carolina, presenting over 250 live events annually including touring Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, and family entertainment. Revenue is generated primarily through ticket sales via Ticketmaster and its own Blue Cross NC Ticket Center, with secondary income from food and beverage concessions, corporate sponsorships, and venue rental of the Performance Theater.

Product overview

Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) is a 2,700-seat performing arts venue in Durham, North Carolina. The company operates as a live entertainment center presenting Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, and family events. The core product offering includes Broadway at DPAC season ticket packages, Sport Durst President's Club premium memberships, and WRAL's Greatest Hits of Broadway. Individual tickets are sold for single events including Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, and family programming. Additional services include Behind the Scenes Tours, DPAC venue rental for outside groups, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, a mobile app for ticketing and entry, and comprehensive accessible seating and services including assistive listening devices, audio description, captioning, and sign language interpretation. DPAC hosts over 250 events annually with approximately 550,000-600,000 guests per season, and is managed in partnership between Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM) under agreement with the City of Durham.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Broadway at DPAC: The venue's signature Broadway subscription series featuring touring Broadway productions.
• Sport Durst President's Club
• WRAL's Greatest Hits of Broadway

Products and services

• Broadway at DPAC Season Ticket Packages
• Sport Durst President's Club
• WRAL's Greatest Hits of Broadway
• Individual Event Tickets
• Behind the Scenes Tours
• DPAC Performance Theater Venue Rental
• Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships
• Accessible Seating & Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 6 million guests entertained since opening in 2008
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 21c Museum HotelcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial hotel partner located two blocks from DPAC at 111 Corcoran Street. Boutique hotel with contemporary art museum, 125 rooms, and Counting House restaurant. Offers 10% off Best Available Rate using code DPAC10.
• Aloft Durham DowntowncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSix-story, 134-room boutique hotel located directly adjacent to DPAC (opened September 2015). Part of Marriott brand. Easy walking distance to venue.
• SpringHill Suites by MarriottminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAll-suite hotel steps away from DPAC at 705 S. Mangum St. Offers DPAC package with free parking, early check-in or late check-out, and complimentary beverage voucher.
• Unscripted (Hyatt)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHyatt hotel at 202 Corcoran Street. Durham landmark featuring mid-century design, rooftop pool, and six-minute walk to DPAC.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of North CarolinacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of DPAC's Blue Cross NC Ticket Center. Provides ticket purchasing services and accessibility support for guests.
• First HorizoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of DPAC (DPAC Presented by First Horizon). Major financial and marketing partner for the venue.
• Sport DurstcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of President's Club premium seating membership at DPAC. Provides VIP box seat membership opportunities.
• NederlandercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of America's largest and most experienced theater operators. Family-owned company founded in 1912. Owns and operates 24 facilities worldwide including theaters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, Tucson, and London. Joint operator of DPAC under long-term agreement with City of Durham.
• Professional Facilities Management (PFM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded in 1989 by James L. Lynn Singleton. Specializes in objective evaluation and management of venues in diverse locations. Works with nine theaters in eight states. Joint operator of DPAC under long-term agreement with City of Durham.
• Counting HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRestaurant located inside 21c Museum Hotel. Seafood-driven menu with local cuisine, bar and lounge. Pre- and post-theatre dining available.
• NanaSteakminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAward-winning steakhouse located in American Tobacco Campus between Aloft Hotel and DPAC. High-energy upscale dining with special anniversary celebration (10 years serving Durham).
• Durham Coca-ColaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal Coca-Cola bottler and distribution partner.
• Delta Air LinesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial airline partner offering travel deals and information for DPAC visitors traveling to Durham.
• City of DurhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic-private partnership operating agreement. The City of Durham owns DPAC and contracts with Nederlander and PFM for venue operations. Generates significant economic impact and attracts regional visitors.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Blumenthal Performing Arts Center: Charlotte, NC-based performing arts complex hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events. Closest direct geographic peer with similar mission, scale, and Broadway presenting model in the Carolinas.
• Peace Center: Greenville, SC performing arts center presenting Broadway, concerts, and comedy in a similarly-sized venue. Comparable Southeast regional Broadway destination serving a mid-sized metropolitan market.
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta): Historic 4,665-seat Atlanta venue presenting Broadway tours, concerts, and family shows. Comparable Southeast Broadway presenting venue with similar programming model and broader market reach.
• Altria Theater: Richmond, VA performing arts venue (formerly Landmark Theater) hosting Broadway tours and concerts. Comparable mid-tier regional Broadway presenting venue in adjacent Southeast market.
• Aronoff Center for the Arts: Cincinnati, OH performing arts complex operated by Cincinnati Arts Association. Comparable Broadway presenting venue of similar scale and tier in a similar-sized regional market.
• Chrysler Hall: Norfolk, VA performing arts venue managed by Seven Venues, hosting Broadway tours and concerts. Comparable regional presenting venue in adjacent Southeast/Mid-Atlantic market.
• Ovens Auditorium: Charlotte, NC 2,455-seat auditorium hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and family events. Comparable Carolinas-based Broadway presenting venue of similar size tier.
• Mahaffey Theater: St. Petersburg, FL performing arts venue operated under Bill Edwards Foundation. Comparable Southeast Broadway presenting venue of similar scale and tier.

Broad incumbents

• Kennedy Center: National performing arts center in Washington, DC, operated by the National Symphony Orchestra. Larger, federally-funded incumbent in the same broad space of presenting premier performing arts, though at much greater scale and prestige tier.

Others

• Nederlander: Family-owned theater operator and DPAC's joint management partner, operating 24 venues worldwide. Comparable as the parent operating entity providing content access and operational infrastructure to DPAC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dpac
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/DurhamPerformingArts
• Facebookfacebook.com/dpacnc
• Instagraminstagram.com/dpacnc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/durham-performing-arts-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

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 Durham Performing Arts Center