What Bon Secours Wellness Arena does

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,500-seat sports and entertainment venue located in Greenville, South Carolina, owned and operated by the Greenville Arena District, a political subdivision of the State of South Carolina formed under 1940 legislation. Opened in 1998 (originally as the BI-LO Center) and operating under its current naming rights since the Bon Secours partnership, the venue hosts over 130 commercial events annually, including concerts, family shows, college and minor-league hockey, NCAA and SEC tournaments, and corporate functions, serving approximately 600,000 attendees each year and generating an estimated $130+ million in annual economic impact for the Greenville metro area.

The arena's core product is event hosting, monetized through five distinct revenue streams: consumer ticket sales distributed via Ticketmaster and the GSP International Airport box office, premium seating (30 luxury suites on 3-year leases and 800+ club seats at $1,000/seat/year), corporate sponsorships (anchored by Bon Secours naming rights, plus Chevrolet, Duke Energy, Cintas, First Citizens, and others), concessions and catering operated exclusively by Levy Restaurants, and private event rentals. The technology stack is primarily commercial and operational: Ticketmaster for ticketing, Evolv AI-powered sensors for touchless weapons detection, cashless payment systems including Apple Pay and Google Pay across concessions, and the venue's own Sensory Suite and sensory safety kits as accessibility differentiators.

Strategically, the arena is in the early stages of a multi-year renovation and expansion master plan targeting 2029 completion, which will add a new amphitheater, additional parking, and refreshed concourse experiences. Its customer base spans individual entertainment consumers, sports tenants (Greenville Swamp Rabbits ECHL franchise, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament through 2025, NCAA regionals, Furman University basketball), corporate sponsors, and private event clients, with a leadership team of seven executives under General Manager Beth Paul.

Name

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Legal name

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Website

https://bonsecoursarena.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a government-owned 15,500-seat sports and entertainment venue in Greenville, SC, hosting 130+ events annually for ~600,000 attendees and monetizing through ticketing, premium seating, sponsorships, concessions, and private rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment Venue

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Arenas & Indoor Sports Centers (MPAKAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports & Arena Event Venues (Stadiums, Arenas) (THAHAAAF), Sports Hospitality & Premium Experiences (VIP, Suites, Fan Zones) (MPAGAMAJ), Concession & Stadium / Arena Catering (THAFAIAG)

Keywords

• Live event venue
• Sports entertainment arena
• Premium seating suites
• Corporate event hosting
• Concession food beverage

Headquarters

HQ city

Greenville

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, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue from ticket sales for concerts, sporting events, family shows, and tournaments. Tickets sold through Ticketmaster and GSP International Airport Box Office.
2. Premium Seating (Suites & Club Seats): Revenue from luxury suite rentals (3-year lease agreements) and club seat licenses ($1,000/seat/year on 3-year terms). Suite amenities include wet bar, private restroom, VIP parking, and dedicated concierge service.
3. Concessions & Food & Beverage: Revenue from food and beverage sales throughout events. Operated by Levy Restaurants with cashless payment systems. Includes Carolina Smoke BBQ, Well Pressed, Swamp Dog, Reedy River Roost, GVL Pizza, and craft beer options.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Multi-year sponsorship agreements with major brands including Bon Secours (naming rights), Carolina Chevrolet Dealers, Duke Energy, Cintas, First Citizens Bank, Furman University, and others. Includes signage, advertising, and activation rights.
5. Private Event Rentals: Revenue from corporate events, banquets, trade shows, board meetings, and parties. Catering provided by Levy Restaurants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,500-seat sports and entertainment venue in Greenville, South Carolina that hosts 130+ commercial events per year, including concerts, family shows, sporting events, hockey games, and tournaments. Its primary offering is live event hosting complemented by premium seating (club seats, luxury suites), on-site food and beverage concessions operated by Levy Restaurants, private event rentals, and community wellness programs such as Well Walkers.

Product overview

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a 15,500-seat sports and entertainment venue offering a comprehensive portfolio of event experiences. The core product encompasses live events including concerts, sporting events, family shows, and conventions, complemented by premium seating options (Club Seats and Premium/Party Suites), exclusive lounge experiences (Arena Lounge Upgrade, Wicked Weed Green Room, Mezzanine Lounge, Pepsi Terrace), and community wellness programs (Well Walkers, Sensory Suite, Sensory Safety Kits). The venue partners with Levy Restaurants for exclusive food and beverage services and Ticketmaster for ticketing. The arena serves as home to the ECHL's Greenville Swamp Rabbits and hosts private event rentals for corporate and social occasions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Events & Tickets
• Club Seats
• Premium Suites Luxury private suites hosting 16-24 guests with wet bar, refrigerator, private restroom, flat screen TV, and personal attendant. Includes VIP parking and dedicated concierge service on 3-year lease agreements.
• Single Event Suite Rentals (Party Suites) Single-event rental of larger suites in Sections 106 and 110 accommodating up to 40 people for celebrations and group events. Available for Swamp Rabbits games and select events.
• Arena Lounge Upgrade Premium upgrade offering private lounge access (Wicked Weed Green Room or Mezzanine Lounge), private bar, chef-prepared menu, and entry through Chevrolet VIP Entrance for select events.
• Private Event Rentals Venue rental services for corporate events, banquets, trade shows, board meetings, team-building events, and parties. Catering provided exclusively by Levy Restaurants.
• Well Walkers Program Free community health and wellness program enabling members to walk the arena concourse (1/4 mile per lap) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with free parking and health professional consultations.
• Food & Beverage Concessions Exclusive in-house catering and concessions including Carolina Smoke BBQ, Well Pressed, Swamp Dog, Reedy River Roost, GVL Pizza, Pepsi products, and craft beer. Cashless payment system with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Visa gift card options.
• Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Season Season-long hosting of the ECHL's Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team as the arena's home venue, with all home games played at the facility.

Quantifiable outcome

• $130+ million annual economic impact on Greenville metro area
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Bon SecoursflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 June 2023Naming rights partner for Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Major healthcare system serving the Greenville community. Partnership renewed in June 2023 for continued naming rights.
• Wicked Weed BrewingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 March 2022Craft beer partner with completed first-round renovations of the Wicked Weed Green Room lounge. Formerly known as Stella Lounge. Offers craft beer, specialty cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Based in Asheville, NC.
• Carolina Chevrolet DealerscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 February 20223-year partnership anchored by the 'Chevrolet VIP Entrance' at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Includes signage and advertising entitlement rights to the VIP Entrance on Church Street. Touchless security and ticket scanning technology included.
• Furman UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2017Multi-year partnership including Furman University Entrance on North Church Street with university branding. Furman uses arena as alternative home court for basketball. Includes digital displays, scoreboard branding, and 360 ribbon board opportunities.
• Duke EnergycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility company partnership supporting community initiatives including hunger relief campaigns. Provided $100,000+ contributions to One SC Fund and food bank partnerships.
• Levy RestaurantscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive in-house food and beverage partner providing concessions, suite catering, and event catering. Donates over $700,000 in annual concession profits through partnership. Operates multiple food stands and lounges.
• Project HostminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTAGE Partner focused on combating food insecurity in Greenville area through annual community food drives and service opportunities.
• Habitat for Humanity of GreenvilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Arena Build partnership constructing homes for deserving families. Framework completed at arena then relocated to Habitat neighborhood. Partnership since 2019.
• Loaves & FishesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood rescue partnership through Levy where excess event food is donated for distribution to network of 98 agencies and shelters.
• Upstate Warrior SolutionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVeterans support organization partner providing insight and opportunities for arena to assist veterans in the Upstate area.
• Upstate Fatherhood CoalitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFatherhood engagement organization partnership providing opportunities for families to attend shows and program participants to work part-time roles at arena.
• Sprouts Farmers MarketcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor of Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad gymnastics event featuring top-ranked teams including Oklahoma, LSU, Florida, UCLA, Georgia, Utah, Clemson, and UNC.
• TicketmastercoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial ticketing partner for all arena events. Provides online ticket sales, mobile ticketing, and box office integration.
• VisitGreenvilleSCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDestination marketing organization worked with Greenville Arena District to secure SEC Women's Basketball Tournament and other major events for the city.
• SEC (Southeastern Conference)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year contract (2019-2021, extended to 2023-2025, and 2023-2025) to host SEC Women's Basketball Tournament. Previously hosted in 2005, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
• NCAAflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Regionals (March 2023) featuring 8 competing teams. Also hosted Men's 1st & 2nd Rounds.
• CintasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor providing uniform and facility services.
• First Citizens BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor with naming rights to the First Citizens Bank entrance and rotunda.
• ScanSourceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology distributor and corporate sponsor. Presented the Sensory Suite in partnership with ScanSource Charitable Foundation.
• TD SynnexminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor and technology distribution company.
• SpinxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal convenience store chain and sponsor. SPINX Guest Services desk located at section 116/117.
• PepsiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial beverage partner. Pepsi Terrace outdoor space named after sponsor.
• Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airport partner. GSP International Airport Box Office located at the arena.
• Greenville Technical CollegeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal technical college and corporate sponsor.
• KW BeverageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage distribution partner and sponsor.
• Capstone LandscapingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLandscape services partner and sponsor.
• Plus Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• PNC Arena: 19,000+ seat Raleigh arena (NHL Hurricanes and NC State) — larger regional competitor with overlapping concert and college basketball content that competes for regional event routing. N/A
• Spectrum Center: NBA-grade 20,000+ seat Charlotte arena 100+ miles from Greenville — broader incumbent in the same regional touring/tournament market that draws away headline content from Bon Secours. N/A

Direct peers

• BOK Center: 17,000-seat arena in Tulsa, OK directly comparable in capacity, mixed concert/sports/family event programming, and similar premium seating and sponsorship strategy. N/A
• Mississippi Coast Coliseum: ~10,000-seat venue in Biloxi, MS — comparable regional mid-sized arena with concerts, SEC and NCAA tournament history, and similar reliance on touring content and premium seating revenue. N/A
• CFG Bank Arena: Baltimore, MD 14,000+ seat mid-sized arena operated under similar public/operator hybrid structure hosting concerts, college basketball, and family entertainment at comparable scale and event cadence. N/A
• Amica Mutual Pavilion: 12,400-seat arena in Providence, RI — comparable mid-sized multi-purpose venue hosting AHL hockey (Providence Bruins), concerts, and college events with similar event mix and community programming. N/A
• Gas South Arena: Mid-sized multi-purpose arena in Duluth, GA in the same Southeast region, hosting concerts, family shows, and minor league sports (ECHL's Atlanta Glades) with similar premium seating and sponsorship model. N/A
• Raising Cane's River Center: ~10,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Baton Rouge, LA — comparable size, college-basketball and concert-heavy book of business, government-affiliated operation with similar regional draw. N/A
• Cross Insurance Arena: ~9,000-seat arena in Portland, ME — comparable mid-sized multi-purpose venue with similar concert/family-show/mens-college-basketball event mix and government-affiliated operating structure. N/A
• Legacy Arena: Recently renovated 15,000+ seat arena in Birmingham, AL — comparable size, Southeast market, multi-purpose entertainment/sports venue with similar booking strategy and anchor tenancy dynamics. N/A

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bswarena
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCNTlR21CwB4CWkZaZm8-1FA?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/BSWArena
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bswarena
• Instagraminstagram.com/bswarena

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Bon Secours Wellness Arena