McMorran Place

What McMorran Place does

McMorran Place is a municipal civic sports and entertainment complex located at 701 McMorran Blvd in downtown Port Huron, Michigan, owned and operated by the City of Port Huron under oversight of the McMorran Commission. Established in 1960, it functions as a multi-format venue portfolio consisting of a 2,450-seat ice arena (expandable to 3,000+ for concerts and conventions with 17 suites), a 1,135-seat theater with main floor, mezzanine, and balcony seating plus a Hearing Loop accessibility system, a 150-person private event lounge, and an outdoor Plaza used for free summer programming. The Ice Arena is the official home of the Port Huron Prowlers (Federal Hockey League) and also hosts Port Huron Minor Hockey, International Silver Stick tournaments, and figure skating. Technology infrastructure includes LiveBarn live-streaming of all ice events with an iOS app, Showpass online ticketing, and Google Forms for performer applications.

The business model combines four revenue streams: ticketed event sales (concerts, comedy, theater, Prowlers hockey, Town Hall speaker series), private venue rentals (weddings, banquets, corporate events, conventions), in-house food and beverage services with unit pricing from $33.95–$39.95 per person and a 23% staffing surcharge, and free community Plaza programming (Play The Plaza, YMCA fitness classes, Lakeside Party Series) that monetizes indirectly through food and beverage vendors such as Casey's on the Plaza. Distribution runs through Showpass online, phone and in-person box office sales, venue-rental inquiry forms, and free open-access Plaza events. Strategic partnerships anchor recurring programming: LiveBarn (streaming), Port Huron Prowlers (hockey anchor), Port Huron Town Hall (speaker series), YMCA of the Blue Water Area (free fitness), and PrimeTime Entertainment (Lakeside Beach DJ series).

The 2026 programming calendar reflects a deliberate broadening of the content mix into premium speakers, off-site beach events, and expanded summer Plaza activity. Headcount is reported at 11–50 employees under a leadership team comprising General Manager Rob Churchill, Assistant General Manager Ashly Filipiak, Marketing & Entertainment Booking lead Jesse Sheldon, Bar Manager Terri Hendrick, and Technical & Productions lead Aaron Sexton. As a municipally owned civic center, McMorran Place does not raise private capital and operates without M&A, funding rounds, or equity-driven growth signals.

Name

McMorran Place

Legal name

McMorran Place

Website

https://mcmorran.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

McMorran Place is a municipally owned multi-venue civic sports and entertainment complex in downtown Port Huron, Michigan, operating an ice arena (home to the Port Huron Prowlers), a 1,135-seat theater, a private event lounge, and an outdoor plaza serving local community members, regional visitors, sports teams, and private event organizers since 1960.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment and Event Venues

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Sports & Arena Event Venues (Stadiums, Arenas) (THAHAAAF)

Keywords

• Live entertainment venue
• Ice arena rental
• Theater performance space
• Event catering services
• Community event hosting

Headquarters

HQ city

Port Huron

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Venue Rentals: The venue generates revenue from renting its spaces including The Lounge (seating up to 150 people), Theater, Ice Arena, and Plaza for private events, weddings, banquets, corporate events, and community gatherings. Room rental for The Lounge is $1,000.
2. Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticketed events including concerts, comedy shows, theater performances, Port Huron Prowlers hockey games, and Town Hall speaker series events. Tickets sold online, by phone, in-person, and at door.
3. Food & Beverage Services: Catering and bar services including buffet dinner at $39.95/person with full bar, partial bar at $15/person, full bar service at $20/person, non-alcoholic bar at $5.95/person, and cash bar setup at $210. Minimum 100 people or $4,000 minimum food spend for catering events.
4. Plaza Events: Free community events on the Plaza including Play The Plaza (yard games and live music Fridays June-September) and Lakeside Party Series. Generates foot traffic and supports food/beverage sales without ticketing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

McMorran Place is a multi-venue civic entertainment complex that rents out four distinct event spaces - an Ice Arena (3,000+ capacity, home to Port Huron Prowlers hockey), a 1,135-seat Theater, The Lounge (150-person private event space), and The Plaza (outdoor venue) - for concerts, theater performances, hockey games, weddings, banquets, corporate events, and community programming. The operation includes in-house catering, bar services, ticketed event programming, free community Plaza events, and LiveBarn integration for live streaming of arena events.

Product overview

McMorran Place is a multi-venue entertainment complex in Port Huron, Michigan, operating since 1960. The venue portfolio consists of four distinct spaces: the Ice Arena (home to the Port Huron Prowlers hockey team) capable of hosting 3,000+ attendees; the Theater with 1,135 plush seats; The Lounge event space for up to 150 guests; and The Plaza outdoor venue. The complex offers live streaming via LiveBarn, operates the Port Huron Town Hall speaker series, and hosts seasonal programming including Play The Plaza (Friday night music and yard games), Lakeside Party Series (beach DJ events), and YMCA fitness classes. The venue caters to concerts, conventions, theatrical performances, weddings, and community events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ice Arena venue rental Indoor ice rink and multi-purpose arena accommodating over 3,000 people for conventions, concerts, hockey games, and attractions. Features an 85' x 185' convertible ice/floor surface, permanent seating for 2,450, 17 suites holding up to 170 people total, 72' x 40' portable stage, and loading door access. Used by hockey teams, figure skaters, trade shows, and concert promoters.
• Theater venue rental 1,135-seat theater with main floor, mezzanine, and balcony seating designed for theatrical performances, concerts, comedy shows, Town Hall speaker events, plays, recitals, and comedy acts. Fully equipped backstage with complete lighting and sound components, dressing rooms, a Hearing Loop system for the hearing impaired, and a concession area.
• The Lounge private event space Event space seating up to 150 people for wedding receptions, banquets, dinner theatre, private parties, galleries, and meetings. Offers complete in-house catering service with china/dinnerware, full or partial bar service, linens, table and chair setup/teardown, and handicap accessibility. Base room rental is $1,000 plus a 23% staffing charge.
• The Plaza outdoor venue Outdoor entertainment venue featuring live music, a Beer Garden, yard games, and seasonal community programming from June through September. Hosts Play the Plaza Friday night series, weekend concerts, Lakeside Party Series events, and YMCA fitness classes. Open to the public without ticketing.
• Port Huron Town Hall speaker series Ticketed speaker series hosted at McMorran Place featuring notable personalities. Lineups have included Jennifer Grey, Jim Morris, Ty Pennington, and Sean Hartley, providing curated cultural programming beyond sports and concerts.
• Play The Plaza event series Weekly Friday night outdoor entertainment series from June through September featuring live acoustic music in the Beer Garden, drinks, and yard games including 4 square, axe throwing, ladderball, cornhole, and fowling. Free to attend and open to the community.
• Lakeside Party Series Thursday night beach party series at Lakeside Beach in Port Huron featuring DJ dance parties and live music performances, including acts booked through PrimeTime Entertainment. Extends McMorran Place programming beyond the main venue footprint to the surrounding lakeside area.

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• LiveBarncoreTechnology or IntegrationMcMorran Place is a LiveBarn Venue offering live streaming of all ice arena events. Subscribers can watch events live and on demand, save 30-second highlights, and download entire games/practices. Promo code '57df-7nsp' provides 10% discount for new and existing subscribers. Available via monthly or annual subscription.
• Port Huron Prowlers (FHL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome venue for the Port Huron Prowlers Federal Hockey League team. McMorran Place is officially branded as 'Home of Port Huron Prowlers.' The partnership drives regular sports-related attendance and establishes the venue as the region's premier hockey destination.
• YMCA of the Blue Water AreacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree YMCA workout classes on the Plaza from May 26-September 4. Classes include Boot Camp, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Dance Aerobics, Drum Fit, Cardio HIIT, Body Blast, and more. Partnership provides free community wellness programming and drives daytime foot traffic to the Plaza.
• Port Huron Minor HockeyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal hockey organization using McMorran Ice Arena for practices, games, and tournaments. Partnership supports youth and amateur hockey development in the community.
• International Silver StickminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHockey organization that holds tournaments and events at McMorran Ice Arena. Partnership brings regional hockey competitions and visitors to the venue.
• Port Huron Town HallcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresents the Town Hall speaker series featuring notable personalities at McMorran venue. 2026 lineup includes Jennifer Grey, Jim Morris, Ty Pennington, and Sean Hartley. Partnership creates diverse entertainment programming beyond sports and concerts.
• Casey's on the PlazacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood and beverage vendor operating at the Plaza venue. Open Friday and Saturday 6-10pm starting June 5. Provides drinks and refreshments for Plaza events including Play The Plaza, Lakeside Party Series, and pre-concert gatherings.
• PrimeTime EntertainmentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEntertainment provider for Lakeside Party Series DJ dance parties on August 6 and August 13. Partnership brings DJ entertainment to Lakeside Beach events.
• Blue Water Chamber of CommerceminorOthersRegional chamber of commerce listed as a donor supporting McMorran Place. Partnership supports community business engagement and venue sustainability.
• McLaren Port HuronminorOthersLocal hospital and healthcare provider listed as a donor supporting McMorran Place. Partnership supports community health initiatives and venue operations.
• Blue Water Area Community DevelopmentminorOthersCommunity development organization listed as a donor supporting McMorran Place. Partnership supports regional economic and community development efforts.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Peoria Civic Center: Municipal multi-venue complex combining an arena, theater, and convention space in a comparable mid-size Midwestern city. Operates a similar civic-center model with sports, concerts, theater, and private events under one management structure.
• Dow Event Center: Mid-Michigan multi-venue entertainment complex in Saginaw that combines an arena (home to the Saginaw Spirit, OHL) with a theater and convention space. Operates a similar model of hockey anchor tenant, ticketed concerts, and private event rentals in a comparable small/mid-size Michigan market.
• Blue Gate PAC: Shipshewana, Indiana performing arts and event venue hosting concerts, theater, and private events in a small-market setting. Comparable in operating a multi-purpose entertainment venue in a small Midwestern city with a similar family/community programming mix.
• Stranahan Theater: Toledo-area theater and Great Hall complex hosting touring Broadway, concerts, comedy, and private events. Comparable in operating a theater-plus-event-space model in a mid-size Midwestern city for touring entertainment and community programming.
• DeVos Performance Hall: Grand Rapids-based performing arts and events venue operated as a public facility. Comparable to McMorran's theater programming leg in offering touring concerts, family shows, and community programming in a Michigan regional market.
• Wings Event Center: Kalamazoo arena and event facility that hosts the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL) hockey team alongside concerts, family shows, and private events. Closely comparable in its dependence on a minor-league hockey anchor tenant, mid-Michigan geography, and event-driven revenue mix.
• The Mendel Center: Southwest Michigan multi-use performing arts and conference venue operated as a community college-affiliated facility. Closely comparable to McMorran's theater and Lounge legs in serving regional concerts, comedy, and private event rentals in a small-metro market.
• Heritage Park Civic Center (The HUB): Comparable small/mid-size municipal event facility archetype combining ice/arena, theater, and banquet capabilities for community entertainment and private rentals. Representative of the regional civic-center peer set for non-flagship Midwestern markets.

Broad incumbents

• Fox Theatre Detroit: Historic large-scale Detroit theater that hosts concerts, comedy, Broadway tours, and family events. Comparable in the theater programming leg but operates at significantly larger scale and broader portfolio than McMorran's 1,135-seat theater.

Regional players

• Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort: Mid-Michigan gaming, hotel, and entertainment complex with its own concert/event venue. Comparable as a regional entertainment destination drawing visitors from the Port Huron-area market, though anchored by gaming rather than civic/community programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mcmorranplace
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXJiLviEmtJAkxHhgboKIHg
• Facebookfacebook.com/McMorranPlace
• Instagraminstagram.com/mcmorrandowntown
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mcmorran-place-sports-and-entertainment-center

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 McMorran Place