Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

What Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center does

The Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center is a four-venue municipal complex owned by the City of Fresno and located in downtown Fresno, California, comprising the Fresno Convention Center (over 66,000 sq ft of flexible exhibit and meeting space with 20 meeting rooms), Selland Arena (up to 9,200 capacity with the largest certified 3,000-capacity general admission floor in the region, recently remodeled with over 7,200 wide seats), William Saroyan Theatre (2,351-seat performing arts venue renovated with an upgraded Listen Technology Assistive Listening Device System supporting 92 users), and Valdez Hall (32,000 sq ft column-free multi-purpose space with attached full-service kitchen). Originally opened in 1966 and expanded in 1981 and 1999, the complex has served as Central California's only comprehensive convention and entertainment facility for nearly six decades.

The business operates under a new management structure effective January 1, 2026, with VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment jointly managing the complex under a three-year agreement valued at approximately $317,324 annually, replacing ASM Global as the previous operator. Marc Solis was appointed Executive Director by VenuWorks to oversee all four venues. The business model is multi-stream: venue rental income (quote-based pricing for conventions, trade shows, weddings supporting 300 to 3,000+ guests), ticket sales processed through Ticketmaster's online platform and Selland Arena Box Office, sponsorship and advertising across signage and event partnerships, parking fees across the FCEC lot and City of Fresno Garage/ACE locations, and exclusive food and beverage operations through Pardini's Catering & Banquets. GTM motion is hybrid: B2B sales-led for venue bookings via RFP and sales team coordination, and direct-to-consumer for ticket purchases via Ticketmaster and on-site box office.

Customer segmentation is horizontal across six use cases: convention and conference organizers, concert and live entertainment attendees, performing arts patrons, sports event fans, wedding and social event planners (for whom the complex offers unmatched capacity in Fresno County), and community organizations. The technology stack is operationally light, centered on Ticketmaster ticketing integration, the events.fresnoconventioncenter.com online platform, an email newsletter subscriber base, modernized LED scoreboard hardware, and ADA accessibility infrastructure, with no disclosed proprietary AI/ML capabilities, patents, or technology products.

Name

Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

Legal name

Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center

Website

https://fresnoconventioncenter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1966

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center is a four-venue municipal complex in downtown Fresno, California, owned by the City of Fresno and managed by VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment since January 2026, hosting concerts, conventions, performing arts, sporting events, weddings, and community gatherings for 10 to over 9,000 attendees across Central California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Convention & Entertainment Venue Management

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multipurpose Event Center Operations (Civic Centers, Community Event Complexes) (MPAGALAE), Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC)

Keywords

• Convention venue rental
• Event management services
• Performing arts hosting
• Arena entertainment events
• Wedding and banquet facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Fresno

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Venue Management Contract: The venue is owned by the City of Fresno and managed by VenuWorks under a three-year agreement valued at approximately $317,324 annually, which took effect January 1, 2026, replacing ASM Global as operator.
2. Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from ticket sales for concerts, sporting events, theater performances, and other entertainment. Tickets sold through Ticketmaster online, mobile app, and box office.
3. Sponsorship & Advertising: Opportunities for businesses to advertise through visual signage, event sponsorships, and long-term sponsorship relationships. Over 66,000 square feet of exhibit space in Exhibit Hall, 32,000 square feet in Valdez Hall, and multiple signage areas in Selland Arena.
4. Venue Rental: Rental fees for events including weddings (300-3,000+ guests), conventions, trade shows, concerts, and community events. Rental deposits are structured with 50% upon signing and 50% thirty to sixty days prior to move-in.
5. Parking: Parking fees at FCEC Parking Lot, City of Fresno Garage/ACE, and other nearby lots. Now accepting credit card payments for parking.
6. Food & Beverage/Concessions: Pardini's Catering & Banquets is the exclusive caterer providing concessions, catering services, and event dining. Snack, cocktail, and dessert options available at Saroyan Theatre and Selland Arena.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center rents and operates four venues (Fresno Convention Center, Selland Arena, Saroyan Theatre, and Valdez Hall) for concerts, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, performing arts, weddings, and community gatherings. Capacity ranges from 10 attendees to over 9,000, with on-site catering by Pardini's and ticketing through Ticketmaster. The complex is owned by the City of Fresno and managed by VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment under a three-year agreement effective January 1, 2026.

Product overview

The Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center is a multi-venue entertainment complex owned by the City of Fresno, managed by VenuWorks and ATG Entertainment. The venue portfolio consists of four distinct facilities: the Fresno Convention Center (over 66,000 sq ft of exhibit and meeting space), Selland Arena (premier arena with up to 9,200 capacity), William Saroyan Theatre (2,351-seat performing arts theater), and Valdez Hall (32,000 sq ft column-free event space). The core offering is venue rental and event management services spanning concerts, conventions, sporting events, performing arts, and social gatherings for 10 to 9,000+ attendees. Supporting services include event planning tools, catering partnerships, sponsorship/advertising opportunities, and wedding services. Ticketing is handled through Ticketmaster integration. The complex operates under new management as of January 2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Venue Rental & Event Management Services Bookable venue rental and event management services across the four-venue complex, hosting events from 10 to over 9,000 attendees including concerts, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, weddings, and community gatherings.
• Selland Arena Recently remodeled multi-purpose arena with over 7,200 wide comfortable seats, a certified 3,000-capacity general admission floor, state-of-the-art million-dollar scoreboard with LCD screens, ice floor capability, and 9 backstage dressing rooms. Hosts Disney On Ice, concerts, sporting events, and wrestling.
• William Saroyan Theatre Historic 2,351-seat performing arts theatre (Orchestra Level 1,427 and Balcony 924, plus a 60-seat orchestra pit) with recently renovated lobby, VIP lounge, eight state-of-the-art dressing rooms, and an upgraded Listen Technology Assistive Listening Device System supporting up to 92 users. Home to Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, Fresno Grand Opera, Broadway in Fresno, and touring shows.
• Valdez Hall 32,000 sq ft column-free multi-purpose hall with attached full-service catering kitchen, 20'x30' built-in performance stage, two dedicated wedding party salons, and 8 additional breakout/meeting rooms. Hosts weddings, banquets, conventions, and sporting events for 300 to 2,500 guests.
• Fresno Convention Center Three exhibit halls offering over 66,000 sq ft of flexible exhibit space (usable separately or combined), 12,000 sq ft pre-function lobby, full-service catering kitchen, second floor with 20 meeting rooms, and an exhibitor lounge with skylight. Hosts exhibits, conventions, trade shows, weddings, and banquets.
• Event Planning Services End-to-end event planning services including facility search tools, booking guidelines, vendor coordination, exclusive catering via Pardini's, audio-visual services, ADA accessibility support, on-site security, marketing assistance, and access to the approved vendor network for decorations, florals, photography, and production.
• Wedding & Social Event Services Wedding and social event hosting services at Valdez Hall (300-1,000 guests) and the Convention Center (up to 3,000+ guests) with on-site catering by Pardini's, dedicated wedding salons, preparation rooms, and approved vendor network.
• Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities Sponsorship and advertising offerings giving businesses visibility through signage areas in Selland Arena, concourse advertising, and event-specific promotional partnerships targeting specific attendee demographics.
• Online Ticketing Platform (Events Website) Online ticketing platform integrated with Ticketmaster providing online ticket sales, event calendar, and box office information for concerts, theater performances, sports, and community events across all FCEC venues.
• Parking Services On-site parking at the FCEC Parking Lot, City of Fresno Garage/ACE, and other nearby lots; now accepts credit card payments for parking.

Quantifiable outcome

• Capacity to host events from 10 to over 9,000 attendees
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered primary, core and minor.

• VenuWorksprimaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026VenuWorks has been appointed as the executive director of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center under a new three-year venue management agreement with the City of Fresno, valued at approximately $317,324 annually. VenuWorks appointed Marc Solis as Executive Director overseeing all venues. This partnership replaced ASM Global as the operator effective January 1, 2026. City leaders expect the partnership to reduce operating subsidies and enhance cultural programming.
• ATG EntertainmentprimaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026ATG Entertainment co-manages the complex with VenuWorks under the City of Fresno's new venue structure effective January 1, 2026.
• Visit Fresno CountycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVisit Fresno County works with VenuWorks and the City of Fresno to strengthen collaboration for tourism and cultural programming at the Convention Center.
• Pardini's Catering & BanquetsprimaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive caterer for events and concessions at all Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center venues. Provides professional catering services since 1958, including full-service catering kitchen at venues, concessions, snacks, cocktails, and desserts. Also offers onsite kitchen for wedding receptions.
• All Signs & Screen Printing, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing decals, interior signs, magnets, and vinyl graphics for events.
• ATC Audio Video ProductionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing audio, video, and lighting rental services for events.
• CDH Productions, LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing AV-daylight/outdoor viewable LED video wall, projectors, screens, LED televisions, lighting consoles, staging, lighting, and event production services.
• Expo Marketing & Services, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing pipe and drape, audio visual, staging, dance floor, and event coordinating services.
• Fresno BacklineminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing complete audio/sound systems, backline/band gear, and music stands.
• Light And Sound SolutionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing lighting, video/LED wall, sound systems, and full service event production.
• Live Light, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing theatrical and automated lights, LED walls, staging for sales and rental.
• MS Production ServicesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing event production, high resolution LED walls, large-format projection, IMAG camera packages, concert audio, break room AV support, staging, trade show support. Products include BARCO, Grass Valley Video Products, 30K projectors, LAcoustics Audio.
• Munro Enterprises, LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing lighting, audio, video, general party rentals, and complete event production services.
• Simply FlowersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing floral and event design, rental supplies, and coordination services.
• Circle Of EventsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing luxury wedding and event design, specialty rentals.
• Capture Life EventsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved vendor providing photography and videography services for events.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Bakersfield Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center: Three-venue municipal complex in California's Central Valley offering arena, theater, and convention space. Same regional geography, comparable mid-market scale, and overlapping touring/convention demand pool as FCEC.
• Portland'5 Centers for the Arts: Publicly operated multi-venue performing arts and events complex with five theaters/halls. Mirrors FCEC's Saroyan/Theatre + arena + hall structure and resident performing arts partner model.
• Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center: Multi-venue municipal convention and entertainment complex in California offering arena, theater, and exhibit space. Structurally near-identical to FCEC (arena + theater + convention hall) and competing for similar California-based tours and convention business.
• Sacramento Convention Center Complex: California state-capital multi-venue complex (Convention Center, Memorial Auditorium, Community Center Theater). Closest same-state regional peer competing for the same Northern/Central California convention and touring acts.
• Colorado Springs Ent Center for the Arts: Mid-market municipal multi-venue arts and events complex (theater, exhibition hall, outdoor amphitheater). Comparable in scale, public ownership, and touring/performing arts programming to FCEC.
• Ontario Convention Center: California mid-market convention and event venue operated under municipal/management structure. Comparable to FCEC's convention hall and Valdez Hall functions in the Southern California meetings market.

Broad incumbents

• Live Nation Entertainment: Global live entertainment company that owns/operates concert venues and promotes tours. Competes with FCEC for touring artist routing decisions and operates similar mid-market managed venues.
• VenuWorks: Venue management firm that assumed FCEC operations in January 2026 under a 3-year City of Fresno agreement. Manages a portfolio of civic arenas, theaters, and convention centers — a direct comparable for municipal venue management mandates.
• ASM Global: Largest venue management company globally; previously operated FCEC before being replaced by VenuWorks in January 2026. Manages hundreds of arenas, convention centers, and theaters worldwide — a direct substitute service provider for municipal venue owners.
• AEG Facilities: Anschutz Entertainment Group's venue management arm operates major arenas and theaters (Crypto.com Arena, The Forum, Microsoft Theater). Competes with FCEC for premium tours and serves as a broader incumbent in arena/event venue operations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fresnoconvenctr
• Facebookfacebook.com/Fresno.Convention.and.Entertainment.Center

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries4 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 Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center