ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Over the past year, the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority (RAVE) has overseen 165 shows between the BMO Center, Coronado Theatre, and Davis Park, but only four were at Davis Park.
Entertainment board leaders said they’re hopeful park renovations will increase this number. RAVE General Manager Gretchen Gilmore said the board’s overseen the most shows in the last five years and credits their success to its ability to adapt and serve the community.
“We did lose a lot of shows this year due to other competition in the market. We had to expand our show offerings and have more diverse programming,” said Gilmore.
Gilmore said one challenge they face is overproduction from the stadium industry.
“The Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concerts are taking that out of the market. Smaller arenas like us aren’t having as many concerts and comedy shows,” said Gilmore.
Gilmore said they’ve also been a key part of Davis Park renovations. City council approved the redevelopment project Monday. City leaders said construction may start in the coming months.
“There’s been a lot of great events, activities, and memories built up at Davis Park throughout the years: When you think of the waterfront, some of the other concerts that took place,” said Rockford City Administrator Todd Cagnoni. “But the other amenities weren’t there.”
A key piece of the project is the stage, which is larger than 60 feet by 40 feet. Cagnoni said it resembles a similar design from other out-of-state parks. This allows the venue to host a variety of events in addition to concerts.
“You can have an event on the stage to an audience on the great lawn or the back side of the stage, such as Friday Night Flix,” said Cagnoni.
“We’re excited to program it. It’s going to be interesting to see how this first year plays out,” said Gilmore.
Davis Park will also have a universally accessible playground, skate park and six art pieces. Some of those pieces are being brought back. They are also revamping the river walk.
Cagnoni said the city has an “aggressive goal” to complete the project by June 2026, weather dependent.
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