WHEELING, W.Va. — WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre are thriving entertainment venues in downtown Wheeling, attracting thousands of visitors each year with a variety of sold-out shows.
Notable artists such as Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and most recently, Travis Tritt, have graced their stages.
“You know, really spreading our wings here at the arena as far as concerts, you know PBR, it’s a great event for us, and Toughman every year,” said Kelly Tucker, executive director of WesBanco Arena and Capitol Theatre
Tucker says Pittsburgh and Columbus aren’t the only music hubs in the region.
“People don’t have to travel anymore. They can just look in their own backyard and see a really fantastic show,” Tucker added.
The iconic Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1929, calls the Capitol Theatre home.
“The Valley and Wheeling, a city of 25,000 people, it’s extraordinary for a city of this size to have a professional orchestra,” said Sumner Riddick II, interim executive director of the orchestra.
Recent renovations at the Capitol Theatre have led to bigger acts and larger crowds.
“Two years ago, we probably wouldn’t be able to do that. But now, with the new fly system, we can hang all of the production,” Tucker said.
Local businesses are also benefiting from the increased activity.
“The restaurants have definitely reached out to me, they’re seeing an increase with the shows, hotels as well,” Tucker said.
The next event at the Capitol Theatre is scheduled for this Sunday, featuring Theresa Caputo, with more events at WesBanco Arena picking back up in November.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source wtov9.com ’
