SKYPAC shares 2026 highlights by the numbers
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center is sharing what made 2026 one of its “most successful years.”
According to SKYPAC, this past fiscal year’s highlights include international recognition, growth, innovation and investments.
According to the venue, the following accomplishments were marked in 2026:
Global Recognition
- #115 in the World in concert gross sales (Pollstar)
- #135 in the World in tickets sold (Pollstar)
- Highest-ranked performing arts venue in Kentucky for concert gross sales.
- Ranked ahead of internationally renowned venues including The London Palladium, the Lincoln Theatre (Washington, D.C.), the Uber Eats Music Hall (Berlin), the Fox Theatre (Detroit), and the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas.
Organizational Growth
- 11.3% increase in overall income
- 19.9% increase in ticket sales
- 30.1% increase in contributed support
- 71.5% increase in grant revenue
- 5.5% increase in corporate sponsorships
- 5.7% increase in concession income
- 72.3% increase in merchandise commissions
Community Impact
- Generated an estimated $16.8 million in annual economic impact across the Barren River Area Development District.
- 44% of patrons traveled from outside Warren County.
- Presented 100+ performances and events, featuring internationally acclaimed artists, Broadway productions, theatre, comedy, dance, family entertainment, educational programming and community events.
- SKYPASS: Arts Access for All usage rose 22% — more underserved community members accessed arts experiences than ever before, according to SKYPAC.
Artistic Achievement
- Premiered “The Best Gift: A Christmas Carol Musical,” an original musical developed by Ramsey Theatre Company, establishing the company as a creator of new theatrical works.
- Ramsey Theatre Company completed its first-ever touring production, presenting “Steel Magnolias” at the RiverPark Center in Owensboro.
- Ramsey Theatre Company earned multiple BroadwayWorld Kentucky Awards, recognizing excellence in production, performance and design.
- Premiered SKYPAC’s first AcTOURS program, a Ramsey Theatre Company educational touring production.
Building for tomorrow
- Advanced construction of the $8.5 million Ramsey Theatre Annex, the largest capital expansion since SKYPAC opened.
- Began construction of expanded patron amenities, including a larger donor lounge, additional public restrooms enhanced concessions and a new exterior ticket office.
- Continued investing in facilities that will improve accessibility, comfort and the overall guest experience for years to come.
Organizational excellence
- Successfully completed the historic transition to Joseph L. Trafton, Jr. as only the second Music Director in Orchestra Kentucky’s 26-year history.
- Expanded implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System to strengthen strategic planning, accountability and organizational performance.
- Advanced plans for the Southern Kentucky Walk of Fame, celebrating the region’s nationally and internationally recognized artists.
Building on success
- According to SKYPAC, FY ’26 demonstrated that SKYPAC is not simply growing—it is evolving into a nationally recognized cultural institution. Through visionary leadership, generous community support, artistic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to its mission, SKYPAC continues to prove that world-class performing arts thrive in South Central Kentucky while creating lasting cultural, educational, and economic benefits for the region.
