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New Concert Venue Proposed for Downtown Wausau

Source: CANVA

New Concert Venue Proposed for Downtown Wausau

Economic impact said to boost the city by $53 million.

May 31, 2023 5:55 AM CDT

By: Brittney Merlot

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – A new concert venue has been suggested for downtown Wausau, near Athletic Park.

The venue was proposed by VY Properties, co-owned by Wausau resident Joe Ellis and Anna Herman, according to a Facebook post by the River Concerts. The building is intended to be a live concert venue with a modern vibe, 3,500 person capacity and expected to host national touring acts.

“A venue of this size and type, fills a massive gap in the area’s ability to serve the large touring market which until now, has been drawing millions of dollars out of the Central Wisconsin area to be spent on entertainment in larger markets.” Herman said. “We would like to see that money, and those fans, stay right here.”

The venue would be called The River and would be 58,000 sq.ft. in total. Retail and rental space would take up 10,000 sq.ft., with a 7,000 square foot lobby planned, with premium seating in a VIP balcony.

The venue would reportedly bring in more live entertainment, provide an indoor option for Concerts on the Square on rainy days, offer retail and dining spaces and room for conferences.

The River is expected to bring in over 250,000 visitors with an economic impact of $53 million to the area annually.

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