Peoria Civic Center Names Beau Sutherland as General Manager

The Peoria Civic Center Authority and Legends Global have announced the appointment of Beau Sutherland as general manager of the Peoria Civic Center.

Opened in 1982, Peoria Civic Center is an entertainment complex in downtown Peoria, Illinois, which holds an arena, theater, exhibit hall and meeting rooms. Its sports and esports portfolio includes Bradley Braves Men’s Basketball and Peoria Rivermen Hockey matches, as well as the Future Play Festival scheduled for October 2–4, 2026, which features the National Collegiate Esports Showdown.

Sutherland has served as interim general manager since June 1 of this year, and previously held the position of assistant general manager. He began his career at the facility in August 2000, and is among its longest-tenured employees to assume the role.

Throughout his career, Sutherland has held leadership positions in sales, marketing and business development. He concurrently served as regional marketing director for ASM Global, providing strategic leadership and support to venue marketing teams nationwide, before becoming assistant general manager in November 2024.

Under his leadership, Peoria Civic Center had its strongest year in Fiscal Year 2025, in terms of convention center performance and overall venue revenue.

Sutherland’s notable achievements to date also include securing the naming rights partnership for the Prairie Home Alliance Theater and establishing a partnership with CXT Coffee that resulted in the build-out of a coffee café at the Civic Center, enhancing the overall visitor experience for guests attending events.

Expanded Role Responsibilities

In his expanded portfolio, Sutherland will continue to drive the Civic Center’s focus on attracting programming to the arena and Prairie Home Alliance Theater.

“Beau’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the Peoria Civic Center,” said Peoria Civic Center Authority Board Chair Rick Semonis. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, built strong relationships across our community, and consistently delivered results for this organization.

“His passion for the Civic Center, deep understanding of our market, and vision for the future make him the right leader to guide the facility into its next chapter. We are excited to build on our momentum under his leadership.”

As general manager, Sutherland will oversee all operations of the Peoria Civic Center, including the Prairie Home Alliance Theater, arena, and convention center. He will work closely with the Peoria Civic Center Authority, Legends Global, building tenants, community stakeholders and regional partners to strengthen the venue’s role as a premier entertainment destination, economic driver and gathering place for Central Illinois.

“I am incredibly honored to be named general manager of the Peoria Civic Center,” said Sutherland. “This facility has been my professional home for more than two decades, and I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptionally talented team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests, clients, and community.

“I appreciate the confidence the Peoria Civic Center Authority and Legends Global have placed in me, and I look forward to building on our success, bringing new events and opportunities to Peoria, and expanding the Civic Center’s role as a driving force for Central Illinois.”