For more than 15 years, we’ve proudly worked alongside the City of Aurora to revitalize the downtown area through the power of the performing arts. As we continue this partnership to foster growth in Aurora, we thought this was an appropriate moment to reflect on the progress that’s been made. 

  • In 2024, more than 630,000 patrons attended one of our more than 700 performances or events at Paramount Theatre, Copley Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre or RiverEdge Park. 
  • 83% of patrons came from outside of Aurora, spending money in our community at entertainment venues, restaurants, gas stations, shopping and more. 
  • According to the most recent national Arts & Economic Prosperity study from 2022, arts patrons spend an average of more than $38 per person in the surrounding area of the venue they are attending, beyond the cost of their ticket. This equals approximately $23 million in additional spending in Aurora from arts patrons in 2024 alone. 
  • Since our Broadway series began in 2011, downtown Aurora has welcomed more than 60 new businesses, restaurants and residential properties – not to mention several notable renovations in the downtown area…the power of the arts at work. 
  • Our School for the Arts welcomed more than 1,300 students in 2024.  

 

To make all this growth possible, finances, of course, play a key role. 

  • Prior to 2021, Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) did not receive any subsidies from the City of Aurora. 
  • In 2021, the City of Aurora began to distribute American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds to local businesses, including ours. These funds are for the exclusive purpose of assisting businesses in post-pandemic recovery efforts and are federal money.  
  • Specifically, from 2021 to 2024, ACCA received the following funds:  
  • 2021: $1.5 million from ARPA Funds 
  • 2022/2023: $5.5 million from ARPA Funds 
  • 2024: $4.5 million from ARPA Funds 
  • 2024: $1 million to renovate Stolp Island Theatre, owned by the City of Aurora 
  • 2024:  $1.9 million to repair riverwalk promenade 
  • 2024: $10 million for purchase of ACCA parking garage in downtown Aurora 
  • Additionally, ACCA has been receiving a portion of a head tax paid by Hollywood Casino and collected by the City of Aurora since the opening of the Casino. In exchange for building on land that was owned by ACCA, these funds were part of an inter-governmental agreement made between ACCA, the Casino and the City. 
  • It’s important to note that ACCA is in no way funded by local property taxes. 
  • Our operating budget has grown from $3.5 million in 2010 to $31 million in 2025. This is made possible in part by steady growth of ticket sales, donations, school registrations and rental fees. 

Learn more about Aurora’s downtown revitalization and the economic impact of the arts: 

Our Board of Directors made a cancelation announcement to our subscribers on August 4, 2025. Read the letter here.

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