After closing the doors in May of 2020, the owners of the Southwest Florida Event Center announced yesterday they will re-open the event and concert venue in late March.
In a press release posted on the event center’s Facebook page Jan. 26, owners Jennifer and Richard Shanahan said, “Southwest Florida Event Center is re-opening. The exciting news comes on the heals of extensive restructuring and positive changes for the patrons and artists alike.”
Phil Vassar performed at the center in 2018. photo by Jamie Kuser
The announcement further stated, “Throughout the break in the music, the SW Florida Event Center has not wavered in its mission; to bring an intimate venue with extraordinary international talent to Southwest Florida. When Covid-19 closed the venue in 2020 our primary goal was to look out for our ticket holders; this view has not changed.”
In regard to future capacity for concerts, the statement reads: “Upon re-opening, SWFL Event Center will accommodate 200 less patrons per show. The Event Center is focused on bringing even bigger talent with even more personal experience. In addition, the SWFL Event Center will be teaming with local culinary talent to provide the finest dining experience.”
John Waite performed in 2018. photo by Jamie Kuser
The Shanahans also said, “The last two years have been difficult to be away from the hustle of the concert and event business. Considerable time has been spent evaluating the challenges of the industry moving into 2022. Safety will be our number one priority for all. We always believed in ‘chasing unicorns;’ bigger talent possibly not fit for a venue our size. The time has come to start chasing unicorns again. We are ready to embrace our loyal patrons who have encouraged us to bring the music back to life in SW Florida. We have been fortunate to welcome Melissa Etheridge, Amy Grant, Mavis Staples, Robert Cray, America, Three Dog Night, Kenny Wayne Shepherd. We will work hard to welcome them back.”
They added, “We hope to once again be a venue of choice for weddings, private events, business meetings and fundraisers.”
The Shanahans wrapped up their statement by saying, “Thank you, Southwest Florida, for welcoming us back. Let’s rock n’ roll!”
The SW Florida Event Center is located at the corner of Imperial Parkway and Bonita Beach Road, just west of I-75.
Night Ranger performed at the center in 2019. photo by Jamie Kuser
