The Peoria Civic Center Authority (PCCA) and Legends Global, the civic center’s venue-management company, promoted Beau Sutherland to become general manager of the Peoria Civic Center. Sutherland has served as interim general manager since June 1, and previously he held the position of assistant general manager.
Sutherland began his career at the facility in 2000 and is among its longest-tenured employees to assume the role. He brings a deep understanding of the Peoria Civic Center’s history, operations, community partnerships, and opportunities for future growth. Throughout his career, Sutherland has held leadership positions in sales, marketing, and business development. He concurrently served as regional marketing cirector for ASM Global, providing strategic leadership and support to venue-marketing teams nationwide, before becoming assistant general manager of the Peoria Civic Center in November 2024. His extensive experience in convention sales and destination development has driven significant growth for the venue’s convention center and helped make Fiscal Year 2025 the strongest year in Peoria Civic Center history for convention center performance and overall venue revenue.
Sutherland’s ability to build strong relationships and align community partners with the Civic Center’s mission has been instrumental in developing strategic partnerships that support the facility’s long-term growth and success. Among his notable achievements is securing the naming rights partnership for the Prairie Home Alliance Theater, increasing the venue’s visibility and creating a valuable collaboration with a respected regional organization. He also played a key role in establishing a partnership with CXT Coffee that resulted in the build-out of a coffee cafe at the Peoria Civic Center, enhancing the overall visitor experience by providing an inviting space for attendees. In his expanded portfolio, Sutherland will leverage his background and relationships to continue the civic center’s focus on attracting exciting programming to the arena and Prairie Home Alliance Theater.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Sutherland is deeply invested in the Peoria community. A longtime advocate for initiatives that enhance the region’s quality of life and economic vitality, he has contributed his time, leadership, and expertise to numerous community efforts and served in several appointed civic roles. His involvement with organizations including the Peoria Riverfront Association, Downtown Advisory Commission, Riverfront Planning Committee, Heart of Illinois United Way, Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Easterseals, St. Jude, and the Illinois High School Association reflects his commitment to making Peoria a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
“Beau’s impact extends far beyond the walls of the Peoria Civic Center,” says Rick Semonis, Chair of the Peoria Civic Center Authority Board, in a prepared statement. “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, which includes 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,” says 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.”
