Now more than 13 years old, Ford Center is an established regional venue for sports and entertainment. Along the way, it’s also gained a reputation as a prime spot for prominent musical acts to rehearse before launching national concert tours.
Not all entertainers who use Ford Center for that purpose book concerts there. Take rock act Weezer, who did a dry run at the arena before launching its Voyage to the Blue Planet tour on Sept. 4, 2024, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Country-pop singer Kelsea Ballerini and her crew worked out kinks in Evansville before splitting for New York City, where she played a sold-out album release concert Oct. 29, 2024, at Madison Square Garden.
“They tweaked it here and then loaded everything up,” says Scott Schoenike, executive director of Ford Center. “It’s cost competitive. It’s cheaper to rent us for a week than Madison Square Garden.”
Others who have rehearsed at Ford Center also played concerts in the venue, such as country singers Reba McEntire and Morgan Wallen, Christian pop duo For King & Country, and — in May 2013 — the late rocker Tom Petty, who died four years later.
Ford Center keeps under wraps who’s coming in to rehearse — staff members are warned not to take photos of musical acts. Besides, Schoenike explains that walk-throughs often are more for a crew’s benefit so they can get elaborate production elements such as video presentations, rigging, and lights down pat. There are instances where singers and bands don’t arrive until later in the process and are not around long.
Schoenike says Ford Center doesn’t make a ton of money off concert rehearsals — an average week might bring $75,000 — but much of that revenue reimburses the arena for products and labor needed during an act’s stay, such as catering, production items, stagehands, and security.
He explains that the greater benefit comes from positive relations within the entertainment industry, which can lead to booking shows. On that front, the arena continues to have success.
In 2024, the 11,000-seat Ford Center hosted 133 total events that brought nearly 400,000 people into Downtown Evansville. In terms of concerts, taking the stage were country musicians Jason Aldean, Koe Wetzel, Riley Green, and Lainey Wilson, country fusion act Jelly Roll, For King & Country, and rockers including Disturbed, Dropkick Murphys, Judas Priest, and a double bill of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Schoenike says Evansville’s proximity to Nashville, Tennessee, and the arena’s modern amenities boost its profile as a rehearsal venue. It hosts three or four pre-tour acts per year.
Ford Center also provides a personal touch, Schoenike adds. “We have a great building staff. We always take care of (visiting crews) really well.”
