The results are in and Sarasota’s own Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been ranked the #1 performing arts hall in the country, in the 2000-seat category of the 2014 mid-season publication of Venues Today magazine. This is the third time that the Van Wezel has ranked at the top of the chart. The ranking helps the Van Wezel to book the biggest and best shows and performers on the road. Mary Bensel, Executive Director stated, “The Van Wezel is so excited to be again ranked the #1 theatre in the United States! Our 2013-14 season has been amazing from having Jay Leno here the night after he closed out his 30+ year run of the Tonight Show, to presenting John Legend at the height of his popularity with his All Of Me Tour and the #1 single in the nation, to having two of the hottest shows in the summer: Move Live on Tour and American Idol. This year has been a nonstop whirl of great shows and sellout crowds with 74 of them performing above budget.” The Van Wezel is in the midst of preparing for the 2014-2015 season to be announced in September.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall