FIVE FLAGS CIVIC CENTER - Revision history

Randylyon at 18:10, 27 April 2026

2026-04-27T18:10:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:10, 27 April 2026
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	In October, 2025 financial data indicated Dubuque’s Grand River Center and Five Flags Center lost a combined $2.7 million in fiscal year 2025, as their business model relied increasingly upon public support to operate.		In October, 2025 financial data indicated Dubuque’s Grand River Center and Five Flags Center lost a combined $2.7 million in fiscal year 2025, as their business model relied increasingly upon public support to operate.

	The losses represented a shift in strategy for the city-owned tourism amenities as Dubuque assumed increased risk for their operation ~~and built the city’s return-on-investment around the economic impact these venues gave to local restaurants and hotels~~. Annual taxpayer support for the city-owned convention center rose from $365,000 to $377,000 from fiscal year 2020 to 2022, to $554,000 in 2023, to $870,000 in 2024, ~~to a budgeted~~ $1.3 million in 2025. (37)		The losses represented a shift in strategy for the city-owned tourism amenities as Dubuque assumed increased risk for their operation. Annual taxpayer support for the city-owned convention center rose from $365,000 to $377,000 from fiscal year 2020 to 2022, to $554,000 in 2023, to $870,000 in 2024, and $1.3 million in 2025. (37) In 2026 essentials were prioritized. City Manager [[VAN MILLIGEN, Michael\|Michael VAN MILLIGEN]] blamed state proposals to reduce property taxes for cutting more than two-thirds of the funding for planned capital improvement. (38)





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	37. Gray, Chris, Dubuque Focuses on Tourism Impact as Five Flags, Grand River Center Subsidy Spikes," THonline, October 26, 2025		37. Gray, Chris, Dubuque Focuses on Tourism Impact as Five Flags, Grand River Center Subsidy Spikes," THonline, October 26, 2025

			38. Gray, Chris. "Five Flags Budget Proposal Prioritizes Essentials," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 15, 2026, p. 1

Randylyon at 20:19, 18 November 2025

2025-11-18T20:19:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 18 November 2025
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	In October 2024 Five Flags reported a decline in revenue by more than half from the previous year, from $900,000 to $431,000. While the number of events was up over the previous years, attendance fell by about a third from 65,000 spectators to 44,000 after rebounding from the COVID-19 [[PADEMIC]].Gross ticket sales fell from $1.8 million to $1.3 million with concession sales declining from $532,000 to $371,000. While the City owns Five Flags Center and Five Flags Theater, the operations are contracted to a private vendor, ASM Global. (36)		In October 2024 Five Flags reported a decline in revenue by more than half from the previous year, from $900,000 to $431,000. While the number of events was up over the previous years, attendance fell by about a third from 65,000 spectators to 44,000 after rebounding from the COVID-19 [[PADEMIC]].Gross ticket sales fell from $1.8 million to $1.3 million with concession sales declining from $532,000 to $371,000. While the City owns Five Flags Center and Five Flags Theater, the operations are contracted to a private vendor, ASM Global. (36)

	In October, 2025 financial data indicated Dubuque’s Grand River Center and Five Flags Center lost a combined $2.7 million in fiscal year 2025, as their business model ~~relies~~ increasingly on public support to operate.		In October, 2025 financial data indicated Dubuque’s Grand River Center and Five Flags Center lost a combined $2.7 million in fiscal year 2025, as their business model relied increasingly upon public support to operate.

	The losses ~~represent~~ a shift in strategy for the city-owned tourism amenities as Dubuque ~~assumes more~~ risk for their operation and ~~builds~~ the city’s return-on-investment around the economic impact these venues ~~give~~ to local restaurants and hotels. Annual taxpayer support for the city-owned convention center rose from $365,000 to $377,000 from fiscal year 2020 to 2022, to $554,000 in 2023, to $870,000 in 2024, to a budgeted $1.3 million in 2025. (37)		The losses represented a shift in strategy for the city-owned tourism amenities as Dubuque assumed increased risk for their operation and built the city’s return-on-investment around the economic impact these venues gave to local restaurants and hotels. Annual taxpayer support for the city-owned convention center rose from $365,000 to $377,000 from fiscal year 2020 to 2022, to $554,000 in 2023, to $870,000 in 2024, to a budgeted $1.3 million in 2025. (37)

Randylyon at 20:17, 18 November 2025

2025-11-18T20:17:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:17, 18 November 2025
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	In October 2024 Five Flags reported a decline in revenue by more than half from the previous year, from $900,000 to $431,000. While the number of events was up over the previous years, attendance fell by about a third from 65,000 spectators to 44,000 after rebounding from the COVID-19 [[PADEMIC]].Gross ticket sales fell from $1.8 million to $1.3 million with concession sales declining from $532,000 to $371,000. While the City owns Five Flags Center and Five Flags Theater, the operations are contracted to a private vendor, ASM Global. (36)		In October 2024 Five Flags reported a decline in revenue by more than half from the previous year, from $900,000 to $431,000. While the number of events was up over the previous years, attendance fell by about a third from 65,000 spectators to 44,000 after rebounding from the COVID-19 [[PADEMIC]].Gross ticket sales fell from $1.8 million to $1.3 million with concession sales declining from $532,000 to $371,000. While the City owns Five Flags Center and Five Flags Theater, the operations are contracted to a private vendor, ASM Global. (36)

			In October, 2025 financial data indicated Dubuque’s Grand River Center and Five Flags Center lost a combined $2.7 million in fiscal year 2025, as their business model relies increasingly on public support to operate.

			The losses represent a shift in strategy for the city-owned tourism amenities as Dubuque assumes more risk for their operation and builds the city’s return-on-investment around the economic impact these venues give to local restaurants and hotels. Annual taxpayer support for the city-owned convention center rose from $365,000 to $377,000 from fiscal year 2020 to 2022, to $554,000 in 2023, to $870,000 in 2024, to a budgeted $1.3 million in 2025. (37)


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	36. Gray, Chris, "Five Flags Report Shows Plunge in Revenue," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 10, 2024, p. 1		36. Gray, Chris, "Five Flags Report Shows Plunge in Revenue," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 10, 2024, p. 1

			37. Gray, Chris, Dubuque Focuses on Tourism Impact as Five Flags, Grand River Center Subsidy Spikes," THonline, October 26, 2025

Randylyon at 17:27, 20 October 2024

2024-10-20T17:27:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 20 October 2024
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	In September, 2023 Five Flag officials announced an increase in event attendance in the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, a total of 64,597 people visited the enter. That was an increase of nearly 10,000 people from the previous year. While ticket and concession revenue was down, the overall income was up due to increased event rentals and decreased payroll. Income rose about 28% from the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, ASM Global, the manager of the center, reported an annual loss of $875,000. This figure, however, was below the budgeted city subsidy of $1,051,208. (35)		In September, 2023 Five Flag officials announced an increase in event attendance in the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, a total of 64,597 people visited the enter. That was an increase of nearly 10,000 people from the previous year. While ticket and concession revenue was down, the overall income was up due to increased event rentals and decreased payroll. Income rose about 28% from the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, ASM Global, the manager of the center, reported an annual loss of $875,000. This figure, however, was below the budgeted city subsidy of $1,051,208. (35)

			In October 2024 Five Flags reported a decline in revenue by more than half from the previous year, from $900,000 to $431,000. While the number of events was up over the previous years, attendance fell by about a third from 65,000 spectators to 44,000 after rebounding from the COVID-19 [[PADEMIC]].Gross ticket sales fell from $1.8 million to $1.3 million with concession sales declining from $532,000 to $371,000. While the City owns Five Flags Center and Five Flags Theater, the operations are contracted to a private vendor, ASM Global. (36)




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	35. Nieland, Grace, "Five Flags Touting 'Really Great Year,' ''Telegraph Herald'', September 18, 2023, p. 1		35. Nieland, Grace, "Five Flags Touting 'Really Great Year,' ''Telegraph Herald'', September 18, 2023, p. 1

			36. Gray, Chris, "Five Flags Report Shows Plunge in Revenue," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 10, 2024, p. 1

Randylyon at 02:45, 23 September 2023

2023-09-23T02:45:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:45, 23 September 2023
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	City officials announced in October, 2022 that further discussion on the future of the Center would be postponed until early 2023 to give city staff research time and provide updated costs for potential improvements in the building. (34)		City officials announced in October, 2022 that further discussion on the future of the Center would be postponed until early 2023 to give city staff research time and provide updated costs for potential improvements in the building. (34)

			In September, 2023 Five Flag officials announced an increase in event attendance in the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, a total of 64,597 people visited the enter. That was an increase of nearly 10,000 people from the previous year. While ticket and concession revenue was down, the overall income was up due to increased event rentals and decreased payroll. Income rose about 28% from the previous fiscal year. In fiscal year 2023, ASM Global, the manager of the center, reported an annual loss of $875,000. This figure, however, was below the budgeted city subsidy of $1,051,208. (35)


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	34. Kruse, John, "Discussion on Five Flags' Fate Delayed to 2023," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 22, 2022, p. 1A		34. Kruse, John, "Discussion on Five Flags' Fate Delayed to 2023," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 22, 2022, p. 1A

			35. Nieland, Grace, "Five Flags Touting 'Really Great Year,' ''Telegraph Herald'', September 18, 2023, p. 1

Randylyon at 15:48, 24 October 2022

2022-10-24T15:48:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:48, 24 October 2022
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	In July, 2022 the council further delayed a work session dealing with the future of Five Flags. A work session planned for July 11 was rescheduled to October 24th after city staff asked for more time to research projects the city could pursue to improve the Center and provide updated cost estimates. The city was expected to spend $30,000 to $50,000 to hire a consultant to provide updated cost estimates that had been presented to the council in 2018 and to include updated needed capital improvements. In 2018 cost estimated had totaled $8.7 million. (33)		In July, 2022 the council further delayed a work session dealing with the future of Five Flags. A work session planned for July 11 was rescheduled to October 24th after city staff asked for more time to research projects the city could pursue to improve the Center and provide updated cost estimates. The city was expected to spend $30,000 to $50,000 to hire a consultant to provide updated cost estimates that had been presented to the council in 2018 and to include updated needed capital improvements. In 2018 cost estimated had totaled $8.7 million. (33)

			City officials announced in October, 2022 that further discussion on the future of the Center would be postponed until early 2023 to give city staff research time and provide updated costs for potential improvements in the building. (34)


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	33. Kruse, John, "City Taking Longer Look at Five Flags," ''Telegraph Herald,'' July 7, 2022, p. 1A		33. Kruse, John, "City Taking Longer Look at Five Flags," ''Telegraph Herald,'' July 7, 2022, p. 1A

			34. Kruse, John, "Discussion on Five Flags' Fate Delayed to 2023," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 22, 2022, p. 1A

Randylyon at 15:34, 10 August 2022

2022-08-10T15:34:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 10 August 2022
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	On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92.4 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission. (30) Another study conducted by Johnson Consulting estimated that a larger center would attract 286,948 attendees in the first year increasing to 408,932 in the fifth year. (31)		On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92.4 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission. (30) Another study conducted by Johnson Consulting estimated that a larger center would attract 286,948 attendees in the first year increasing to 408,932 in the fifth year. (31)

	In early June, 2022 council members voted unanimously not to proceed with a proposed March vote, but scheduled a work session to review the plans presented to the city in 2018. Members noted that they had been advised that if the project ~~was~~ approved, its cost would put the city at 86% of its statutory debt limit which could lead to a downgrade of the city's bond rating. While the [[DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] had not taken an official position on the proposed referendum, it supported the city finding a more cost-efficient resolution. (32)		In early June, 2022 council members voted unanimously not to proceed with a proposed March vote, but scheduled a work session to review the plans presented to the city in 2018. Members noted that they had been advised that if the project were approved, its cost would put the city at 86% of its statutory debt limit which could lead to a downgrade of the city's bond rating. While the [[DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] had not taken an official position on the proposed referendum, it supported the city finding a more cost-efficient resolution. (32)

			In July, 2022 the council further delayed a work session dealing with the future of Five Flags. A work session planned for July 11 was rescheduled to October 24th after city staff asked for more time to research projects the city could pursue to improve the Center and provide updated cost estimates. The city was expected to spend $30,000 to $50,000 to hire a consultant to provide updated cost estimates that had been presented to the council in 2018 and to include updated needed capital improvements. In 2018 cost estimated had totaled $8.7 million. (33)


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	30. Kruse, John, "Civic Center Vote Set," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 3, 2022, p. 1A		30. Kruse, John, "Civic Center Vote Set," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 3, 2022, p. 1A

	31. Kruse, John, "Five Flags in Flux," Telegraph Herald, June 19, 2022, p. 9A		31. Kruse, John, "Five Flags in Flux," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 19, 2022, p. 9A

	32. Ibid.		32. Ibid.

			33. Kruse, John, "City Taking Longer Look at Five Flags," ''Telegraph Herald,'' July 7, 2022, p. 1A

Randylyon at 21:03, 21 June 2022

2022-06-21T21:03:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:03, 21 June 2022
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	Private funding reached $800,000 in September, 1975. The sale of a 1976 postcard book and stationery featuring the work of local artist Mrs. Laura Foster was hoped to bring in an additional $8,000. (10)		Private funding reached $800,000 in September, 1975. The sale of a 1976 postcard book and stationery featuring the work of local artist Mrs. Laura Foster was hoped to bring in an additional $8,000. (10)

	~~[[File:fiveflagsst.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]~~ On August 16, 1976 Dubuque voters approved a $3.7-million bond referendum to begin construction in the fall. The final vote was 70% positive with 60% needed to pass. (11) The facility had its grand opening on March 24, 1979.		On August 16, 1976 Dubuque voters approved a $3.7-million bond referendum to begin construction in the fall. The final vote was 70% positive with 60% needed to pass. (11) The facility had its grand opening on March 24, 1979.

	The arena could seat up to 5,200 for basketball, although in its primary use, ice hockey, actual seating capacity was only about 2,500. The creation of the floor began with a two-inch thick mat of styrofoam to insulate the floor above. Supported above the styrofoam were 9.1 miles of piping that carried 1,300 gallons of ethylene glycol solution cooled to 15 degrees F. That temperature seeped through the concrete to freeze the water into ice. Twenty tons of steel reinforcing bars stretching 11.3 miles crisscrossed above the piping. To make the actual floor, 1 million pounds of concrete was pumped through heavy hoses on top of the steel grates. Crews then worked the concrete between the grates and over the pipes. Smoothing the top to within one-eighth inch of perfection was made possible by a laser marker. Curing the concrete took two days since it was submerged under a thin coat of water to slow the process and avoid cracking. (12)		The arena could seat up to 5,200 for basketball, although in its primary use, ice hockey, actual seating capacity was only about 2,500. The creation of the floor began with a two-inch thick mat of styrofoam to insulate the floor above. Supported above the styrofoam were 9.1 miles of piping that carried 1,300 gallons of ethylene glycol solution cooled to 15 degrees F. That temperature seeped through the concrete to freeze the water into ice. Twenty tons of steel reinforcing bars stretching 11.3 miles crisscrossed above the piping. To make the actual floor, 1 million pounds of concrete was pumped through heavy hoses on top of the steel grates. Crews then worked the concrete between the grates and over the pipes. Smoothing the top to within one-eighth inch of perfection was made possible by a laser marker. Curing the concrete took two days since it was submerged under a thin coat of water to slow the process and avoid cracking. (12)

Randylyon at 21:01, 21 June 2022

2022-06-21T21:01:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 21 June 2022
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	In April, 2022 the Dubuque City Council directed the Civic Center Commission to make a recommendation on how to move forward on the construction of a new Center. A recent analysis of the project estimated the cost at $90 million--$15 million more than the original estimate. If approved the project would increase taxes for the average Dubuque homeowner by $193.28 in 2024 the first year the levy would go into effect. This amount would gradually decrease to $161.59 in 2042. (29)		In April, 2022 the Dubuque City Council directed the Civic Center Commission to make a recommendation on how to move forward on the construction of a new Center. A recent analysis of the project estimated the cost at $90 million--$15 million more than the original estimate. If approved the project would increase taxes for the average Dubuque homeowner by $193.28 in 2024 the first year the levy would go into effect. This amount would gradually decrease to $161.59 in 2042. (29)

	On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission. (30)		On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92.4 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission. (30) Another study conducted by Johnson Consulting estimated that a larger center would attract 286,948 attendees in the first year increasing to 408,932 in the fifth year. (31)

			In early June, 2022 council members voted unanimously not to proceed with a proposed March vote, but scheduled a work session to review the plans presented to the city in 2018. Members noted that they had been advised that if the project was approved, its cost would put the city at 86% of its statutory debt limit which could lead to a downgrade of the city's bond rating. While the [[DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]] had not taken an official position on the proposed referendum, it supported the city finding a more cost-efficient resolution. (32)



	NOTE: For a video history of the Civic Center, see: http://cityofdubuque.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=2426 produced by the City of Dubuque.		NOTE: For a video history of the Civic Center, see: http://cityofdubuque.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=2426 produced by the City of Dubuque.
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	30. Kruse, John, "Civic Center Vote Set," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 3, 2022, p. 1A		30. Kruse, John, "Civic Center Vote Set," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 3, 2022, p. 1A

			31. Kruse, John, "Five Flags in Flux," Telegraph Herald, June 19, 2022, p. 9A

			32. Ibid.

Randylyon at 18:26, 5 May 2022

2022-05-05T18:26:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 5 May 2022
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	In April, 2022 the Dubuque City Council directed the Civic Center Commission to make a recommendation on how to move forward on the construction of a new Center. A recent analysis of the project estimated the cost at $90 million--$15 million more than the original estimate. If approved the project would increase taxes for the average Dubuque homeowner by $193.28 in 2024 the first year the levy would go into effect. This amount would gradually decrease to $161.59 in 2042. (29)		In April, 2022 the Dubuque City Council directed the Civic Center Commission to make a recommendation on how to move forward on the construction of a new Center. A recent analysis of the project estimated the cost at $90 million--$15 million more than the original estimate. If approved the project would increase taxes for the average Dubuque homeowner by $193.28 in 2024 the first year the levy would go into effect. This amount would gradually decrease to $161.59 in 2042. (29)

	On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission.		On May 2, 2022 the city council approved, on a 5-2 vote, having city staff draft language for a public vote asking residents if up to $92 million should be borrowed to fund a renovation project for Five Flags. This followed a recommendation the previous week by the city Civic Center Commission. (30)

	NOTE: For a video history of the Civic Center, see: http://cityofdubuque.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=2426 produced by the City of Dubuque.		NOTE: For a video history of the Civic Center, see: http://cityofdubuque.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=2426 produced by the City of Dubuque.
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	29. Kruse, John, "Council Seeks 2nd Opinion on Five Flags," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 19, 2022, p. 1A		29. Kruse, John, "Council Seeks 2nd Opinion on Five Flags," ''Telegraph Herald'', April 19, 2022, p. 1A

			30. Kruse, John, "Civic Center Vote Set," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 3, 2022, p. 1A