Mayor touts event center’s success in citywide address

Mayor Sandy Roberson received applause from attendees during his 2024 state of the city speech Monday afternoon at City Hall when he spoke about the statistical triumphs of the Rocky Mount Event Center.

Roberson, in a nearly 40-minute speech, spoke of the event center and an extensive list of commercial, economic development and quality of life success stories, both downtown and throughout the Rocky Mount area. Roberson did so in the context of what he sees as a city with a long way to go but at the same time going in the right direction.

“In recent years, Rocky Mount has emerged as a beacon of hope and possibility in the region, drawing attention to our prime location, variety of business and job opportunities and expanding development,” Roberson said.

“With more businesses and residents moving downtown, the city is experiencing a resurgence that is capturing the imagination of many,” Roberson also said.

The event center opened in 2018 at the northeastern edge of downtown.

Roberson said that the facility ended 2023 having held 321 events that generated an economic impact of more than $22 million. Roberson pointed out that was an increase from the 2022 economic impact of about $15 million.

The audience applauded when Roberson said that more than 101,000 guests from throughout the nation visited the Rocky Mount area in 2023 due to functions held at the event center. Roberson said that was an increase of 31 percent compared to an already busy 2022.