In most recent years utilization of Memorial Hall has evolved with new venues opening such as several area casinos that now offer concerts and other productions that were once hosted in Joplin.
In addition, Joplin Schools included a performing arts center to seat nearly 1,200 people when it was rebuilt in 2014. In 2022 Connect 2 Culture will open The Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, with a 450-seat performance hall. Located just to the north of Memorial Hall, the Complex will offer other amenities for both indoor and outdoor entertainment.
These additions created other concert opportunities in our area that didn’t exist in the past, and Memorial Hall may not be the right fit for today’s artists or promoters. Upon the bond approval, the City will continue to work with groups and organizations to offer various types of events and activities for our community, as we have in the past.