West Plains, MO — The City of West Plains is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Abbruzzo as the new Civic Center Manager. Abbruzzo, a Birmingham, Alabama native, brings a wealth of experience in event management, venue operations, and ticket reporting to his new role at the Civic Center.
With over 12 years’ experience in the event and venue management industry, Abbruzzo has held various positions that have honed his skills in overseeing large-scale events, managing front-of-house operations, ticketing, and coordinating with vendors and teams to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
Most recently, he served as the Senior Patron Services Coordinator at the Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University, where he managed a 1,300-capacity theater and a 5,000+ capacity amphitheater, hosting numerous public and private events annually.
His extensive career also includes serving as the Event Manager at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, where he was responsible for settlements, financial reporting, and supervising front-of-house operations for concerts and theater performances.
Abbruzzo is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned his degree in Business Management with a focus on the entertainment business. His strong analytical skills, ability to build effective relationships, and commitment to high-quality customer service align perfectly with the City of West Plains’ mission to provide outstanding civic services and community experiences.
As the new Civic Center manager, Abbruzzo will oversee the administrative and operational functions of the business office, box office, and concessions. He will play a crucial role in public relations and event planning logistics, working to ensure that events at the West Plains Civic Center are smoothly executed and meet the highest standards of excellence.
“We are excited to have Anthony join our team and look forward to seeing his expertise contribute to the continued success of the Civic Center,” said Community Services Director Todd Shanks. “His leadership and experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable to our community and the many events that the Civic Center hosts.”
About the West Plains Civic Center
Since 1993, the West Plains Civic Center has been a cornerstone for entertainment and educational events in the region. This multifunctional facility features nearly 30,000 square feet of space ideal for trade shows, exhibits, and banquets. It boasts an arena seating up to 3,500 for concerts, sports events, and is the home court for the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly volleyball and basketball teams, playing on a state-of-the-art hardwood maple floor installed in 2020.
The Civic Center’s 450-seat theater hosts a diverse lineup of events, including performances by touring comedians, musicians, magicians, and ballet companies. With seven flexible meeting spaces equipped with audiovisual capabilities, the venue is perfect for banquets, conventions, corporate seminars, weddings, and ceremonies. The dedicated staff ensures seamless event planning and execution, from booking through teardown.
To contact the Civic Center Business Office, please call 417-256-8087.
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