Redding Civic Auditorium: An Uncertain Future for a North State Landmark
- Elisa Ballard
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Redding, Calif. — After more than 50 years as a cornerstone of entertainment, culture, and community gatherings in Shasta County, the Redding Civic Auditorium faces an uncertain future as its longtime operator, Advance Redding, prepares to step away from management.
The Civic Auditorium opened in 1970 after years of planning led by local businessman and former Mayor Carl A. Williams. Designed as a versatile multi-purpose venue with a seated capacity of approximately 2,072, it has hosted legendary performers (including Ray Charles at its grand opening), concerts, comedy shows, trade shows, graduations, fundraisers, and family events. For decades, it served as a regional economic driver and cultural hub along the Sacramento River near the Sundial Bridge.
The Bethel Connection and Advance Redding Era
By 2011, the City of Redding was struggling financially with the aging facility and faced the real possibility of closure. Leaders from Bethel Church stepped in with a solution. They created Advance Redding, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2011/2012, to manage and revitalize the venue. Bethel’s School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) became a major anchor tenant, leasing large portions of the space for classroom use, while still making the venue available for performances and other events.
Under Advance Redding’s management, the Civic underwent significant improvements. Bethel Church reportedly donated nearly $2 million toward refurbishments, and Advance Redding invested over $1.28 million of its own funds. The organization transformed the venue into a more active regional draw, booking national acts and boosting local economic impact.
Advance Redding's latest 990 filing, posted on the IRS website (also available through propublica.org) for 2023/2024, shows that 72 people were employed and 20 were volunteers. Under "Compensation of Officers, and Key Employees", the return listed two managers, Nathan Parmelee and Julie Dyar, receiving a total of $259,229 in compensation. The grand total for salaries and employee benefits came to $960,772. Total revenue in 2023 came to $1,429,912, less total expenses of $1,854,917, resulting in a loss of $425,005. They had received a federal government grant that year in the amount of $143,758, possibly from COVID-related funding.
Kris Vallotton, Senior Associate Leader at Bethel Church, served as the founding board president of Advance Redding. Charlie Harper, another senior Bethel administrator, served as board secretary. Both resigned from the board in January 2026. Local real estate developer Eric Hiatt, previously treasurer, was named the new board president.
Bethel’s BSSM leased space at the Civic from 2011 until vacating in June 2024 due to declining enrollment. The loss of this major revenue stream (previously $650,000–$750,000 annually) significantly strained Advance Redding’s finances.
Recent Financial Struggles and City Support
Advance Redding operated the venue under a lease agreement with the City, paying rent that was later reduced. In recent years, the nonprofit faced mounting deficits due to rising costs, deferred maintenance on the aging facility, and post-pandemic challenges.
To keep the doors open, the City of Redding provided substantial stopgap funding:
In August/September 2025, the City approved a $675,000 one-time grant to cover operational shortfalls through the end of 2025. The City also deferred lease payments.
In early 2026, the City provided an additional $464,000 (approximately $116,000 per month from February through June).
Total direct City financial support in 2025–2026 exceeded $1.1 million. Despite this assistance, Advance Redding and the City could not reach a sustainable long-term agreement. In May 2026, the City Council rejected a proposed additional $400,000 transitional package.
Controversy arose when it was revealed that Advance Redding had donated $49,500 to support Measure A, a 2025 citizen-led initiative to increase Redding’s sales tax. The donation occurred shortly before the organization requested the large City grant, drawing scrutiny from some council members regarding transparency.
End of an Era: Cancellations and Transition
In late May 2026, Advance Redding announced it would cease managing the Civic Auditorium after more than 14 years. General Manager Julie Dyar cited the inability to reach a workable transition agreement with the City without ongoing subsidies.
The final event under Advance Redding’s management is expected to be the annual Freedom Festival on July 4, 2026. All shows scheduled after that date have been canceled or relocated, primarily to the Cascade Theatre.
Shows relocated to the Cascade Theatre include:
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight (September 29)
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet 2026 (November 11) (New date)
Canceled performances include:
Gipsy Kings (August 19)
Justin Willman (August 21)
Gary Owen (August 30)
Earth, Wind & Fire (September 9)
Chicago (September 21)
Matthew West - Jesus is King Tour (September 27)
The Calling (October 1)
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (October 4)
Bonnie Raitt (October 7)
Gary Allan (October 8)
Rodney Carrington (October 16)
The Star Tour featuring Anne Wilson (November 14)
Promoter and venue statements, including posts from board member Hope Seth and official announcements, confirmed that ticket holders will receive full refunds for the canceled shows.
The City of Redding has stated it will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a new operator for the venue. The Civic Auditorium requires significant deferred maintenance, including updates to HVAC systems and other infrastructure.
It should be noted that the City of Redding's relationship with Advance Redding is unique in that it was forged from its relationship with Bethel Church, the principal lessor of the venue at that time. Perhaps, with this RFP, the City can identify a more capable and professional manager who can keep this vital asset going.
Based on our evaluation of the surrounding venues, including the Cascade Theater, Win River Casino, and Rolling Hills Casino, the Civic Center has several unique advantages. These include its riverfront location, proximity to Turtle Bay Park, Downtown Redding dining, and perhaps its underutilized outdoor arena space, which can accommodate a very large capacity unmatched by competing venues.
Conclusion
As the community reflects on decades of memories at the Civic, questions remain about who will step up to manage this iconic but aging public asset and what role the City will play in its long-term sustainability.
Shasta Unfiltered will continue to follow this story. Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at contact@shastaunfiltered.com
