Clowes Memorial Hall continues to demonstrate that world-class performances—and world-class results—belong at Butler University.

In Pollstar’s newly released 2025 Year-End Worldwide Top Theatre Grosses, Clowes Memorial Hall ranked 61st globally, generating more than $10.7 million in gross ticket revenue. The ranking places Clowes Hall among the Top 100 theatres in the world and reaffirms its position as Indiana’s top-selling theatre.

“Clowes Memorial Hall had another outstanding year, and the Pollstar rankings affirm the work our team puts in every day,” Aaron Hurt, Butler University Vice President for Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management, said. “To remain a Top 100 theatre worldwide—and to reclaim the top spot in Indiana—speaks to the quality of the experience we deliver on every level.”

This year’s ranking is especially notable given that Clowes Memorial Hall was closed for approximately three months during the reporting period. Even with that pause, the venue finished just shy of last year’s total gross revenue, highlighting the strength of its programming, audience demand, and operational excellence.

“Even with the loss of several months of performances, we stayed remarkably close to where we finished last year,” Hurt said. “That consistency reflects the dedication of our staff and the continued enthusiasm for live performance in central Indiana.”

The 2025 ranking marks the seventh consecutive year Clowes Memorial Hall has earned a place on Pollstar’s list of top-performing theaters worldwide. Over the past year, audiences filled Clowes Hall for a wide range of performances, including Jim Gaffigan, Penn and Teller, Los Tigres del Norte, Taylor Tomlinson, the Wiggles, and Alton Brown—a lineup that reflects the venue’s commitment to programming that spans genres, generations, and interests.

“Whether guests are coming for comedy, Broadway, live music, or family-friendly shows, our goal is always the same—to create an experience that exceeds expectations and keeps people coming back,” Hurt said.

Clowes’ continued success stands out within a competitive central Indiana live-entertainment landscape. While Clowes led the state among theatres, other prominent Indiana venues did not place in the Top 100. At the same time, central Indiana continues to shine nationally across venue types, with Ruoff Music Center ranking No. 4 worldwide among amphitheaters and Gainbridge Fieldhouse placing 57th among arenas.

“For Clowes to perform at this level alongside venues like Ruoff and Gainbridge shows the depth and diversity of Indianapolis’ entertainment ecosystem,” Hurt said. “Clowes plays a critical role in that mix—not just for Butler, but for the City.”

The ranking also reinforces Butler’s broader Boldly Butler Arts Strategy and the growing impact of the newly designated Midtown Arts Cultural District, where Clowes Memorial Hall serves as a cornerstone venue.

“These results show that investing in the arts—intentionally and collaboratively—works,” Hurt said. “Clowes Memorial Hall isn’t just a performance venue; it’s part of a larger vision for culture, community, and creative energy in Midtown Indianapolis.”

For a full schedule of upcoming performances at Clowes Memorial Hall and other Butler Arts & Events Center venues, visit ButlerArtsCenter.org.