Reading's Entertainment Hubs Make Waves Nationally

Reading's Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center have wrapped up 2025 with impressive national rankings. These venues, managed by Oak View Group, are making a name for themselves on Pollstar’s Year-End Top Grossing and Ticket Sales Charts. Santander Arena sold over 137, 000 tickets, ranking 80th in the U. S. for ticket sales and 72nd for revenue, bringing in nearly $10. 7 million. The arena hosted a mix of sold-out events, from music concerts to comedy shows, proving its versatility. Meanwhile, the historic Santander Performing Arts Center also made its mark, ranking 85th in ticket sales and 89th in revenue with over 61, 000 tickets sold and $4 million earned. The venue showcased a variety of performances, including concerts and comedy acts, reinforcing its appeal. These achievements highlight Reading’s growing reputation as a top entertainment destination in eastern Pennsylvania. Fans can look forward to more exciting events in the coming year.In other news, the Reading Public Museum added a new piece to its collection. The museum acquired a large ceramic sculpture by Philadelphia-based artist Kukuli Velarde. This piece, part of her “Plunder Me, Baby” series, critiques colonialism and cultural appropriation. The acquisition was made possible through the annual Purchase Party event, where attendees voted on the next addition to the museum’s permanent collection. Velarde’s work joins a growing collection of Latin American art, strengthening the museum’s holdings. The museum is open daily, offering a chance for the community to engage with this thought-provoking piece. Additionally, music lovers have a new holiday album to enjoy. “Holiday Fruitcake 6” features original songs from various artists, offering a fresh take on holiday music. This album is the latest in a series started during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a creative outlet for musicians.