Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center officially opened 25 years ago on this date, July 18, 1997. The facility was built with a promise and a mandate to our community to serve as a catalyst for economic activity, a community gathering space, and a tourist destination.

In its first 25 Years, Monona Terrace has generated over $697 million in economic impact, held over 16,000 events, and welcomed nearly 9 million visitors and attendees. Additionally, Monona Terrace has hosted over 2,000 free community events—such as rooftop concerts, health and wellness classes, architectural lectures, and educational workshops.

Over 25 years, Monona Terrace has made continuous performance improvements, achieving LEED® Platinum status for its sustainability practices. And earning Global Biorisk Advisory Council® STAR™ accreditation for its comprehensive health and safety protocols.

Monona Terrace is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a free community celebration on Saturday, July 23 from 6:30-9:45 pm at its William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. The event will feature local and regional bands, dance performances, and conclude with a spectacular drone show over Lake Monona.

“Building on a Dream” 25th Anniversary Celebration Highlights:

5:30 pm  Extra Crispy Brass Band (Olin Terrace)
6:30 pm  Dynamic Badgerettes Dance Team
7:00 pm  Orquesta MAS- Madison All Stars
8:00 pm  DJ Pain 1
8:30 pm  The People Brothers Band
9:30 pm  Lake Monona Drone Light Show

No tickets are required to attend the free community event, but rooftop capacity is limited. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be held on Sunday, July 24. For full event details visit www.mononaterrace.com/25.

Monona Terrace’s 25th Anniversary Celebration is presented by W. Jerome Frautschi and Pleasant Rowland Frautschi with additional support from American Transmission Company, Monona Catering, Destination Madison, Findorff, Friends of Monona Terrace, Madison Gas and Electric, American Family Insurance, News 3 Now, New Glarus Brewing Company, and Leinenkugel’s.