Santander Arena and Performing Arts Center Gain National Accolades

The Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center, both located in Reading, Pennsylvania, have achieved significant recognition in the entertainment industry, concluding 2025 with impressive rankings on Pollstar’s Year-End Top Grossing Charts. These accolades reflect the venues’ ongoing success in attracting popular talent and delivering memorable entertainment experiences to audiences throughout the region.

The Santander Arena ranked No. 80 among U.S. arenas based on total tickets sold, with an impressive 137,432 tickets sold. It also secured No. 72 in gross ticket revenue, generating $10,698,199 during the reporting period. The arena hosted a diverse array of high-demand events, including sold-out performances by artists such as Tito Double P, Forrest Frank, and Ana Gabriel. This varied lineup emphasizes the arena’s versatility, showcasing its ability to accommodate a wide range of genres, from major touring musicians to family-friendly shows.

The Santander Performing Arts Center similarly enjoyed national recognition, ranking No. 85 among U.S. theaters for total tickets sold, with 61,566 tickets sold. It placed No. 89 in gross ticket revenue, totaling $4,028,955 during the same period. The center hosted notable performances including “Rock Orchestra By Candlelight,” “Stardew Valley,” and shows featuring Violent Femmes and Michael Blaustein. This further underscores the venue’s appeal across various entertainment forms, including concerts, comedy, and unique touring productions.

As both venues continue to solidify their status as premier entertainment destinations in eastern Pennsylvania, they set the stage for an even more prosperous year ahead. For details on upcoming events, interested parties can visit santander-arena.com.

In addition to the achievements of the entertainment venues, the Reading Public Museum has made headlines with the acquisition of a large ceramic sculpture by contemporary artist Kukuli Velarde. This acquisition followed the museum’s annual Purchase Party event held on November 13, where more than 100 attendees gathered to vote on new works for the permanent collection. The theme for this year was “Pennsylvania Artists: Collecting the Commonwealth,” which featured five works by artists connected to Pennsylvania.

The standout piece from the event was Velarde’s “India Patarrajada — She will do all the acrobatics the Master orders, pero no esperes que te quiera mucho … Tlatilco/Olmec, Mexico. 1200-800 BC from 2008.” Velarde’s work, made from white clay, wax, casein paint, and resin, is part of her series “Plunder Me, Baby.” Through this work, Velarde blends historical aesthetics with contemporary commentary, addressing themes such as colonialism and the erasure of Indigenous identity.

Curator of Art, Scott Schweigert, expressed enthusiasm about the addition, stating, “We are thrilled to add this engaging contemporary work that makes commentary on colonialism and forces us to reconsider the historic record.” The acquisition aims to enrich the museum’s collection and the community’s appreciation of art.

The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, visitors can explore www.readingpublicmuseum.org.

Furthermore, the music scene is also thriving with the release of “Holiday Fruitcake 6,” a collection of new and original music for the Christmas season. This album features a variety of artists, including Busker Incognito & the Christmas Balls and Cowboy Ernie Sites. It is available for streaming on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. The “Holiday Fruitcake” series has become an annual event, showcasing diverse musical talent and providing an alternative to traditional holiday music.

As 2025 draws to a close, the achievements of these cultural institutions highlight the vibrancy of the entertainment landscape in Reading, Pennsylvania, and signal a promising future for arts and culture in the region.