Fox Tucson In Turnaround

The Fox Tucson Theatre in Arizona, which has seen years of negative cash flow, is on course to turn its first profit in years.

The 1,164-capacity building lost more than $1 million in 2007 and 2008 combined. It nearly broke even in 2009, but closed out last year more than $210,000 in the red.

However, the venue made $882,000 through August, with expenses at $830,000. The $50,000 profit could climb because there are plenty of big name acts on the bill through the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the theatre’s board members are crafting plans to generate even more revenue by adding a restaurant and bar, even as they prepare to ask that the Rio Nuevo board extend their debt out another 44 years.

The theatre is seeking a liquor license transfer, and the board has looked to other venue models to boost the bottom line, noting many buildings make just as much in concessions as ticket sales. The plan is to create a second-story restaurant, possibly serving small plates of food along with cocktails.

Still, the Fox Theatre Foundation and its related entities owe $4.5 million to the Rio Nuevo district. Although the first $1.5 million was due in September, no payments were made.