New Hampshire Allocates $12M For Performance Venue Relief

New Hampshire theaters, concert halls and other live performance venues can now apply for as much as $1.5 million each from the state’s federal virus relief aid.

The state is allocating $12 million of its $1.25 billion for a new relief program for businesses that host live theatrical presentations, music, sporting or racing events that are seated, ticketed and open to the public. The program is open to both for-profit and nonprofit facilities, and the application process began Monday.

While some venues have been able to remain open with fewer shows and limited capacity during the pandemic, many shows and events have been postponed or canceled.

“Live performance venues are the lifeblood of many communities and serve as an economic engine that drives tourism to help sustain main street businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. “To lose these venues would be an economic blow that would have a widespread and profoundly negative ripple effect felt across these communities for many years to come.”