05/27/2026
The Dow Event Center is proud to announce a new naming rights partnership that renames the theater within the venue as the Applied Innovation Theatre. The partnership with Applied Innovation marks an exciting milestone in the continued growth and evolution of one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations.
We are thrilled to welcome Applied Innovation as part of our building’s story. Their commitment to innovation and community aligns perfectly with our mission. The Applied Innovation Theatre will continue to serve as a hub for diverse, high-quality entertainment, and we’re proud to partner with them as we look toward the future.
John Lowery, President of Applied Innovation, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “I know a lot of great memories have been made in this theater and continued memories will be made. We are excited to be a part of it.”
The Applied Innovation Theatre is a versatile, approximately 2,200-seat venue that hosts a wide variety of performances, from concerts and comedy to family shows and theatrical productions. This adaptability allows The Dow Event Center to bring a broad range of programming to the community each year.
Craig Goslin, President of the Saginaw Spirit, emphasized the significance of Applied Innovation’s investment in the region: “Applied Innovation has a big footprint across the state of Michigan, but chose Saginaw to invest in. We thank them for choosing this community.”
The partnership also comes at a time of continued investment in the theater’s future. Jack Tany, Chair of the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners, announced, “The County is excited to share that they’ve listened to feedback from promoters and people in the industry and approved a $1 million budget to improve sound and lighting in the theatre so we can continue bringing top-quality entertainment here.”
This collaboration represents the combined efforts of many dedicated partners. The Dow Event Center extends its gratitude to the Dow Event Center Advisory Board, Legends Global, the City Mayor, Dow Chemical, and the Saginaw Spirit for their leadership and support in making this partnership possible.
“We appreciate the collaboration and commitment from all of our partners,” added Goslin. “We also want to thank everyone who joined us today to celebrate this exciting announcement—it’s a true reflection of what can be accomplished when a community comes together.”
The newly named Applied Innovation Theatre stands as a symbol of partnership, community pride, and a shared vision for delivering exceptional live entertainment experiences in Saginaw and across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
📸 by Thor Rasmussen
