Save Mart Center seeing bigger names grace the stage

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- From Paul McCartney to Justin Bieber, some of the biggest names in show business have recently played in the Valley. Even pop star Selena Gomez recently wowed crowds at the Save Mart Center.

"We're on track right now to have the busiest concert year since the first year we opened," said Steve Tadlock, SMG Regional Vice President.

Tadlock said the bookings have been filling up with big names. Some who have been here before, or those that are performing for the first time in the Valley.

Tickets have even sold out for artists like Paul McCartney. In July, rapper Pitbull will kick off his tour in Fresno.

"2016 has been really a stellar concert year for us. Coming out of the recession we see a lot of tours going out. We're seeing people spend discretionary income," said Tadlock.

Tadlock said besides the improving economy, Fresno's geographic location is also attracting tours traveling across California.

As for future concerts, officials said there are more dates to announce.

"Very diverse. We've had 10 shows thus far, and another one this Saturday. We have several more in the pipeline," Tadlock said.

The boom in concerts is also good for nearby businesses. Beach Hut Deli employees said they're seeing people come hours before the concerts start to eat and drink.

Sammy Franco, co-owner of Beach Hut Deli, said, "We do one and a half times what we normally would. So it's an amazing jump in sales for us."

Franco said he's been happy to see the surplus of customers. He's brought in extra staff for those days and has also stocked up on more food and drinks for customers. Franco's hoping there will be more big acts and sales to come.

As for what's next, Save Mart Center officials remind tight-lipped about who could be performing on this stage soon. But they said the more Valley residents that turn out and buy tickets, the bigger the chance of attracting some big name artists.