As the ease of summer settles over Janesville, every drive down Milton Avenue seems to be a reminder of what this community can achieve together. What once existed only on blueprints is now rising from the ground: an ice rink, conference and catering spaces, and signature green beams and signage that showcase a community's dreams full of possibility at Woodman's Sports & Convention Center.

Come September, these walls will open to welcome donors, community members, athletes, local sports teams and leagues, convention attendees, families, and visitors from across the region. The Woodman's Center will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 19, followed by a full weekend of events on September 20 and 21, open to the community.

Stay updated with the City of Janesville and local media for more details on community events.

Sept. 18: A special night out for donors

None of this progress would be possible without the persistently incredible support of our Friends of the Woodman’s Center partners, including several Legacy donors, who have contributed and pledged $500K+ to the project.

• Woodman's Markets

• Mercyhealth

• Anonymous Donor

• Hendricks Family

• Janesville Foundation

• Kennedy Family Foundation

• Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

• Uptown Janesville/RockStep Capital

Thank you to all contributors, no matter the size, who have carried us from the first concept to the almost-complete construction milestones we celebrate today. 

To honor your generosity and share excitement for what’s ahead, we’re cohosting an exclusive VIP Donor event alongside City leaders and Woodman's Center staff on Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, before the facility opens to the public.

The invite-only VIP event will be busy with:

• Guided Tours: Step inside the nearly finished facility in small groups and see firsthand the spaces you helped create.

• Upscale Happy Hour: Mingle with fellow supporters over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments as the sun sets on Milton Avenue.

• Sit-Down Dinner: Enjoy a locally inspired menu and hear remarks from Friends board members, Woodman's Center staff, and city leaders.

• Celebration & Recognition: Raise a glass to collective achievement—and glimpse the vibrant future of sports tourism, conferences, and community events in our region, all set to happen because of you.

Please mark your calendars for September 18, 2025, from 6–9 PM. VIP donors and special project partners will receive an official Save the Date and event RSVP information in early August.

If you have any immediate event questions, please reach out to Christine Rebout at director@janesvillecvb.com or 608-757-3171.

From renderings to reality, this milestone summer of watching the facility be built has been unforgettable, and it’s only the beginning. 

In gratitude,

Board of Directors, Friends of the Woodman’s Center

Christine Rebout

Tim Lindau

Larry Squire

Oakleigh Ryan

Sabrina Bowerman

Stay in touch with the Woodman's Center's facility page on Facebook | Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center