What we reported

Sugar Land is primed to benefit from expansion of tourism in the city, with the Smart Financial Centre opening in January and work continuing on the Brazos River Park and festival site. The venue is owned by the city and sits on 38.5 acres near the intersection of Hwy. 59 and University Boulevard. The park is a $12.37 million project on 76 acres with the festival site taking another 52 acres along Hwy. 59. The projects are a part of the city’s $31.5 million parks bond package approved by voters in November 2013.

The latest

The $84 million, state-of-the-art Smart Financial Centre has announced performers for its grand opening weekend. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will headline Jan. 14, and classic rock singer Don Henley will perform Jan. 15.

What’s next

The venue is expected to generate $26.1 million yearly in annual community benefits, which includes spending in and out of the venue, indirect spending and induced spending, according to Jennifer May, executive director of business and government affairs for the city of Sugar Land.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 8 things to look for in 2017 here.