In the eyes of Venues Today Magazine, a California-based publication, the fan satisfaction paid off for the performing arts center. After bringing in about $6 million in revenue in 2012, Wharton Center was named the top in-state university venue with capacities ranging from 2,000-5,000 seats. On a national scale, it ranked sixth in comparison to universities across the country.

“It’s another No. 1 for the university,” Hoffman said. “It’s a huge accolade knowing we’re No. 1 in the state.”

Breslin Center also made the list, reaching the 10th spot nationally out of venues seating more than 15,000 fans.

Despite the awards, both Breslin and Wharton centers are looking to expand. With ticket sales and booking for both venues being handled by one universal management, Marketing and Group Sales Manager Tara Peplowski said she hopes to bring a bigger lineup of well-known artist performances.

“We’re really looking to continue to grow the live entertainment business on campus that has been lacking for the past few years,” Peplowski said. “We’re making a concerted effort to go out there and make relationships with promoters and agents and make sure we are on the radar to get some of the hottest artists.”

Among the performers set to visit Michigan, Wharton Center Executive Director Mike Brand has a few in mind he’d like to bring to MSU, such as British pop band One Direction, Michigan native Kid Rock, Maroon 5 and Coldplay.

“We’d like to get some of the bigger bands here,” Brand said. “Sometimes opportunities don’t work out when we try to get all these things, but if we can nail it, we will.”

Brand also acknowledged the power of country music and country-pop crossovers, such as Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, in the Midwest and at MSU.

“Country’s really hot,” he said. “Carrie Underwood completely sold out, and it’s the third time she’s been in the state this year. It just sells well.”

Wharton Center also is looking to incorporate laser dance performances, which have become popular at other universities nationwide.

“There are more than 40,000 students here,” Hoffman said. “We want to make sure we’re catering to their likes and also giving them a variety of different things to choose from.”