BLOOMINGTON - Since opening five months ago, the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts seems to be paying its way during its inaugural season of entertainment.

The performing arts center, at 110 E. Mulberry St. downtown, opened in September after a city-funded $14.5 million renovation.

The facility, formerly the Scottish Rite Temple, is the centerpiece of the city's Cultural District that also includes the McLean County Arts Center and a proposed Festival Park.

The Cultural District receives city money to pay expenses and employees much like other city departments, such as Parks and Recreation Department. That money is separate from money used to pay for the performing arts center's entertainment season, said Cultural District Executive Director Bruce Marquis.

In figures released to the City Council, Marquis said revenue for the performing arts center's entertainment season is expected to reach $680,000, with expenses projected to be $597,000.

"The largest part of our expenses, the cost of the professional entertainers, is already fixed," Marquis said. "And as far as ticket revenue goes, I'm confident we are right on target."

In its year-to-date expenses, $386,000 has been spent to bring in the more than 30 acts that make up the mainstage, family and student spotlight series. As of Friday, the district has collected $356,000 in ticket sales, Marquis said.

Right now, Marquis said, the center is selling about $1,000 worth of tickets a day for the remaining 10 performances in the mainstage and family series that are open to the general public. Those include upcoming concerts by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Cherish the Ladies and Cherryholmes.

Meanwhile the performing arts center staff is planning for its second season that will be announced this spring. The City Council has approved several contracts with talent agencies in recent meetings. Marquis would not comment yet on who will be performing in the second season.

But Pollstar.com, a national website that is clearing house for concert information, lists a concert at the performing arts center in December by Suzy Bogguss, a country music artist with local ties. Also listed on Pollstar.com as booked at the Bloomington concert hall are Riders in the Sky, a western music and comedy band, and Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli, a traditional Mexican folkdance troupe.