Many celebrities have visited Bowling Green State University (BGSU) over the years, with each performance or show bringing a unique event for students to attend.
One of the many notable celebrities, Louis Armstrong, performed here in November 1967. For only two dollars, students could watch the famous trumpeter perform.
Another performer at BGSU was Nick Jonas, back in 2015. Kesha also performed at BGSU for a charity concert, through Bands4Change, alongside the Creepies on January 27, 2017.
These artists were just some of the many who have performed here at BGSU over the years. However, Kesha was the last performer to have a concert here at BGSU and we have seen more comedy shows than concerts in recent years.
“Interest in these events has changed as the guests have shifted away from musical artists and more towards comedians, social media stars and television personalities…,” said Skylar Dixon, vice president of marketing for University Activities Organization (UAO). “Additionally, with the Office of Student Engagement hosting guests more often, there is more anticipation and excitement for big events.”
The most recent event held at BGSU included a comedy show with Brittany Broski, an American comedian/social media star, hosted by the UAO. At the start of her online career, she was known as the “kombucha girl,” releasing a viral video in 2019. Since then, she has started her own channel, Royal Court and her podcast The Broski Report, where she hosts various celebrities on both platforms.
“I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was fun, and even without knowing much about her beforehand, the show was entertaining and easy to follow,” said Morgon Hohman, a freshman majoring in nursing.
Broski’s show took place on Sept. 8, 2025, at the Stroh Center on campus. Tickets for the event started at $22 and Broski almost had a sold-out show, with each student getting to experience her comedy and advice in person. She had an array of college students in her audience and took the opportunity to share her experiences.
“Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what you study. It just matters that you try your best, you get good grades and that you graduate,” Broski said during a Q&A at her show.
The Office of Student Engagement assists the UAO in booking and bringing larger guests to campus. They also help book the venue, which has recently been the Stroh Center. Ticket prices are managed depending on who is coming to the university.
“Our goal is not to make money. Our goal is to try to break as close to even as possible, or figure out what our loss is going to be. Because again, the goal for us and the UAO is to provide entertainment on campus,” said Brian Heilmeier, director of Student Engagement and Residence Life.
To pick guests, UAO and the Student Engagement Office will look towards students and other universities for inspiration.
“There are several ways we have selected people in the past. Some people are selected through student interest. Students may express interest in seeing a personality, and then we check to see if they are available to book,” President of UAO, Isabella Gonzales said. “Other times, we look at booking companies and establish individuals who seem to have received a good turnout from other universities and events, and we book that way.”
With each new announcement, students have the time to purchase their tickets weeks and months in advance. Each event is typically held at the Stroh Center, and the arena itself has a capacity of approximately 5,000 seats, but for events such as these, the number varies.
Recently, BGSU’s Student Engagement announced that Rainn Wilson, the comedian known for his role as Dwight Schrute from “The Office,” will be at BGSU on April 9, 2026. The prices will start at $27 for student tickets. Tickets can be purchased online through BGSU’s ticket site.
