Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre gives out $15,000 prize to venue’s 2.5 millionth ticketholder

Toowoomba’s most famous venue has handed out a lucrative prize package to its 2.5 millionth ticketholder, marking a major milestone for the iconic building.

One lucky Toowoomba resident has snapped up the 2.5 millionth ticket sold to a show at the Empire Theatre, in a testament to the iconic venue’s resurgence since being reopened in 1997.

Bree Miller’s tickets for her and her father Brian to see the show Rolling Thunder Vietnam have earned a special prize package, commemorating the incredible milestone.

Her prize includes a $2500 Empire Theatres voucher, a custom pendant by Ryley Jewellery Creations valued at $6550, a $4000 Choices Flooring voucher as well as accommodation and restaurant packages and beauty vouchers.

Ms Miller said she was taken completely by surprise at the news.

Toowoomba resident Bree Miller (centre) bought the 2.5 millionth ticket at the Empire Theatre to see Rolling Thunder Vietnam for her father Brian (right). They're pictured with Empire Theatre general manager Kerry Saul.

“I bought the tickets for my father; we have been to the Empire Theatre to watch Rolling Thunder Vietnam before and thought it was fantastic the first time,” she said.

“Dad is a Vietnam veteran so it’s quite special for him and the way the storyline and actors play it out is spectacular – we had to come back again.”

Empire Theatre general manager Kerry Saul said reaching the milestone in 26 years, averaging nearly 100,000 tickets a year, was a “huge achievement”.

“This was our way of celebrating, giving back and thanking our audience for their past and continued support of the theatre, and we congratulate our 2.5 millionth ticket holder on their win and the amazing prize pool they can now call their own,” he said.

“The theatre has grown so much in the past 25 plus years, becoming a thriving four-venue precinct and developing arts in our regions, so when we are able to see a figure like 2.5 million, it really confirms how valuable an asset the Empire Theatre is to the community.”

Tickets are available at www.empiretheatre.com.au or via the box office in person by calling 1300 655 299.