The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) recently reached a new milestone (over 600,000 guests) in its quest to ultimately reach 750,000 guests by 2026. A 200-car parking expansion followed by the construction of Expedition Rainforest – The Greensboro Biodome and Aquatic Rehabilitation and Conservation Center (ARCC) will be driving factors moving the GSC closer to Top-5 attraction status for the state of North Carolina. The 2022/2023 fiscal year brought a 9% increase over the previous 2021/2022 record of 550,000. An additional 125,000 guests purchased tickets to ride the Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel (owned and operated by the GSC) overlooking the historic lakes within the Battleground Parks District.

Of the 600,000 guests that have experienced all that the GSC has to offer, 12% of paying attendance was a part of the GSC’s SNAP/EBT Discount Program. The GSC is committed to creating inclusive and accessible experiences for all guests, exemplified by offering discounted ticket prices for individuals that receive SNAP/EBT benefits. The GSC has also reached 90 out of the 100 counties in North Carolina, as well as all 50 states and Puerto Rico, extending its impact and presence nationwide.

"The GSC team first started expounding the importance and positive impacts of science-based tourism back in 2004: inspiring and improving science literacy, economic development through tourism, community vision and brand development, and overall quality of life for citizens. At that time, annual attendance hovered around 100,000 guests per year making it difficult to convince public and private leaders that change or growth was possible," says Glenn Dobrogosz, CEO of the GSC.

The opening of Animal Discovery in 2008 was the GSC’s first step towards tourism leadership in Guilford County. By 2009, the GSC reached 250,000 guests per year convincing Greensboro City Council to support a $20M Science City, USA Master Plan bond referendum. That bond, matched with $20M in private support, catalyzed: construction of the Wiseman Aquarium, comprehensive museum reinvention and renewal, a 12-acre zoological expansion (Revolution Ridge), the addition of SKYWILD, the Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel, and much more.

Dobrogsz expresses further, "I could not be prouder of this GSC team, our Board of Directors, our incredible volunteers, our many donors and, of course, our great city partners." Dobrogosz continues, "Our internal ‘no risk – no reward’ philosophy has challenged us to the core, but the fruits of our commitment to positive community development is now benefiting everyone. And, we have only just begun! With the power of life and science now at the forefront of local and state tourism, imagine what the future holds with the completion of the Biodome and ARCC project."

GSC leaders are confident that the 2023/2024 fiscal year will bring yet another record thanks to exciting changes for this year’s Winter WonderLights extravaganza, including Polar Preview Nights, special discounted nights geared towards community groups and businesses, and Jingle Brew, a new sip and stroll event for ages 21 and older on November 17, 2023 featuring local breweries.