Civic Center

[OKCbyTRANSFER]

The new men's room is open and very nice.
The 2 staircases connecting the upper orchestra level are in place, but not yet complete. On the south side, the new lobby bar is coming along. Most of the new carpet is finished except for the main floor.

[Pete]

[OKCbyTRANSFER]

Also, there is now a family restroom where the old coffee shop was, to provide much needed facilities for anyone with special needs. Inside has an adult size adjustable change table. This should help any persons or family attend performances

[Plutonic Panda]

Renovations finished and set to be unveiled June 14th:

https://freepressokc.com/okc-civic-c...amped-theater/

[warreng88]

Yep, went to Hamilton Saturday night. Bar was completely open. Looks like in the common area they just needed to finish up removal of some flooring, new flooring and touch ups. Not sure about the Little Freede Center.

[Pete]

I will be touring soon and will take a ton of photos.

Very excited to see all the work in person.

The new entrance on the north side looks finished but as of Sunday, it was still fenced off.

[soonerguru]

Loved the new bar when we went to Hamilton. Nice art deco feel.

[HFAA Alum]

Renovations finished and set to be unveiled June 14th:

https://freepressokc.com/okc-civic-c...amped-theater/

Happy birthday to me!

[Pete]

Grand reopening today at renovated Civic Center

After two years of construction, a renovated and expanded Civic Center Music Hall celebrates its Grand Reopening with a full day of events including a free concert featuring Grammy Award-winning country band Diamond Rio.

The $14.1 million renovation project includes the complete restoration of the Freede Little Theatre and added a new 2-level lobby for that facility on the north side of the building. Little Theatre is for smaller performances, seating approximately 300 versus the 3,000 capacity at the main Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre.

Great care was taken to preserve the original plasterwork and light fixtures. There are new amenities, including a dedicated bar, new restrooms, balcony seating, and a new balcony lobby. All have the Art Deco detail work for which the Civic Center is known.

Other improvements include a remodeled main lobby which saw the relocation of the box office, main bar, and stairways to create a much more open layout. The project also includes enhanced accessible entrances with additional powered doors and a family restroom on the main level, all while retaining the historical Art Deco ambiance of the building.

From a press release:

The schedule for the June 14th Grand Reopening Festivities will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by building tours from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and conclude with a free concert featuring Diamond Rio. Legendary American country group Diamond Rio recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Diamond Rio, a six-time Vocal Group of the Year winner, is known for their chart-topping hits such as "Meet in the Middle," "One More Day," and "Beautiful Mess." Diamond Rio recently released "I Made It," their tenth studio album. The concert is free to the public. Tickets are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last. To reserve your tickets, visit www.okcciviccenter.com.

New floor plan



Lobby before



Lobby after renovation



New box office



New lobby light fixture



New VIP area



New entrance to Little Theatre



Little Theatre box office



Little Theatre lobby and upstairs bar


Before and during reconstruction of Little Theatre



New Little Theatre



New Little Theatre



Aerial view showing Little Theatre entrance on north side

[Pete]

They did a fantastic job on this renovation.

Moving the box office to the side and relocating a stairway as well as the new, larger bar makes the main lobby work 100x better. Also, I personally think the elimination of that bright red is a big improvement. Lots of little details like new light fixtures and bathrooms.

The Freede Little Theatre is a knockout. From the new entrance and lobby to the theater itself... First class all the way.

[Plutonic Panda]

I love the art deco style.

[SEMIweather]

They did a fantastic job on this renovation.

Moving the box office to the side and relocating a stairway as well as the new, larger bar makes the main lobby work 100x better. Also, I personally think the elimination of that bright red is a big improvement. Lots of little details like new light fixtures and bathrooms.

The Freede Little Theatre is a knockout. From the new entrance and lobby to the theater itself... First class all the way.

What types of events are they planning on having at the Little Theatre? That looks like an amazing space...reminds me a bit of the Enid Symphony (another great venue if anyone is ever interested in making the drive to Enid to catch some orchestral music).

[bucktalk]

I love the art deco style.

Yes. Yes. And YES!!

[Laramie]

Brings back childhood memories of the Shrine Circus, All College Basketball Tournament, concerts and many religious gathers in our city.

Love the restoration of Little Theater and the whole complex. These buildings were built to last and be shared by future generations. Thanks again for sharing, Pete.

[unfundedrick]

I went to the open house this afternoon and was certainly impressed. I agree that the new lobby colors work MUCH better and fit in with the art deco design. The news release mentions seating in the balcony of the Little Theater but, if that is planned, it's not currently in place. There are no seats there.

[bombermwc]

The Freede looks so much better! This is what it should have looked like after the rest of the Civic Center got renovated before.

[barrettd]

Yes, the Freede looks incredible. I have never really enjoyed seeing shows there, but am really looking forward to that little theatre. I really am impressed with the renovation all around.

[okatty]

Attended “Ain’t Too Proud” last night and enjoyed the new look CC for the first time. Also liked having tickets scanned in the lobby rather than at the entrance to the theatre. The whole flow was much improved.

[Urbanized]

What types of events are they planning on having at the Little Theatre? That looks like an amazing space...reminds me a bit of the Enid Symphony (another great venue if anyone is ever interested in making the drive to Enid to catch some orchestral music).

I’ve been inside of the Enid Symphony, and have actually been on stage (as a presenter) inside the (pre-renovation) Freede Little Theatre, and I 100% agree about the similarity. Every time I’ve been in either I’ve been reminded of the other.

[Rover]

Attended “Ain’t Too Proud” last night and enjoyed the new look CC for the first time. Also liked having tickets scanned in the lobby rather than at the entrance to the theatre. The whole flow was much improved.

Agreed. Look, feel, and flow MUCH better.

Oh, the show was GREAT too.

[okatty]

^Agreed - really good show. Amazing talent on that stage. Two more shows today/tonight if anyone wants to enjoy and escape the heat a bit.

[CitySooner]

Here's a question for anyone that has knowledge of Civic Center's operations/booking - is there even a remote possibility that they would book another true rock show there ever again? I can understand why it might not, but damn it would be cool.

[Rover]

Here's a question for anyone that has knowledge of Civic Center's operations/booking - is there even a remote possibility that they would book another true rock show there ever again? I can understand why it might not, but damn it would be cool.

It can't comete with the stadium shows, and the other venues for smaller shows here are way better set up for drinking and rocking out.

[okatty]

Paul Simon was there a few years ago and it was fantastic. That isn’t “rock” but it was a great show with his full band. It was a great time.

[CitySooner]

It can't comete with the stadium shows, and the other venues for smaller shows here are way better set up for drinking and rocking out.

Fair, but at just under 3,000 capacity, gotta think that fits a certain niche, no?