NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

Date: December 12, 2007

Contact: Derek Danziger

                 (619) 533-7103 or

Tiffany Metti

619-533-7136

               www.ccdc.com

BALBOA THEATRE OPENING GALA FUNDRAISER

SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 31

Free Public Preview Performances Scheduled January 11, 12 and 13

San Diego, CA—Downtown’s historic 1924 Balboa Theatre remains on target for a January 2008 opening. A formal Roaring Twenties-themed grand opening fundraising gala has been scheduled for Thursday, January 31, and specific entertainment and event details are forthcoming. Westfield Horton Plaza has stepped up as the event’s title sponsor, while Sycuan and THE US GRANT hotel have also joined as major event sponsors.

“CCDC is excited to finally share this great theater with the San Diego community,” said CCDC President Nancy Graham. “We are so grateful for the support of Westfield, Sycuan and THE US GRANT and hope that many more individuals and companies will become sponsors to put on a great opening event and to raise endowment funds to support the theater’s programming in the future.”

CCDC and a Balboa Theatre Task Force are continuing to seek corporate sponsors to underwrite the opening gala whose proceeds will benefit an endowment that will enable local nonprofit performing arts groups to apply for grants to use the theater for future events. The endowment fund will be managed by the chairs of the City of San Diego’s Arts and Culture Commission, San Diego Theatres, Inc. Board of Directors, and the Balboa Theatre Foundation. Sponsorship information is available by calling 619-533-7103. A limited number of gala tickets will be sold to the public.

 “Westfield is thrilled to sponsor the grand reopening of the historic Balboa Theatre,” said Jonathan Bradhurst, senior vice president of development for Westfield in San Diego. “CCDC’s commitment to the restoration of the Balboa Theatre and to the creation of a true theater district downtown will be a key component in downtown San Diego’s continued revitalization.”

In addition to the January 31 gala activities, on January 11 (noon), 12 and 13 (noon and 3 p.m.), CCDC will host a series of five free Public Preview Showcases of the Balboa Theatre featuring performers from throughout the San Diego community. A schedule of performers and times will be posted soon on CCDC’s Web site, www.ccdc.com, in the Balboa Theatre section. Beginning next week, free tickets will be available for pickup at the CCDC Downtown Information Center at 225 Broadway on Horton Square, through Civic Theatre ticketing at the box office located at Third Avenue and B Street, or online at www.sdbalboa.org (a small service fee will apply for online ticket access). For more information call 619-235-2222.

BALBOA THEATRE HISTORY

After numerous unsuccessful efforts over the past 18 years to renovate and reopen the Balboa Theatre privately, CCDC is nearing completion of the $26.5 million restoration project to return the venue to its original glory. Completed in several phases, the project has been designed and orchestrated by national historic restoration and performing arts specialists Westlake Reed Leskosky of Phoenix, Arizona.

New state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical and performance systems comprising rigging, lighting and audiovisual technology have been installed, including full-variable acoustics.  The lobby, box office, loading area and public amenities have been improved and expanded.  The audience chamber and balcony have been revitalized with new seating and restored decorative ceiling and walls. Enhancements also include recreation of the blade sign and marquee, the addition of an orchestra pit lift and orchestra side shell panels. The structure is now reinforced for seismic stability.  

Upon opening, the Balboa Theatre will be managed by San Diego Theatres Inc., the nonprofit, public benefit corporation established to manage and operate publicly owned performing arts theaters. Under the terms of an operating agreement with the City of San Diego, they are also responsible for the management, marketing, operations and maintenance of the San Diego Civic Theatre. A lineup of shows at the Balboa Theatre has already been announced and is available at www.sdbalboa.org. The Balboa Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

###

                                                                                    CCDC is a public, nonprofit corporation created by the City of San Diego in 1975 to facilitate the redevelopment of downtown’s 1,500 acres.