FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Packard Music Hall: Christopher J. Stephenson – 330.841.2619; cstephenson@warren.org
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$575,000 for Packard Music Hall
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $575,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Packard Music Hall, located in Warren.
The Packard Music Hall is a 2,400-seat multi-purpose auditorium presenting a variety of cultural arts and entertainment events to more than 100,000 people each year. The theater, which has operated continuously since 1955, will utilize state funds to upgrade much of its original stage-house technology, including lighting, rigging and sound systems. The improvements will meet the demands of current technology, enhance safety, and permit the facility to book larger-scale traveling shows.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows facility owner, the city of Warren, to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly. Trumbull County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include former Senator Marc Dann, Representative Sandra Harwood, and former Representatives George Distel and Randy Law.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues.
The Commission partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
