Centennial Hall (Tucson, Arizona) facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Address | 1020 East University Boulevard Tucson, Arizona United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°13′53″N 110°57′20″W / 32.23149°N 110.95543°W |
| Owner | University of Arizona |
| Operator | UApresents |
| Capacity | 2,500 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | April 22, 1937 |
| Architect | Roy Place |
Centennial Hall is a famous building on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Arizona. It was designed by architect Roy Place and built with the university's special red bricks. Opened in 1937, it has always been a place for amazing shows, like music concerts and plays. It's also used for important talks and lectures for students and the public.
Contents
A Stage for Important Voices
What is the Tucson Sunday Evening Forum?
For many years, from 1947 to 1984, Centennial Hall was home to the Tucson Sunday Evening Forum. This was a special event where important people from all over America came to speak. Imagine getting to hear from leaders and heroes right here in Tucson!
Famous Speakers at Centennial Hall
Many well-known Americans shared their ideas and stories at the Forum. These included Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Eleanor Roosevelt, a former First Lady, also spoke there. Even future President John F. Kennedy visited. Other famous guests included baseball legend Jackie Robinson and respected journalist Walter Cronkite. It was a truly special place to learn and be inspired.
Modern Updates and Big Shows
A Big Renovation
In 1985, Centennial Hall got a huge makeover! Over $4 million was spent to make it even better. After this big update, the building was renamed to celebrate the University of Arizona's 100th birthday.
UApresents: Bringing the World to Tucson
Today, Centennial Hall is run by UApresents. This group brings amazing performances from around the world to Southern Arizona. They host everything from exciting theater and dance to classical music, jazz, and world music. It's a great way to see top-notch artists without leaving Tucson! The hall also continues to host university lectures, just like it did when it first opened.
Broadway Comes to Centennial Hall
In 2010, something very exciting happened! The "Broadway in Tucson" series announced that the super popular musical Wicked would play at Centennial Hall. This was a big deal because it was the first time a Broadway in Tucson show was performed there. UApresents helped make it happen, marking a cool partnership between the two groups. It showed that Centennial Hall is a perfect spot for even the biggest and best shows!
