January 8, 2024

2024 began with a milestone in the renovation of Powell Hall’s auditorium. Construction crews began the concrete overpour of the main floor. Once complete, the floor will be reshaped and include a new cross-auditorium aisle with additional ADA-accessible seating.

The renovated auditorium will have new lighting and seats, bringing the house to a comfortable and acoustically maximal size of 2,150 seats with 22 ADA accessible seats. The seats will look similar to the ones installed in 1967 but will be slightly larger and new row configurations will provide more leg room throughout the hall, especially on the balcony level. The balcony will also feature a softer slope with additional railing and safety measures that will provider greater access to more patrons.