Green Bay has gained international appreciation for its football team, the Green Bay Packers, and has certainly made its imprint in the world of sports. This city, made famous for its football, is also becoming a key player in the greater entertainment market. Now, thanks to relatively new venues such as the Resch Center and the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, Green Bay can offer its residents and guests worldly amusements in the comfort of an accessible, mid-sized city.
Opened in 2002, the Resch Center is the newest addition to Green Bay's cultural environment. Situated in the center of one of Green Bay's busiest tour zones, the Resch Center compliments facilities like the Don Hutson Center, Lambeau Field and the Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena. As a part of the Brown County Veterans Memorial Complex, the Resch Center was built to supplement the already existing arena and Shopko Hall (built in 1986) and has made it possible for the city to host large scale events that it didn't have the capacity for in the past. While the arena and Shopko Hall still function as grounds for trade shows and conventions, the Resch Center has increased attendance at the complex by offering larger scale events to the city.
With a seating capacity of approximately 10,000, the Reach Center has become the permanent home for local athletic attractions like the Green Bay Gamblers hockey team and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's (UWGB) Phoenix men's basketball team. The Resch Center is also Green Bay's number one source for concerts, and family events like the circus and ice shows. Since its opening, the center has sold valuable tickets to performances by Cher, Elton John, James Taylor and many more popular artists. The center's Bart Starr Plaza is also an exciting place to celebrate Packers pre games when you attend the Bart Starr Plaza Tailgate Parties sponsored by Fox River Tickets. Don't miss your chance to take in the energy of the Resch Center. Support this local venue by attending a Resch Center event soon!
The Weidner Center for the performing Arts is an ideal haven for residents and visitors seeking experiences other than those offered by the fully charged Resch Center. Hosting larger-than-life, show-stopping performances, the Weidner Center contains the passion of the Resch Center, but offers it to patrons in the comfort of a spacious, luxurious theatre.
Named for Edward W. Weidner (founding chancellor of UWGB), the Weidner Center was the first locally owned and operated arts facility in the area with a mission to serve both the community and the university. A donation given by Dr. David Cofrin in the 1980's made the construction of the center a realistic goal that was achieved with the support of Edward Weidner and community organizations.
Most recently renovated in 1998, the Weidner Center is an exceptional host for accomplished artists who share their gifts through musicals, plays, dance, comedy and many other theatrical crafts. Marquee acts like Miss Saigon, Bill Cosby, The Phantom of the Opera, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Rent and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre have headlined at the center in prior seasons.
The Weidner Center's goal is to grow with the community in order to keep nurturing Green Bay through arts exposure. With this aspiration in mind, the Weidner Center has made it possible for the community to interact with the artists in multiple ways. Artists at the Weidner Center often participate in pre show discussions with patrons and will, on occasion, lead workshop classes that are available to community members. The Weidner center also schedules a matinée series of performances geared towards youth audiences that are available to school groups. These opportunities are definitely worth looking into!
With a successful history behind them and a clear vision in sight, the Weidner Center will continue to enrich Green Bay's community through art. Make your way to Green Bay's center stage this season by visiting the Weidner Center. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!