Fresno State Athletics
Save Mart Center Opening Events Announced
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Aug. 14, 2003
FRESNO, Calif. - Grand Opening activities for the Save Mart Center at Fresno State will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a festive Community Open House, a Bulldog basketball "extravaganza" and the inaugural concert by renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Officials at Fresno State and the Save Mart Center announced the Grand Opening activities this afternoon, and promised more exciting news in the near future about upcoming concerts and events.
 A Bulldog Basketball Extravaganza will highlight the opening week of Fresno State's brand-new Save Mart Center.  | |
In addition to inaugurating the Save Mart Center concert schedule, Bocelli also is the 2003-04 season-opener for the Fresno Grand Opera. His performance at the Save Mart Center will launch a limited North American tour. He will be accompanied by the Fresno Philharmonic. Ticket orders will be accepted beginning Saturday, Aug. 16, through a Fresno Grand Opera season subscription.
Bocelli is the biggest-selling classical artist in history, with worldwide sales topping $45 million. His international breakthrough hit was "Con Te Partiro," along with its duet arrangement with Sarah Brightman, "Time to Say Goodbye."
Fresno Grand Opera General Director Ronald D. Eichman announced the Bocelli concert during a news conference at the Save Mart Center.
"We are thrilled to be presenting Mr. Bocelli in the first concert in the new Save Mart Center," Eichman said.
Fresno State President John D. Welty said construction of the Save Mart Center makes "a remarkable visual statement" about the strength and enthusiasm of Fresno and the surrounding region.
"There were many who doubted the ability of this campus, and the people of Central California, to accomplish something as great as the Save Mart Center. Well, when the people of Fresno State and of Central California put their heart into it, they can achieve great things," Welty said.
Dr. Peter G. Mehas and Maurine Jones, co-chairs of the Save Mart Center grand opening committee, said the official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Oct. 27 and a Community Open House for residents throughout Central California, is scheduled for Nov. 1.
Mehas said old and new friends of the university are invited to the day-long open house. They can walk the concourse, sit in the plush red seats of the arena, visit the "behind the scenes" working areas and sample food from the center's vendors, he said.
In addition, high schools from Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera and Mariposa counties have been invited to send their bands, choral groups and drama troupes to perform on the arena floor throughout the day. The schools also will have displays around the concourse highlighting their achievements.
The Save Mart Center's gleaming new basketball floor will be "initiated" on Nov. 5 with a "Bulldog Basketball Extravaganza."
The event will include scrimmages by the men's and women's teams, games, a three-point shootout, dunk contests, prizes for students and fans, an autograph session and alumni recognition.
Ticket orders for the Bocelli concert and all performances in the Grand Opera's 2003-04 season will be accepted beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 through a Fresno Grand Opera season subscription. Orders may be placed in person at the Fresno Grand Opera office, 2405 Capitol St., Suite 103 in the Galleria Building in downtown Fresno; by phone at (559) 442-5699; or online at www.fresnograndopera.org.
Save Mart Center "Arena Builders" will be contacted by the Save Mart Center management staff regarding their ticketing opportunities. Information for individual ticket sales through the Save Mart Center ticketing system will be available soon. Ticket prices range from $56 to $276.
The 450,000-square-foot Save Mart Center is the largest privately-financed project in the history of the 23-campus California State University system and the largest venue of this type in Central California. It will be able to accommodate spectators for sporting events, concerts, family shows, cultural events and other programs.
The center, managed by SMG, will be home court for Fresno State intercollegiate athletics teams and the Fresno Falcons Professional Hockey Club. More than a million spectators are expected to visit the facility each year. For more information, see www.SaveMartCenter.com.