PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa
Contact: Meghan Truhett
education@tuscarts.org
205-758-5195, x 7
DIGITAL MARQUEE WILL BE LAUNCHED AT THE BAMA THEATRE TODAY
(Tuscaloosa, Ala.) The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa has upgraded the main information board on the Bama Theatre marquee by converting to a digital LED screen. The official launch time is today, March 20, 2017, at 3 p.m. with upcoming events showcased. The best photo opportunities will be after dusk.
The decision was made by The Arts Council Board of Directors to upgrade for safety, innovation and the ability to edit information electronically. Careful consideration was taken during the process to maintain the historical integrity of the marquee façade with the neon “BAMA” lettering and the chasing bulbs unaltered. The area being replaced in the marquee is not original to the structure built in 1938, and The Arts Council views moving to digital as taking advantage of current technology as well as offering an updated landmark for the downtown area. Physical factors leading to the conversion included outdated wiring in need of replacement and staff required to use a ladder outside the facility to update events. The two side panels will continue to be updated with the use of physical letters, preserving the classic look.
The Arts Council was granted a variance by the Zoning Board of Adjustment with the City of Tuscaloosa to upgrade the marquee. The project was paid for by the Bama Theatre Restoration Fund, which is a $1 fee passed onto patrons that attend events at the historic theatre utilized to maintain and upgrade the space. The project was installed by Knight Sign Industries based in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and the panels were produced by Daktronics, a USA-based manufacturing company.
The Arts Council has included the digital marquee upgrade in their long term plans since 2003 and has been actively pursuing the project since 2014.
The Bama Theatre is located at 600 Greensboro Ave. in downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council, CAC or Bama Theatre, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit tuscarts.org for further information.
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