An interior view from the stage of the new McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. — Construction continues in May on The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. There will be an open house at the new state-of-the-art facility at 2 p.m. Sept. 28.

McKnight Center to host open house event

Friday, September 27, 2019

STILLWATER, Okla. – (Sept. 27, 2019) — The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts will open its doors to the community in a grand opening ceremony at 2 p.m. Sept. 28. The event will be the first chance for the public to see the building's interior and there will be trained docents stationed throughout the 65,000 square-foot space so that visitors can be informed as they explore.

The McKnight Center, a cutting-edge facility that will house world-renowned acts on Oklahoma State University's campus, is the result of a unified vision to create a new cultural epicenter in Stillwater. In 2016, Oklahoma State University alums Billie and Ross McKnight gave $25 million to establish an endowment to support world-class programming for the benefit of the university, the community and the entire region.

“We are thrilled with the community’s evident excitement about The McKnight Center,” Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director Mark Blakeman said. “Our grand opening marks a special milestone for us, one in which we're able to pay homage to those who've helped us along the way. This center is the embodiment of a dream to create a space for everyone to enjoy exceptional performances. It's thrilling to see that dream come to fruition."

“The McKnight Center is a gem on Oklahoma State’s campus," said OSU President Burns Hargis. "It’s an innovative facility that will bring first-rate performers from across the world to showcase their talents. With such a high-caliber center, the cultural opportunities for our students and community members are endless."

The McKnight Center is estimated to have an $11 million-dollar annual economic impact on the city of Stillwater and many of the inaugural season's acts have wide appeal. The New York Philharmonic will kick off the season during the Opening Night Gala and Concert at 6 p.m. Oct. 11, which will also feature Tony Award-winning singer and Oklahoma native Kelli O’Hara.

Tickets to all shows are in high demand. Concert goers are encouraged to call early for tickets (405) 744-9999 or visit mcknightcenter.org.

About the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University will be a world-class epicenter for the arts, attracting celebrated national and international programs featuring notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center is an expression of Oklahoma State University's commitment to the arts to serve generations of students, performers and audience members alike. Visit McKnightCenter.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACT: Katy Fabrie | Gooden Group | 918.470-4994 | kfabrie@goodengroup.com

Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 34,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 24,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and around 100 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 275,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.