Santa Barbara Bowl Meets $1,000,000 Matching Challenge

The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation Board of Directors and the Chairman’s Campaign Cabinet are proud to announce that the American Classic Capital Campaign for the Santa Barbara Bowl has successfully met the two-to-one $1,000,000 Matching Challenge gift issued last fall by an anonymous local foundation.“Thanks to the vision and generosity of this local foundation, we were able to leverage their $1,000,000 gift into $2,000,000 in new and increased gifts,” said Campaign Chairman Scott Brittingham. “By meeting this transformational matching challenge, we have now raised a total of $11,877,824 from 120 new donors for the second phase of the Bowl’s Restoration and Renovation Master Plan that we initiated in 2001.”This initial amount of funding has enabled the Bowl to:Construct the Pavilion, the graceful, soaring superstructure that debuted for the 2007 concert season. The new stone, steel and copper proscenium carries 30% more weight, thus accommodating more lighting, associated sets, props, lifts and “video walls.” The permanently covered stage housing not only protects artists and their equipment from the elements, but also enhances the Bowl’s natural acoustics.A massive retaining wall behind the Pavilion to enable the eighteen-wheelers that carry artists’ production equipment to access the stage has also been completed.Realization of the Angie and Stephen Redding Gate at the entrance to the Glen, the Bowl’s outdoor “lobby.” Groundbreaking for the Redding Gate is scheduled for this fall and it is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2008.“We’re now looking forward to our next steps,” said Bowl President Paul Dore. “The Overlook above the Bowl is the top priority and will get a complete rehabilitation and upgrade – food and beverage service and a large terrace will be added, as will men’s and women’s lounges.”Other elements in the next phase of the American Classic Campaign include:The Glen – Beautification of the Bowl’s Lobby.Seating – Upgraded patron seating.Expanded Box Office and Lower Plaza – Facilities including improved traffic and entry areas.Education Outreach Endowment.The American Classic Campaign is for the renovation and restoration of the Santa Barbara Bowl. When the Master Plan is completed, the early 20th century grace will remain but rest firmly on 21st century underpinnings. Although the new improvements will be first-class and in keeping with the distinctive architectural style, the American Classic Campaign is not about cosmetics. Every element is necessary for Santa Barbara’s beloved Bowl not only to maintain its place as one of America’s finest outdoor concert venues but also to be able to continue to attract top-tier, world-class artists.