Save Mart Center grand opening events begin with University ‘sneak peek’ tour on Oct. 24

By Shirley Melikian Armbruster
University Relations

Grand Opening activities for the Save Mart Center at Fresno State will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 27, a festive Community Open House on Nov. 1, a Bulldog basketball “extravaganza” on Nov. 5 and the inaugural concert by renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli on Nov. 7.

Fresno State faculty, staff and students who show their keycard IDs will be the first visitors into the Save Mart Center during a “sneak peek” day on Oct. 24. More details will be announced.

Last month, officials from the university and the Save Mart Center announced Grand Opening activities and promised more exciting news in the near future about upcoming concerts and events.

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. 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 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.

See more Grand Opening news.