Clear Channel Entertainment announced today that it is joining Hilton Hotels Corporation in renaming its Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The Hilton Theatre arrives on Broadway after the closing of the current production of
42nd Street, scheduled to play through Sunday, January 2, 2005. The first production to play in the newly renamed Hilton Theatre will be Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which begins previews Monday, March 27, 2005 and opens Thursday, April 28, 2005.
"Broadway is an international destination and tourism is an important part of its economic health. We are thrilled with this association in which one of the world's leading symbols of hospitality meets one of its leading centers of art and entertainment. This partnership will bring invaluable opportunities to develop new audiences and continue to bring loyal audiences to the theatre, sustaining Broadway as the #1 attended tourist attraction in New York City," said David Anderson, President, Theatre Management, Clear Channel Entertainment.
"Building upon the natural link between travel, leisure and the arts, Hilton is extending its legacy in the art of hospitality by sponsoring one of Broadway's finest theatres," said Jeffrey Diskin, Senior Vice President, Brand Management and Marketing for Hilton. "Through our relationship with Clear Channel, the Hilton Theatre will celebrate personal performance at its highest level."
The FordCenter for the Performing Arts, which opened in 1997 was created by combining two of New York's classic vaudeville houses, the Lyric Theatre (1903) and the Apollo Theatre (originally called the Bryant, 1910). The new venue was designed to adhere to the guidelines for development established by The New 42nd Street to promote the preservation, restoration and reconstruction of the historically significant elements of both the Apollo and Lyric theaters.
As the newest and one of the largest theatrical venues in New York, the Hilton Theatre will be the home of Broadway's biggest hits for years to come. Clear Channel Entertainment and Hilton are excited to enter into this significant partnership that will support the performing arts and provide quality entertainment and first-class hospitality for Broadway audiences.
Hilton Hotels Corporation is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises more than 2,200 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Club® and Homewood Suites by Hilton®.
Clear Channel Entertainment, a leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events is a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the away-from-home advertising industry. Clear Channel Entertainment currently owns, operates and/or exclusively books approximately 130 live entertainment venues, including nearly 100 in North America and more than 30 in Europe. In 2003, 69 million people attended approximately 32,000 events promoted and/or produced by the company, including live music events; Broadway, West End and touring theatrical shows; family entertainment shows; museum exhibitions, and specialized sports and motor sports events. In addition, the company's independently operated athlete representation business, SFX, provides management, marketing and financial consulting services to many of the world's top professional athletes. Clear Channel Entertainment also provides marketing services through LIVE Channel, a company dedicated to creating and executing live events for companies seeking brand promotion. Clear Channel Entertainment operates throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. More information may be found by visiting www.cc.com and www.clearchannel.com.
The Hilton Theatre is located at
213 West 42nd Street between Broadway and Eighth Avenues, in the heart of the Theatre District.
