In 2008, when the Iowa River flooded and destroyed Hancher Auditorium and 12 other buildings at the University of Iowa, the loss to the community was far greater than the physical loss of those structures. Hancher Auditorium was one of the most popular venues for touring groups in the region, and the flood forced the student and traveling groups that normally used the venue to move into nearby facilities. But this week, with the grand opening of the new Hancher Auditorium, the University of Iowa and the people of Iowa City once again have a magnetic cultural center to call their own. Looking up at the stunning steel and glass facility, they’ll see that the university has bounced back from the devastating flood. They not only rebuilt and pushed forward, but also thrived in the face of adversity.
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Theatre Projects - Thursday, September 22, 2016
Little Village - Saturday, September 17, 2016
A few thousand people gathered outside the new Hancher building to see Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The free outdoor concert kicked off Hancher’s 2016-17 season in grand style, with food trucks, tailgate games and a great blend of traditional New Orleans jazz and the genre-bending funk of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
Iowa City Press Citizen - Friday, September 16, 2016
It had been eight years since Susan Shullaw, Joy Smith and David Rust saw a show at the old University of Iowa Hancher Auditorium. That’s why they were so eager to see the first show at the new Hancher on Friday night.
The Iowa City residents were among the thousands of spectators who took in the concert at the newly opened Hancher in Iowa City, according to Hancher Executive Director Chuck Swanson. The crowd — many in lawn chairs and on blankets strewn on the massive lawn — had gathered to see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Trombone Shorty.
The Gazette - Friday, September 16, 2016
Blistering music and a cool breeze played perfect counterpoint for another first in the new Hancher history, as more than 1,000 people gathered on the green Friday to party New Orleans style.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which christened the former Hancher stage in 1972, returned with a hallelujah baptism on the lawn stretching between the old and new sites.
Iowa Now - Friday, September 16, 2016
The program at Hancher Auditorium was the culmination of the UI’s Week of Inspiration and Harreld’s official welcome as the university’s 21st president. The event was emceed by philosophy professor Richard Fumerton and included remarks from President Emeritus Willard J. “Sandy” Boyd and a keynote address by 'Funmi Olonisakin, professor of security, leadership, and development at King's College London.
KCRG - Thursday, September 15, 2016
In Hancher's brand new building, everyone wants the perfect seat for the show. They'll all be comfortable with a great view of the stage.
Venues Today - Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Eight years after The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium was essentially leveled by floodwaters from the Iowa River, the new $175-million performing arts center has emerged better than ever.
Construction for the 191,977-square-foot building in Iowa City began in May 2013, and the building will host about 50 performances annually.
The Daily Iowan - Monday, September 12, 2016
On Sept. 9, Hancher hosted its first open house since construction was completed on the three-year project. There was an opening ceremony and a ribbon-cutting, after which members of the public were turned loose to explore the rest of the building on their own.
Iowa Now - Monday, September 12, 2016
Hundreds of enthusiastic patrons and well-wishers from across the country—including local, state, and national leaders—gave a standing ovation to the University of Iowa's new Hancher Auditorium during a grand opening ceremony on Friday, Sept. 9.
The Gazette - Monday, September 12, 2016
Auditions for the Joffrey’s new version of the holiday classic take place from 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday at Hancher Auditorium, 141 E. Park Road, Iowa City. Time slots vary for boys and girls ages 7 to 18. Registration is encouraged by Wednesday; details and forms are available at hancher.uiowa.edu/nutcracker-auditions