FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
616.485.3913 (m) – 303.308.2477 (o)
ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org
Denver City Council Approves Naming Rights Agreement Between Denver Arts & Venues and the Colorado Symphony for Boettcher Concert Hall Ahead of Major Renovation
DENVER – Denver Arts & Venues, in partnership with the Colorado Symphony and the Boettcher Foundation, announced today that Denver City Council has approved new naming rights opportunities for Boettcher Concert Hall as the venue prepares for a major renovation.
The Colorado Symphony plans to raise $15 million to complete the funding of the planned $120 million renovation, which includes upgraded acoustics and a new education center, as well as improvements to the lobby, restrooms and other parts of the building. As part of the agreement, the City and the Symphony will pursue separate naming rights for the building’s external façade, along with additional naming opportunities, i.e. for the stage, seating, lobby, education center and other interior spaces. The Boettcher Concert Hall name, protected in perpetuity under a previous City Council resolution, will continue to identify the interior concert hall itself and remain prominently displayed inside the building at all times.
“The Boettcher Foundation, the Colorado Symphony and the City have worked together to protect what matters most about this hall as we make a profound investment in one of Denver’s cultural gems,” said Denver Arts & Venues Executive Director Gretchen Hollrah.
“We are grateful that all of the partners share a commitment to preserving the Boettcher legacy while embracing new opportunities that will strengthen and sustain a treasured cultural asset for future generations,” said Katie Kramer, President & CEO of the Boettcher Foundation. “This renovation honors that legacy while creating new opportunities for community engagement, education and artistic excellence.”
Built in 1978 as America’s first concert hall designed in-the-round for a symphony orchestra, the planned renovation of the iconic space will ensure the venue meets the needs of a modern and inclusive live symphonic orchestra. Last fall, voters passed the $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond program which includes $20 million in initial funding for the project. The City has awarded this project to Tryba Architects + LMN in partnership with Paul Scarbrough from Akustiks. Construction is targeted to begin in June 2028 and conclude in fall 2029.
“We’re grateful to the City and County of Denver, Denver Arts & Venues and the Boettcher Foundation for their shared vision and partnership for this important next chapter of Boettcher Concert Hall,” said Colorado Symphony President & CEO Daniel Wachter. “More people will experience the power of live symphonic music in a renewed and revitalized home, as we create a more welcoming, accessible, and acoustically enhanced gathering place — and therefore a more vibrant one — for our communities for generations to come.”
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About Denver Arts & Venues
Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues oversees Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com
About the Boettcher Foundation
Founded in 1937, the Boettcher Foundation believes in the promise of Colorado and the potential of Coloradans. We build up and connect doers and difference makers from across the state, investing in the people, programs and organizations that make Colorado stronger. By developing leaders and fostering meaningful connections, we create a foundation for transformational impact and community building across Colorado.
About the Colorado Symphony
Guided by a vision of inspiring and uniting humanity through live symphonic music, the ColoradoSymphony is a living heartbeat of the state – expressing its beauty, creativity, vitality, and inclusive spirit. Through unmatched artistry and bold innovation, the Symphony inspires Colorado and audiences everywhere while expanding access, fostering education, and creating lasting memories through meaningful personal connections. Nationally recognized as an incubator of innovation, creativity, and excellence, the Colorado Symphony listens to and learns from its diverse communities, musicians, and staff; composes and creates with curiosity and versatility; and leads with empathy, collaboration, and responsible stewardship.
The Colorado Symphony Association (CSA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization performing more than 150 concerts annually, serving more than 340,000 people each year through live performances at Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, and other venues throughout Colorado’s Front Range. The orchestra celebrated its Centennial during the 2023/24 concert season, is led by Peter Oundjian as its Music Director since the 2025/26 season, is home to 80 full-time musicians representing more than a dozen nations, and regularly welcomes the world’s most celebrated artists from across musical genres. Learn more at coloradosymphony.org.
About Denver GO Bonds
General obligation (GO) bonds are a long-term debt instrument issued by state or local governments to fund public capital improvement projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, public facilities and parks. This includes restoring, replacing and expanding existing capital assets. Local GO bond programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes. Denver’s bond programs include Elevate Denver, a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017, RISE Denver, a five-year, $260 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2021, and Vibrant Denver, a six-year, $950 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2025. For more information, visit denvergov.org/gobonds.