urbanSTL

While Brooks said that construction is on budget and on schedule, he added that at this point it’s impossible to pin down a completion date more exact than September to mid-October. Urban said that he’s met with Brooks on a regular basis for updates on construction so that he can plan a “red-carpet wingding” for the grand reopening. Most likely, however, plans for the opening will be announced in February or March.

Urban’s plan calls for a focus on musicians and comedians, as well as touring Broadway productions and family shows along the lines of Sesame Street Live. The mix seems to be remarkably similar to that of the Fox Theatre, and some have questioned the wisdom of having two venues providing like fare. But Urban said that it’s the goal of SCP “to be additive to the market” and avoid going head-to-head in programming. “We’re obviously being mindful of the Fox and the Muny. I don’t think any of us look at it as a zero-sum situation, that whatever the Fox gets we don’t and vice versa,” Urban said. “We respect the role the Fox has had, and I think there are a handful of titles each year that would work for us at the Peabody.”

Once complete, the opera house will also have three side theaters that will be available for social events such as weddings and charity functions. Urban said that he’s already received several calls about renting the spaces. A fourth side theater will be transformed into a VIP lounge, complete with concierge service and separate entrance.

Blues owner David Checketts, also chairman at SCP Worldwide in New York City, announced last week that he and the other investors are trying to sell the Blues hockey team and their lease at city-owned Scottrade...Those involved with the momentum and construction work underway at the opera house say that it will keep going. no matter what happens at Scottrade. “The lease for the opera house will not be part of the sale,” said Eric Gelfand, a SCP spokesman. “Everything is going well. Everything is on schedule, and on budget,” he said. And, he added, Checketts himself is “as enthusiastic” about reopening the opera house “as when he first laid eyes on it.”

William Kuehling, a spokesman for the city treasurer’s office, said those discussions are focusing on making use of some 6,000 existing parking spaces in garages and on lots within walking distance of the opera house, rather than building another new garage.

dweebe wrote:I wonder if they'll try to set the schedules of both the Peabody and Scottrade so there aren't events going on at both places at the same time? Or will they give it a shot and see what happens?

Madison Square Garden and the attached theater have events on the same night, but this is New York City we're talking about.
http://www.thegarden.com/tickets/

19,000 at the Scottrade Ctr AND 4000 at the Peabody might be a bit much for a lot of people to deal with.