ErieEvents.com
Title
ErieEvents.com - The Official website of the Erie County Convention Center Authority (ECCCA)
Description
Established in 1977 as the Erie Civic Center Authority, this non-profit municipal authority manages a four-facility entertainment complex that includes the Warner Theatre, the Louis J. Tullio Arena, Jerry Uht Park and the Bayfront Convention Center. The nine-member volunteer Board of Directors, made up of Erie business people and community leaders, serve five-year terms and are appointed by the Mayor, county executives and the Governor. The mission of the Authority is to provide world class convention facilities and entertainment venues presenting diverse performing arts and sporting events for county and regional residents and their visiting families and friends, meeting and convention visitors, travelers and vacationers.
The Civic Center complex began with the acquisition of the Warner Theatre. In 1976, Cinemette Corporation of America sold the Warner Theatre to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Upon hearing of the intended plans to sell the theatre, the late Mayor Louis J. Tullio saw the importance of saving the Warner from planned demolition. With the assistance of the Commonwealth, he took it upon himself to negotiate a successful purchase of the building from private interests. Some critical improvements including a new roof, restoration of lighting fixtures and rewiring of the house front and foyer areas were then made. The cornerstone of the Erie Civic Center Complex and the arts community was laid.
Upon receiving fiscal and physical management responsibilities for the Warner Theatre, the Erie Civic Center Authority began investigating the feasibility of building a multi-purpose facility. Appealing to the state for financial assistance, the Authority acquired property from 8th to 9th Streets and French to Holland. On June 7, 1983, after three years of construction, the Louis J. Tullio Arena opened its doors. Erie became a star on the concert tour routes, and the revitalization of downtown Erie began.
