Release Date: February 15,2022

New Akron Civic Theatre Deck to Be Named PNC Plaza

Site will feature PNC-hosted events throughout the year

AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 14, 2022 – The Akron Civic Theatre and PNC Bank announced today a March groundbreaking for an outdoor deck to be named PNC Plaza.

PNC Plaza is part of the theater’s Staging the Future capital project, which will also include a commissioned mural on the wall along the deck and under the Civic’s new outdoor video screen. Local mural artist Scot Phillips will work with the Civic and local PNC employees to help select the mural artwork.

According to Joe Luckring, PNC regional president of Akron, sponsoring PNC Plaza reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting the arts and local projects that make communities a better place to live.

“Downtown Akron has experienced a remarkable redevelopment that returns the Rubber City, in its original splendor, to the residents who call it home,” Luckring said. “The Civic Theatre and PNC Plaza will be among the attractions that will bring people back downtown to enjoy the outdoors and support local businesses.”

PNC Plaza will be located on the Civic’s south facing wall off South Main Street. Beginning next summer, PNC Plaza will be the site of an annual series of events designed for all ages. Below is a sample of planned events.

Party on PNC Plaza: Each Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m prior to Lock 3’s Rock the Lock shows.
Up-close with the PNC IndyCar Show Car: An event paired with free showings of the movies “Born Racer: The Scott Dixon Story” and “Cars” in the Civic’s main auditorium.
Rock Star for a Day: An opportunity to win a VIP experience for a performance at The Civic.
Family activities featuring PNC Grow Up Great®: Programs supporting early childhood education, including a Be My Neighbor Day event with Daniel Tiger.

“The Civic is very excited about the unique lineup of interactive events our friends at PNC will bring to the plaza,” said Howard Parr, executive director of the theater. “PNC Plaza will contribute to the creation of an exciting atmosphere in The Bowery neighborhood and increase foot traffic and economic activity in downtown Akron.”

Our vision has always been to make the outside of the Civic as much of an asset as the inside,” Parr added. “We’re excited about how PNC Plaza will help us do that by extending entertainment and engagement outside the theater.”