Long Center announces new outdoor theater space

The Long Center for the Performing Arts announced plans this week to expand its programming to include large-scale outdoor events hosted on the Long Center’s vast lawn, which, thanks to a few upgrades, will be transformed into the Skyline Theater at the Long Center. The theater, set to open in spring 2016, will be large enough to accommodate an audience of over 7,000 people. The Long Center has, in fact, hosted large-scale events on the lawn in the past. However, under a three-year agreement, programming for the newly branded space will be handled by Paragon Presents, a new partnership between independent promoter Nederlander Concerts and Austin-based promotion firm TAG Presents LLC. According to a statement from the Long Center announcing the new partnership, Paragon Presents will “program and produce live events throughout Austin and the surrounding markets” as well as at the new Skyline Theater.