It’s been eight long years since floodwater overtook the stage at Hancher Auditorium. After years of planning and construction, the University of Iowa’s new Hancher Auditorium has opened it’s doors. A grand opening was held to welcome the public to the new $176 million dollar performance space. Just before the ceremonial ribbon was cut there were speeches by University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld, Governor Terry Brandstad and Hancher benefactors Mary Jo and Dick Stanley, among others. Attendees were then treated to performances by Rinde Eckert, pianist Conor Hanick and the Community Mass Choir, before getting the opportunity to tour rest of the facility.
Hancher will kick off the 2016-17 season with a free outdoor performance by Trombone Shorty and Preservation Hall Jazz band on Friday, Sept. 16 7:30 pm.
The exterior of the new Hancher Auditorum. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
University of Iowa President Bruce Harreld speaks during the grand opening of Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Julius Carter speaks of Hancher’s impact on his life. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Hancher Auditorium Mary Jo Stanley speaks at the grand opening of the new Hancher. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Conor Hanick performs during the grand opening of the new Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Chuck Swanson, Mary Jo and Dick Stanley Bruce Harreld, Terry Brandstad, and Beth Freeman cut the ceremonial ribbon. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Rinde Eckert and pianist Conor Hanick perfom during the grand opening of Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
The patio in the new Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Members of Kansas City based collective Quixotic Fusion entertain in the lobby of Hancher. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
The view from the back of the second balcony of the new Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. — Zak Neumann/Little Village
A spontaneous dance performance breaks out during the Hancher Grand Opening. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. — Zak Neumann/Little Village
The patio in the new Hancher Auditorium. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Many took in a view from the stage during the Grand Opening of the New Hancher Auditorum. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
The exterior of the new Hancher Auditorum. Friday, Sept. 9, 2016. Zak Neumann.
Photos by Zak Neumann
