Erie Insurance Arena now part of Tullio Plaza

Erie Insurance secures arena naming rights;
Erie Civic Center Plaza renamed to honor former Mayor Louis J. Tullio

ERIE, Pa. (May 9, 2012) – In June 1983, the Beach Boys were the first act to play Erie’s newly opened Louis J. Tullio Arena. Since that time, the arena has hosted a diverse array of musical acts and sporting events from Kenny Rogers and the Beastie Boys to the Erie Bayhawks and Erie Otters.

Today, nearly 30 years after opening, the arena is undergoing a $42 million dollar renovation and expansion that will be completed in the fall 2013. The renovation will add 2000 seats, 13 suites, a club level, and many other amenities only found in major market venues. The newly renovated center will reopen under a new name, Erie Insurance Arena.

"Erie Insurance has supported this community since it opened its doors 87 years ago," said Roger Richards, chairperson, Strategic Planning Committee, Erie County Convention Center Authority Board of Directors. “They are the perfect partner for us, and we look forward to continuing to provide our visitors with world-class entertainment and sports at the newly minted Erie Insurance Arena.”

Earlier this year, the Erie County Convention Center Authority reached out to Erie Insurance for a significant contribution to complete the renovation. Erie Insurance will contribute $3 million paid in annual installments spread over a 10-year period.

“This is about two Erie-based organizations making a long-term commitment to the city," said ERIE President and CEO Terrence W. Cavanaugh.

“We are committed to supporting a thriving downtown Erie and want to ensure the facility remains a vital part of the city.”

In honor of former Erie Mayor Louis J. Tullio, a driving force behind the arena’s construction, Erie’s entertainment and cultural district will be named Louis J. Tullio Plaza.

“My father spent his life making Erie a city of which we could all be proud,” said June Tullio Pintea, daughter of the late Louis Tullio. “He would be extremely satisfied to know that the Erie County Convention Center Authority and Erie Insurance continue to ensure that our city can provide family-friendly, top-quality entertainment.”

ERIE, Pa. (May 9, 2012) – In June 1983, the Beach Boys were the first act to play Erie’s newly opened Louis J. Tullio Arena. Since that time, the arena has hosted a diverse array of musical acts and sporting events from Kenny Rogers and the Beastie Boys to the Erie Bayhawks and Erie Otters. Today, nearly 30 years after opening, the arena is undergoing a $42 million dollar renovation and expansion that will be completed in the fall 2013. The renovation will add 2000 seats, 13 suites, a club level, and many other amenities only found in major market venues.

The newly renovated center will reopen under a new name, Erie Insurance Arena. "Erie Insurance has supported this community since it opened its doors 87 years ago," said Roger Richards, chairperson, Strategic Planning Committee, Erie County Convention Center Authority Board of Directors. “They are the perfect partner for us, and we look forward to continuing to provide our visitors with world-class entertainment and sports at the newly minted Erie Insurance Arena.” Earlier this year, the Erie County Convention Center Authority reached out to Erie Insurance for a significant contribution to complete the renovation. Erie Insurance will contribute $3 million paid in annual installments spread over a 10-year period.

“This is about two Erie-based organizations making a long-term commitment to the city," said ERIE President and CEO Terrence W. Cavanaugh. “We are committed to supporting a thriving downtown Erie and want to ensure the facility remains a vital part of the city.” In honor of former Erie Mayor Louis J. Tullio, a driving force behind the arena’s construction, Erie’s entertainment and cultural district will be named Louis J. Tullio Plaza. “My father spent his life making Erie a city of which we could all be proud,” said June Tullio Pintea, daughter of the late Louis Tullio. “He would be extremely satisfied to know that the Erie County Convention Center Authority and Erie Insurance continue to ensure that our city can provide family-friendly, top-quality entertainment.”

After a decade of research, the story of the last original Warner Bros. theater has been published.  Erie’s Warner Theatre, first opened on April 10, 1931, has been a center for the region’s cultural life throughout its 78 year history.  Originally designed as a picture palace and vaudeville house, it provided a venue for escape from troubles during the Depression.  For decades it was at the center of Erie’s social life, but as television took hold, it lost much of its audience and was in danger of closure in the 1970s.  Only with the intervention of Erie’s Mayor Lou Tullio did it survive the wrecking ball.  This story is among the many tales that “A Picture Palace Transformed: How Erie’s Warner Theatre Survived a Changing World” presents.

Author Barbara J. Hauck has brought together the building’s history with stories of the people who managed the theatre and who enjoyed movies, performances, and special events within its walls.  Based on the works of Edinboro University professor Dr. John Marsh (deceased), she brings the reader to the present day and the Warner’s central place as Erie’s performing arts center.  Combining research and interviews conducted by Brian Sheridan, she adds personal stories throughout the book.  Photos of Erie’s past are coupled with stunning photographs by Erie photographer Art Becker, making this book a beautiful and rewarding look at one of Erie’s historical and cultural centerpieces.

Books are available at Border’s Bookstore, the Erie Bookstore, and at the Warner Theatre before all performances. All proceeds from the sale of this book will be used for the restoration, expansion, and maintenance of the Warner Theatre. Cost $29.95.