Rudder Auditorium Renovation 2015

Built in 1973 during an MSC renovation, Rudder Auditorium has been home to some of Texas A&M’s largest and most publicized events.  Director of University Center & Special Events (UCEN), Bill Bielamowicz, expressed the need for renovations, “After forty plus years of wear and tear and hosting thousands of events, the Rudder Auditorium renovation project was well overdue.”

In December 2014, Rudder Auditorium began an extensive series of updates and renovations. The aging chairs were replaced with new seats with patrons’ comfort in mind. Carpeting in the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony were updated to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment for all who attend events in the Auditorium. Additionally, colors of the new materials will complement Texas A&M’s color scheme by incorporating shades of maroon, gray, and mauve. When showing the new space to student groups, Bielamowicz says that the reactions are all positive and “the first thing noticed is that the seats and carpet are now maroon rather than orange.”

Previously, updates have been made to the first and second floor restrooms in Rudder Theatre Complex. The third floor restrooms were updated as a part of the Rudder Auditorium renovation concluding all restroom updates in the building. The Auditorium was closed for three months, and Bielamowicz would like to thank the students, staff, and faculty for their patience along with the Vice President for Student Affairs, UCEN staff, SSC and Dennis Gray for their support and hard work.

An unveiling of the newly updated Rudder Auditorium is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served while viewing the renovations to the space. Guests can RSVP to http://bit.ly/AuditoriumRSVP to attend the unveiling.