KNOXVILLE - Knoxville’s historic Tennessee Theatre has welcomed 2 million guests after the theatre underwent a nearly $30 million renovation and officially reopened on January 14, 2005.

On July 10, the first night of the six-day run of the Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon,” the 2 millionth guest entered the doors. Sam Brouse and Emily Majzer of Asheville, North Carolina, were attending the show on their first visit to the Tennessee Theatre.

“We’ve been looking forward to coming to this theater for a long time,” Brouse said.

Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock (left) recognizes Emily Majzer (center) and Sam Brouse of Asheville, North Carolina, as the 2 millionth guests to visit the theatre since its renovation and official reopening in 2005. Majzer and Brouse were attending the Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon” on their first visit to the Tennessee Theatre and were surprised with balloons, a prize pack and a proclamation from the City of Knoxville. - Image courtesy of the Tennessee Theatre

Tennessee Theatre staff stopped Brouse and Majzer in the lobby, surprising them with balloons and a prize pack, featuring tickets to the 2018-2019 Broadway at the Tennessee season opener “The King and I” including Spotlight Club passes; a $150 Tennessee Theatre gift card; and a copy of the book, “The Tennessee Theatre: A Grand Entertainment Palace,” by Jack Neely. Other patrons gathered in the lobby enjoyed the presentation, which included a proclamation from the City of Knoxville.

“Reaching the 2 millionth guest mark is a testament not only to our community’s beautiful theatre and its dedicated staff but also to the vibrancy of downtown Knoxville and our arts and culture,” Tennessee Theatre Executive Director Becky Hancock said. “Since the theatre first opened in 1928, it has been the backdrop for many significant community events and historic milestones, as well as personal memories for millions of visitors. We were thrilled to recognize Sam and Emily as our 2 millionth modern-era guests, and we are looking forward to celebrating with many more of our friends and patrons this fall for our 90th anniversary.”

The Official State Theatre of Tennessee, the Tennessee Theatre is an entertainment destination, renowned landmark and treasured venue for Knoxvillians and visitors alike, welcoming guests for concerts, Broadway shows, free community events and much more.

To learn more, visit www.tennesseetheatre.com. Follow the Tennessee Theatre on social media for regular updates: @tntheatre on Twitter, Tennessee Theatre on Facebook, @tntheatre on Instagram and tennesseetheatre on Spotify.

Located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace. The Tennessee Theatre is the Official State Theatre of Tennessee and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Tennessee Theatre is the region’s leading performing arts facility with advanced technology, staging and lighting that draws top entertainment to the Knoxville area. The Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation is a nonprofit organization tasked with maintaining and preserving the historic theatre and ensuring diverse arts and cultural entertainment remains in downtown Knoxville.