After a brief hiatus, the iconic Scottish Rite Theatre in downtown Peoria is set to make a triumphant comeback under the guidance of a new owner. TempleLive, an Arkansas-based event promotions group, has acquired the building and is gearing up to revitalize the venue, promising a diverse lineup of entertainment that will cater to the city's vibrant cultural landscape.

Unlocking the Doors to a New Era of Entertainment

A Renewed Vision for the Scottish Rite Theatre

The Scottish Rite Theatre has long been a beloved landmark in Peoria, serving as a hub for cultural and artistic expression. Its closure in 2023 left a void in the city's entertainment scene, but the arrival of TempleLive promises to breathe new life into the historic venue. Garrett Zimmerman, the Director of Operations for TempleLive, has expressed a bold and ambitious vision for the theatre's future."There's nothing that we won't do," Zimmerman declared. "We do everything from comedy, rock and roll, EDM, hip-hop, country music – there's nothing we won't give a try, and if the market wants it, we'll provide more of it." This diverse programming approach aims to cater to the eclectic tastes of Peoria's residents, ensuring that the Scottish Rite Theatre becomes a hub for a wide range of cultural experiences.

Revitalizing the Venue with Renovations and Upgrades

The new owners of the Scottish Rite Theatre have wasted no time in preparing the venue for its grand reopening. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the building's historic charm while modernizing its facilities, TempleLive has undertaken a comprehensive renovation project.The previous owners, the Kim Blickenstaff Group, had already invested in significant renovations in 2019, laying the groundwork for the theatre's resurgence. TempleLive has built upon this foundation, ensuring that the venue is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities to provide an exceptional experience for both performers and audiences.

Fostering Partnerships and Community Engagement

As TempleLive prepares to open the doors of the Scottish Rite Theatre, the company is actively engaging with the local community to forge meaningful partnerships and collaborations. Councilman Tim Riggenbach, who represents District 3 in Peoria, has expressed his optimism about the venue's reopening, anticipating that it will bring a renewed sense of vibrancy and economic activity to the River City."We haven't met with [TempleLive] face to face, but they've got a track record of running facilities such as this in other parts of the country and different cities," Riggenbach said. "They clearly know what they're doing, and how to market that." This endorsement from a local government official underscores the confidence that the community has in TempleLive's ability to revitalize the Scottish Rite Theatre and contribute to the city's cultural and economic growth.

Expanding the TempleLive Empire

The acquisition of the Scottish Rite Theatre in Peoria is just the latest addition to TempleLive's growing portfolio of entertainment venues. The Arkansas-based company has already established a presence in several other cities, including Cleveland, Columbus, Fort Smith, and Wichita.This expansion strategy reflects TempleLive's commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment experiences to diverse communities across the country. By leveraging its expertise and resources, the company aims to transform the Scottish Rite Theatre into a premier destination for live performances, concerts, and events, catering to the diverse interests and preferences of Peoria's residents and visitors alike.As the countdown to the Scottish Rite Theatre's grand reopening in March 2025 begins, the city of Peoria and its residents eagerly anticipate the return of this iconic venue, poised to become a vibrant hub of cultural and artistic expression under the guidance of its new owners, TempleLive.