Bowl Foundation announces donation goal

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

The ongoing effort to give the Santa Barbara Bowl a facelift got a push forward yesterday when the Bowl Foundation announced it had met a $1 million matching challenge gift that was posted by a local foundation.
To date, the Bowl has raised $11.8 million that has rolled in from 120 different donors. The money has been used on phase two of the Bowl’s Restoration and Renovation Master Plan that was initiated in 2001, according to Campaign Chairman Scott Brittingham.

“Thanks to the vision and generosity of this local foundation, we were able to leverage their $1 million gift into $2 million in new and increased gifts,” Brittingham said. He said the foundation wished to remain anonymous.
The second phase of the Bowl revitalization , which has officially been coined the “American Classic Capital Campaign,” has included the construction of the Pavilion, which replaced the old metal scaffolding setup that entertainer’s lights and other effects were attached to.
In past Daily Sound stories, Bowl officials said Tom Petty canceled his 2006 appearance because the scaffolding couldn’t accommodate his stage show.
A press release issued by the Bowl Foundation says the Pavilion, which made its debut at the beginning of the 2007 season, supports 30 percent more weight and showcases video walls.
Phase two has also included the construction of a retaining wall behind the Pavilion to enable big-rigs to access the stage area. Bowl officials said groundbreaking for the Redding Gate, the entrance to the Glen, also known as the Bowl’s outdoor lobby, is scheduled for this fall and is expected to be completed by spring 2008.
“We’re now looking forward to our next steps,” said Bowl President Paul Dore. “:The Overlook above the Bowl is the top priority and will get a complete rehabilitation and upgrade -- food and beverage service and a large terrace will be added, as will men’s and women’s lounges.”
Other future projects include upgrades to seating, and expanded box office and beautification of the Bowl’s lobby.