NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — New York’s newest concert venue officially opens its doors on March 27 when the Brooklyn Paramount kicks off its inaugural season with a performance by Damian & Stephen Marley’s Traffic Jam tour.
The 2,700-capacity music venue venue re-opens after a five-year, multi-million dollar refurb that breathed new life into the historic venue. Originally opened in 1928 as a movie theater, the venue went on to host concerts by legends Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis before transitioning into an athletics facility for Long Island University in 1962.
In 2015, Bruce Ratner and Mikhail Prokhorov, owners of the Barclays Center, leased the property revealed plans for an expansive refit of the building, and struck a deal with Live Nation to operate the venue.
According to Live Nation, the rehabilitation of the Paramount preserved the building’s historic characteristics, while modernizing its production capabilities for the modern concert industry.
New features include a sloped floor to enhance the viewing experience for fans, along with the addition of seven new bars that offer both vintage liqueurs and a zero-proof menu.
Other upgrades include the addition of exclusive member boxes on the second floor, as well as Ella’s VIP Lounge, which draws inspiration from the legendary singer Ella Fitzgerald’s 1950s-era performances at the Paramount.
As part of the refurb, the Paramount’s main stage was expanded and the venue’s artist hospitality areas have been fully modernized, including the addition of a game room, gym, and art installations from local artists.
“The reopening of the historic Brooklyn Paramount is the latest sign that Brooklyn’s art scene is thriving,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I applaud Live Nation for renovating this historic venue where New Yorkers can enjoy the hottest performers right here in Brooklyn. This reopening demonstrates that New York City does not need to reinvent the wheel to bring entertainment and good-paying jobs to our city. I am glad to see the Brooklyn Paramount back, and I look forward to seeing a performance there in the future!”
“We are honored that Long Island University chose Venue Nation to reimagine the next era of the Brooklyn Paramount. Elevating the artist and fan experience is our top priority as we develop live music venues and Brooklyn Paramount is a stunning space that will host many memorable shows,” said David Codiga, President of Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s global design and development team.
Other shows announced for the Paramount’s inaugural season include Norah Jones, Mariah The Scientist, and Brooklyn native Busta Rhymes – with more acts to be announced in the coming weeks.
