You may not be able to tell as you drive past, but the renovation of the Cox Performing Arts Center into the America First Performing Arts Center (AFPAC) is nearing completion! After a significant remodel and expansion project, the AFPAC will have its much-anticipated grand opening in the summer of 2026.
Can we share details of the project that excites us? While many types of gatherings will take place in the space, at its heart, the venue is a concert hall. Our musicians are excited to perform on the redesigned stage. The acoustics will be improved for better performance quality.
The facility’s size will be increased by 26,000 square feet for a total of 62,000 square feet. The renovations will boost seating capacity from 1,189 to 1,308 with the addition of a new second-floor balcony and a redesigned seating layout with center aisles. The additional seats are important but the layout of the seating is the real bonus. Notice in the depiction below- there are aisles! Getting to and from your seat will be much more convenient now. Speaking of getting in and out of your seat, there will be modernized public restrooms. There are also additional new dressing rooms for performers.
A new 4,000-square-foot rehearsal space and ballroom will also be included. America First Credit Union has contributed $5 million to the project, which is also supported by state and local funding, resulting in the venue being renamed the America First Performing Arts Center. The updated venue will provide enhanced experiences for audiences and performers alike, serving as the home for the Southwest Symphony, Southern Utah Heritage Choir, and Utah Tech University’s performing arts programs.
Southwest Symphony, which was established by faculty from our institution in 1980, will bring their magnificent volunteer orchestra to this new stage and is excited at the opportunity to do so. Alyce Gardner, President of the Southwest Symphony, stated, “It has been an honor and a privilege for me to be a part of the effort to renovate the Cox Auditorium and establish an official home for the Southwest Symphony. The renovated center is a testament to the power of community; community coming together to create an enduring, impactful, and meaningful legacy in the performing arts.” Lucas Darger, conductor of the Southwest Symphony, expressed his own delight at this new direction. “The reopening of the America First Performing Arts Center is a tremendous milestone for the arts in Southern Utah. It is the result of years of vision, persistence, and a remarkable partnership between the Southwest Symphony, Heritage Choir, and Utah Tech University, along with many individuals who believed this was possible. I am incredibly proud to see it come to life.”
The Heritage Choir will also call the AFPAC home. Originally established in 1994 in the iconic St. George Tabernacle, the Choir performed for many years on campus. The choir will benefit from the seating capacity as they contribute to the artistic richness of the region. “This beautiful hall, with its outstanding acoustics and welcoming atmosphere,” Geri Rhodes, President of the Heritage Choir, said, “will enrich our region and provide a gathering place that will bless generations to come.” Ken Peterson, conductor of the Heritage Choir, added on, “I can hardly wait to try out the newly renovated Performing Arts Center in September when the Southern Utah Heritage Choir will host the Craig Courtney Choral Festival featuring 10 of St George’s finest choirs conducted by one of the world’s most renowned living choral composers, Craig Courtney!”
As host of this wonderful center, Utah Tech University members look forward to utilizing its full potential for the arts. The Music Department, and Utah Tech Live, will perform many of their numerous concerts, recitals, and festivals in its halls.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication in the summer of 2026 to celebrate the opening of the Center. Community members will then be able to tour the new facilities. It is an exciting time on campus as these facility renovations will support the growth of the culture and community of the performing arts.
For those interested in using the renovated performing space in the future, requests can be made by contacting event services. https://utahtech.edu/event-services/community-commercial-events/
by Allyson Twitchell, Marketing Coordinator for the College of the Arts