Rackham Murphy Encore Center previews accessibility, lounge partnerships and Feb. grand opening events

Daja Moore, chief of venues and promotions for South Bend Venues, Parks and Arts, told the Common Council the Rackham Murphy Encore Center has reopened with a roughly 20,000‑square‑foot expansion that adds accessibility features, rentable event space and new food-and-beverage services. "We have a new sensory room that will now allow us to be able to create a quiet and private space for patrons that might have sound sensitivities," Moore said during her presentation.

Moore outlined several new amenities: a sensory room (with a breastfeeding chair and plans for a streaming information board), a staffed lounge managed by Navarre Hospitality Group, and a QR‑based box service to deliver concessions directly to loge and box seats. She said the expansion doubles restroom capacity and improves circulation in the historic lobby to reduce crowding before performances.

The venue will feature products from local businesses, including Perry Vine winery and South Bend Brew Works, and Moore said themed specialty drinks will sometimes be offered in coordination with specific shows. She also highlighted a programmable second‑floor lighting installation comprised of more than 290 LED bulbs, which is being marketed as a rentable attraction for receptions and other events.

Moore reviewed the grand opening schedule: donor receptions on Feb. 5–7, a ribbon cutting and mural reveal on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m., a public open house on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m., and a paid event on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. (dueling pianos, $20 admission). She said the kickoff weekend already included ticketed headline concerts with strong sales and that the Equity in the Arts program will host free films, exhibits and youth performances in the new first‑floor gallery/event space.

Council members commended the venue team for outreach and planning. The council was reminded the public ribbon cutting and open house are upcoming opportunities for residents to tour the renovated Morris Performing Arts Center and see the Encore Center’s new spaces.

The council did not take formal action on the presentation; staff will proceed with scheduled grand‑opening events and venue operations.