Peace Center

{{Short description|Performing arts center in Greenville, South Carolina}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox venue | name = Peace Center | nickname = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | fullname = Peace Center | former_names = Peace Center for the Performing Arts (planning/construction) | logo_image = | logo_caption = | image = PeaceCenterGreenvilleSC.jpg | image_size = 250px | image_alt = | caption = Exterior of the venue, c. 2016 | address = 300 S Main St [[Greenville, South Carolina|Greenville, SC]] 29601-2606 | location = [[Downtown Greenville, South Carolina|Downtown Greenville]] | coordinates =  | type = [[Performing arts center|Performing arts complex]] | event = | broke_ground = November 1990 | built = | opened = {{Start date|1990|11|10|df=y}} | renovated = 2010 | expanded = | closed = | demolished = | owner = Privately Owned Non-Profit | operator = | surface = | scoreboard = | production = | cost = $34 million $23 million (2010 renovations) | architect = Craig, Gaulden, and Davis | project_manager = | structural_engineer = Jerit/Boys Incorporated | services_engineer = | general_contractor = | main_contractors = | seating_type = Continental | capacity = 2,115 (Peace Concert Hall with Orchestra Pit Seated) 1,450 (TD Stage) 439 (Gunter Theatre with Orchestra Pit Seated) | suites = | record_attendance = | dimensions = | field_shape = | acreage = | volume = | tenants = Carolina Ballet Theatre Greenville Chorale Greenville County Youth Orchestra [[Greenville Symphony Orchestra]] International Ballet | embedded = | website = {{URL|http://www.peacecenter.org/|Venue Website}} | public_transit = }} The '''Peace Center''' is a [[performing arts center]] located in [[Greenville, South Carolina]]. It is composed of a concert hall, theater, and amphitheatre. Located adjacent to [[Falls Park on the Reedy|Falls Park]], the center hosts over 300 events each year, including [[classical music]], [[Broadway theatre|Broadway shows]], [[Pop music|pop stars]], and magic shows including [[David Copperfield (illusionist)|David Copperfield]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-09 |title=Peace Center |url=https://www.scpictureproject.org/greenville-county/peace-center.html |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=SC Picture Project |language=en-US}}</ref>

==About== [[File:Peace Concert Hall Filled Seats.jpg|thumb|left|Inside the concert hall]] Under consideration since at least the 1970s, a new Greenville performing arts center was being designed and was of utmost importance for then-mayor [[Bill Workman]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=The construction and opening of downtown Greenville's Peace Center |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2015/03/20/the-construction-and-opening-of-downtown-greenvilles-peace-center/25078589/ |access-date=2023-12-18 |newspaper=The Greenville News |language=en-US |date=2015-03-20}}</ref> The Peace Center is named after the local [[Roger C. Peace|Peace family]] who donated $10 million towards its development.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-12-04 |title=The Peace Family |url=https://greenvillejournal.com/news/the-peace-family/ |access-date=2023-12-18 |newspaper=Greenville Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> The center was opened in 1990 and is built on the former site of three dilapidated factories – one that produced wagons for the [[Confederate Army]], a textile plant built in the 1880s, and a former home of [[Duke's Mayonnaise]]. There are three resident companies: [[Greenville Symphony Orchestra]], Carolina Ballet Theatre, and the International Ballet. In January 2004, the Peace Center hosted a debate among Democratic presidential candidates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate in Greenville, South Carolina |website=The American Presidency Project |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/democratic-presidential-candidates-debate-greenville-south-carolina |access-date=2023-12-18 }}</ref> In May 2011, it was the site of the first Republican debate for the [[2012 United States presidential election|2012 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Republican presidential primary debate in Greenville, SC May 6, 2011 |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/2012-presidential-debates/republican-primary-debate-may-6-2011/ |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=The Washington Post |language=en}}</ref> In February 2016, it was the site of the ninth [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] debate for the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Corey |date=2016-02-13 |title=Loyal supporters of GOP granted tickets to debate in Greenville |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/loyal-supporters-of-gop-granted-tickets-to-debate-in-greenville/7020056 |access-date=2023-12-18 |work=WYFF |language=en}}</ref> [[File:TD Stage at the Peace Center.jpg|left|thumb|TD Stage in 2020]] The TD Stage at the Peace Center (formerly the Peace Center Amphitheater) opened September 12, 2012, hosting Vince Gill. The night started with Mayor [[Knox H. White|Knox White]] and TD executives hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony. Seating capacity is projected to be 1,400+. Patrons are able to sit along the tiered seat-walls or use blankets or lawn chairs in the open-seating areas.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.peacecenter.org/media/td_stage_opening_release.final.pdf |title=Superstar Vince Gill to Open TD Stage at the Peace Center! |date=2012-09-06 |website=Peace Center |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025090305/http://www.peacecenter.org/media/td_stage_opening_release.final.pdf |archive-date=2012-10-25 }}</ref>

The [[Brian Setzer Orchestra]] performed at the Peace Center in 2006 for their Christmas Rocks Tour, and also played some of their hits like "Jump, Jive, and Wail".

In 2022, a $36 million renovation project was revealed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Jay |date=2022-09-13 |title=Peace Center unveils $36 million renovation project |url=https://greenvillejournal.com/arts-culture/peace-center-unveils-36-million-renovation-project-in-greenville-sc/ |access-date=2023-12-18 |newspaper=Greenville Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> {{clear left}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Official website|http://www.peacecenter.org/}} * [http://peacecenter.org/history.asp Peace Center History] – History of this building from before it was built to its current standing. * [http://www.greenvillesymphony.org Greenville Symphony Orchestra]

[[Category:Landmarks in South Carolina]] [[Category:Buildings and structures in Greenville, South Carolina]] [[Category:Theatres in South Carolina]] [[Category:Tourist attractions in Greenville, South Carolina]]