New Signs to Guide Guests to the Stadium Theatre

It’s not THAT hard to get to Woonsocket from Providence, Warwick, or even South County or Worcester.

But it’s about to get much easier for those unfamiliar with northern Rhode Island to find their way to the city’s , which is experiencing a large increase in ticket sales from Southern Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut as new patrons continue to discover this opulent entertainment venue. 

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has agreed to post signs on Routes 146 and 99 to direct drivers to the Stadium at the request of Rep. Lisa Baldelli Hunt on behalf of the theater. The City of Woonsocket has also agreed to post “trailblazer” signs on the city streets between the highways and the theater to assist theatergoers in making their way to the historic downtown attraction.

“These signs will be of significant assistance to both patrons of the theater and the theater itself. In addition to making the theater easier to find for those going there, these signs will be like a mini billboard for the Stadium. They will make more people aware of the Stadium’s presence and location, and for those of us who live in the area who will pass them daily, they’ll be a reminder to check out the high-quality entertainment available to us in our own city,” said Rep. Baldelli Hunt (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket), who today announced the installation of the signs.

Although the DOT determined that the Stadium does not qualify for individual, freestanding highway signs under national highway guidelines, it recognized that the regional draw and historic significance of the theater, along with its status as a large generator of traffic and revenue for the area, means it should have some sort of signs to direct drivers. So the DOT will attach new panels to the existing signs that direct drivers to the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor Visitors Center and the Museum of Work and Culture on both the northbound and southbound sides of Route 146 before the Route 104/Greenville Road exit, and to an existing blue motorist sign on Route 99 before the highway ends at Mendon Road. The city signs will take theatergoers to the Stadium from there.

According to the DOT, the signs should be installed sometime in the next few weeks.

Baldelli Hunt worked with Stadium Theater Treasurer Owen Bebeau and the DOT on the request and proposed the compromise after the DOT determined the Stadium didn’t qualify for its own freestanding highway signs.

For those involved in the nonprofit performing arts centre, the installation of the signs is very welcome news.

“Not only will these signs lead the way for patrons to discover the Stadium and our beautiful city, but they also stand as a testament to the permanence of the theatre as a prestigious landmark in this fine state. We are grateful to Representative Baldelli Hunt for her persistence and success on this project,” said Stadium Executive Director/CEO Cathy Levesque.

Built in 1926 as a vaudeville house and beautifully restored in 2001, the nonprofit Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre presents high-caliber performances at family-affordable prices, with significant support from foundations, local businesses and individuals, including more than 200 volunteers. For more information about the theater and upcoming events, visit www.stadiumtheatre.com.