History
The Bayfront Center Complex first opened its doors in January of 1965 to four tapings of Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, the American Idol of yesteryear. After some finishing touches on the facility the Bayfront Center officially opened it’s doors on May 6, 1965. This location featured not only what…
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The sloped floor of the theater is dirt today, the ceiling a temporary ply- wood cover. The lobby and lounge have been demolished, and the dress code requires a hard hat. The people who spearheaded a $23-million renovation of the Bayfront Center from 1987-1988 saw the inner workings of the…
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In 1993, The Class Acts Educational Series was created to benefit Pinellas County Schools. At first, there were roughly five performances a year with an attendance of 500 students. Now, the program is flourishing with 15 shows a season to more than 25,000 happy and eager students! Studies show that…
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In December of 2004, the Bayfront Center closed it’s doors one final time. Demolishing the beloved Arena created room for improvements to the Theater, including the beautiful Glass Walled Atrium and new plaza area for visitors to enjoy. Soon, The Dali Museum would relocate and create a block of artistic…
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In 2011, Big3 Entertainment was granted managing rights to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. Big3’s CEO and Chairman, Bill Edwards privately funded an ultra-deluxe VIP Lounge, along with significant upgrades to the Lobby’s decor. With big plans for the future of the venue and for…
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2015 brought a new round of renovations to the existing Mahaffey Theater structure, turning it into the venue you see today! This round of renovations focused on our backstage area, including backstage entrance, updated dressing rooms, and a new Star Lounge. The renovations done are so stunning that our backstage…
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Located in the heart of beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater is a 2,031-seat cultural jewel featuring elegant ballroom space, spectacular waterfront views, and European box-style seating. Just steps away from the culturally vibrant Downtown and minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-famous museums, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the renowned Florida Orchestra. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.
The facility first opened in the Spring of 1965 as part of the Bayfront Center entertainment complex. It was first renovated in 1987-1988 and at that time was renamed The Mahaffey Theater for the Performing Arts, in recognition of the Mahaffey family who contributed significantly to the capital campaign.
In 2006, Progress Energy and the City of St. Petersburg announced a 20-year partnership to rename the space the Progress Energy Center for the Arts which would include the newly renovated Mahaffey Theater, The Center Plaza Waterfront Park, and would also eventually include the new home of the Salvador Dali Museum. In 2012, the theater was renamed the Duke Energy Center for the Arts.
Its beautiful setting, unparalleled entertainment and proximity to the lively downtown St. Petersburg area make Duke Energy Center for the Arts – The Mahaffey, THE live performance venue in the Tampa Bay area.