Coronado Performing Arts Center

314 N. Main Street,
Rockford, IL 61101

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Related Websites

Coronado Performing Arts Center (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Balaban & Katz Corp., Kerasotes Theatres

Architects: Frederic J. Klein

Functions: Performing Arts

Styles: Atmospheric

Previous Names: Coronado Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 815.968.2722

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News About This Theater

Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, IL - balcony

The Coronado Theatre opened on October 8, 1927 as a lavish, 2,440-seat Atmospheric style movie palace rivaling those built in Chicago. The theater carried on its tradition of showing movies and stage shows well into the 1960’s, hosting stars such as Sammy Davis Jr., Milton Berle, and many more.

In 1970, Kerasotes Theatres purchased the Coronado Theatre. A few years later, in 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. By 1984, the Coronado Theatre was forced to end the movie exhibition portion of its business due to declining revenues.

In 1997, the theatre was donated by the Kerasotes family to the city of Rockford and a multi-million renovation began. The 2,400-seat theater has now reopened and is used for concerts and stage shows.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 34 comments)

mp775
mp775 on July 2, 2008 at 8:31 pm

The Rockford Register-Star reports that the Coronado operated at a $150K deficit for FY2007, on target with projections; the Executive Director says the best case scenario is breaking even. 120,000 people attended events at the theater in the past year, up from only 52,000 in 2005.

Scott
Scott on December 14, 2008 at 5:25 am

It’s a shame how under-utilized this theatre is. It is a gorgeous building and a great place to see live entertainment.

Patsy
Patsy on January 25, 2009 at 2:47 am

Lost: This piece of information is most interesting as I have never seen a NRHP form. I’ve talked to the folks at this theatre and hope to see it, in person, someday as it is a magnificant atmosphere!

Patsy
Patsy on January 25, 2009 at 3:03 am

Lost: Great job, as usual!

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on February 28, 2009 at 1:09 pm

The marquee sort of mirrors that of the Genessee Theatre in Waukegan.
I didn’t know there was already a renovated performing arts theatre in Rockford, that is “hoping to break even”.
I guess that doesn’t bode well for any renovation hopes for either the Midway or the Times Theatre’s. On the Midway page it’s listed for sale, but it includes an entire building that would need attention and other tenants.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 26, 2011 at 4:20 pm

I have uploaded the full-page grand opening grand opening ad from October 8th, 1927 as well as an close-up of the text on that ad. It can be found on this theatre’s photo page.

R8teco
R8teco on August 3, 2012 at 3:39 am

Awesome theater! My masters graduation was there!!!

rockfordmidway
rockfordmidway on January 19, 2014 at 6:36 am

yes its awesome love the lighting

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on April 15, 2016 at 12:17 am

This article is about a theater seat dedicated to Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen due to his fund raising efforts for the Coronado.

http://www.rrstar.com/article/20160412/SPECIAL/160419966

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on June 1, 2018 at 11:31 pm

Link to the Rockford Reminisce page about the Coronado with photos.

http://www.rockfordreminisce.com/entertainment-venues-3/

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