In an effort to foster community involvement and further solidify itself as a gathering place for special events, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County opened the doors of its Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House and Knight Concert Hall to the public for the swearing-in and inaugural speech of President Barack Obama this morning. With a combined capacity of 4,600 guests, both venues were at capacity for this morning's monumental occasion.
"I see today's free event as central to our mission of enhancing the center's role as an accessible resource for our diverse community," said M. John Richard, the venue's new president and C.E.O.
In addition to the live simulcast, guests enjoyed performances by the Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School marching band and New World School of the Arts concert choir, the presentation of the colors by the Homestead Senior High School Air Force J.R.O.T.C. color guard, and special remarks by local news anchor Calvin Hughes, Mayor Carlos Alvarez, and Richard.
Appointed as the exclusive caterer of the center in December 2008, Barton G. created patriotic-themed concession stands in the lobby with box lunches and red, white, and blue cupcakes for purchase.
