Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment named Bruce Wheeler as general manager of the historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre Feb. 10. The venue plans to reopen this fall in the heart of Jersey City‘s Journal Square neighborhood.
The theater originally opened in 1929. It is undergoing an extensive restoration that will modernize and restore the venue and return it to active, regular use after more than 40 years. The restoration project is happening through a collaborative partnership between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey and HBSE.
Wheeler is a 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry – with strings in marketing and artist development. He spent the past 15 years in the venue world, including senior management roles at Central Park SummerStage, The Beacon Theatre and others.
In this new role, he will oversee all day-to-day operations, event management and venue readiness as the theatre prepares to reopen later this year.
[Re]opening soon
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bruce Wheeler to the HBSE family as we prepare to reopen Loew’s Jersey Theatre,” said Sean Saadeh, chief programming officer and head of entertainment, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. “Loew’s is a truly special venue, and Bruce’s experience and vision will help us unlock its full potential as we prepare to deliver world-class live entertainment to Jersey City and beyond.”
“I would like to thank Jake Reynolds, Sean Saadeh, and Steve Rosebrook for giving me the opportunity to lead such an important project for HBSE,” said Wheeler. “I’m honored to be a part of the team as we work to renovate and reopen this historic Jersey City venue.”
The restoration includes rehabilitation of the theatre’s historic interiors and exteriors, modernization of mechanical and production infrastructure, upgrades to public and backstage areas, and the addition of other premium spaces. It aims to modernize the venue while preserving its historic character.
The renovated venue is expected to accommodate a flexible capacity of 2,600 to 4,000 guests — and to host nearly 150 events annually, in addition to at least 70 dates for public programming.
Wheeler added, “I look forward to reestablishing Loew’s Jersey Theatre as a premier destination for concerts and events destination while helping anchor the newly revitalized Journal Square cultural district.”
The post HBSE names GM as Loew’s Jersey Theatre nears reopening appeared first on NJBIZ.
