The Communication Arts Center at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus. August 9, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A one-year deal will bring concerts, plays and sports to the former UW Oshkosh – Fox Cities campus.
Winnebago County and Wisconsin Entertainment Group Venue Partners (WEG) announced a new collaboration Tuesday to reopen key facilities on the now closed campus under a one-year agreement.
Under this agreement, WEG will manage theater and fieldhouse facilities with plans to offer a wide range of events from theater productions and concerts to athletic events and expos.
Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz emphasized that restoring public access and programming in the theater and fieldhouse has been a priority for county officials as the county works on a longer-term strategy.
“The biggest challenge we’ve experienced throughout the transition from UWO to Winnebago County is the temporary loss of the community assets,” he said. “We’re excited to see the theater and fieldhouse reopen while we work toward the long-term future plans for the campus.”
The Fox Valley Concert Band will return to the campus, with its spring concert scheduled for May 8. The campus will once again become the home stage for Attic Theatre, which will make its return on June 18-20 and June 24-27 with its production of “Decision Height.”
Fox Valley Performance Volleyball has reached an agreement to utilize the fieldhouse. Additional partnerships are still in the works.
The theater will also feature touring acts – and the first performance is just days away. Lifest will present AJ the Animated Illusionist at the theater on May 4 at 7 p.m.
The public is encouraged to watch social media for further programming announcements. A website is currently under construction. In addition, the facilities will be available for business meetings and other private events.
The deal comes after Faith Technologies backed out of buying the property earlier this year following a 90-day assessment period.
Winnebago County took ownership of the property last June after UW-Oshkosh closed the satellite campus. Since then, the county has been hard at work to find groups to utilize the vacant space. The Barlow Planetarium space reopened to the public last year after a two-month closure.
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