A building reborn
Even after Live Nation and Blumenfeld announced the project, it took more of a commitment than expected.
The cost of the renovation, projected at $45 million in May 2017, ended up being $56 million. The opening was pushed back three months.
But Blumenfeld says enthusiasm for The Met has only increased.
“Oh, it’s gonna be successful,” he says. “You can feel the energy. The reality is that it presents so much opportunity.”
Blumenfeld said the theater — which he said is capable of holding events as diverse as Cirque du Soleil, boxing, corporate events and, yes, even opera — will be a draw for the area. He expects ancillary development — restaurants and more — around the venue.
“This story should never have an ending,” Blumenfeld says. “We’re just so proud The Met has taken on this life. It’s a great time for this community, a great time for Philadelphia. It will bring about a great number of events for the city. The city will never be the same.”
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney apparently agrees. At the ribbon-cutting, Kenney said, “God bless all of you. Enjoy this facility for years to come. North Philly is back.”
But for all the possibilities The Met opens, the venue itself still is the star.
Despite its ornate appearance, it is surprisingly flexible, with the ability to shrink its capacity for more intimate shows buy curtaining off sections, or even removing its floor seats for standing-room only shows, such as it did for Weezer.
Its new sound system was engineered by industry-leading Clair Bros. from Lititz, Lancaster County, and it shows. For the Dylan show, even at top