Fifty years after Atlantans rallied to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, the city’s historic entertainment venue is not only still standing — it’s thriving.
This June marks the half century anniversary of the 1975 grassroots “Save the Fox” campaign, a pivotal effort in which local leaders, activists and everyday citizens helped preserve the local theater, which continues to host a wide array of entertainment acts to this day.
In commemoration of this milestone, the Fox Theatre highlighted a number of substantial developments that the venue recently accomplished as part of its “ongoing commitment to arts, education and community.”
In March 2024, the theater launched its All-Access Pass Program through its philanthropic arm, Fox Gives. The initiative provides high school students with hands-on experiences, mentorship and behind-the-scenes access to theater operations.
The Fox also introduced a multiyear grant program to support theaters across the Southeast, awarding up to $500,000 over a two-to-four year span. The first grant recipient was the Hart County Community Theatre in Hartwell, Georgia, who will use the funding to help restore the 100-year-old structure.
Another initiative the Fox established was the “Premium Experience Membership,” something the theater says it started as a way to rival major arenas. The membership gives theater-goers access to exclusive perks, including access to the Marquee Club, which provides members with private bar service, lounge spaces, early entry and more.
Finally, the Fox shared that its popularity has continued to soar, citing a mid-year report from Pollstar that ranked the Atlanta theater first overall in ticket sales worldwide for a venue its size.
“Fifty years ago, Atlanta citizens took a stand, saved the Fox Theatre from demolition and recognized the Fox was an irreplaceable treasure worth preserving for future generations,” said Allan Vella, president and chief executive officer of the Fox Theatre. “Our success demonstrates that a historic venue can evolve into one of the top performing theatres in the country; one that not only delivers world class entertainment but also gives back to the community that saved it.”
Coming up on the horizon for the Fox, it will be hosting musical acts like Vince Gill, Fridayy, Kansas and 38 Special throughout the summer, as well as holding its annual Archives event — giving attendees a closer look at the venue’s storied past.
