The Grand Theater in Knoxville has provided an update on their clean-up efforts.

The theater suffered extensive water damage at the end of July after a storm blew a tarp off of the building while construction crews were doing repairs. It rained inside the building for several hours and caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. The update given by the theater on social media states that the theater has ordered new screens, and are working to get the sound system and projectors to where they need to be. The theater is doing painting, drywall repairs and cleaning everything up that was damaged. Full statement below:

“Our lobby has finally gotten back in shape and we’re working hard on getting upstairs finished. We’ve been painting, doing drywall repairs, and cleaning up everything that was left damaged. We have ordered new screens and have been working with our tech team from Omaha to get our sound systems and projectors to where they need to be. We are hoping to have upstairs opened first as the downstairs auditorium took a big hit and the repairs will take more time. (Speaking of which if anyone has experience replacing ceiling tiles – we’d love and greatly appreciate your volunteer time!! OR if you’re experienced in HVAC tubing replacement – please reach out!!) This week’s task is replacing the acoustic sound-fold curtains upstairs. We will continue to work and once again appreciate all of your support and patience as we navigate this uncertain time. We WILL survive this, we WILL reopen, we HOPE to see you all there once we do!”

KNIA/KRLS visited the Grand Theater last week and Grand Theater Foundation President Curt Schwanebeck hopes to open back up in four-to-six weeks as some repairs will come at a later date. The theater is looking for community support to offset the cost of repairs. If you would like to donate you can follow this link. The theater also sells curbside popcorn on the weekends.