Two of Chattanooga's largest venues will reopen with shows on Friday.
Both The Signal and the Tivoli Theatre have been dark since March, and each will host events this weekend. A free showing of "42," the Jackie Robinson biopic that was shot largely in Chattanooga at historic Engel Stadium in 2012, will be the first movie in the Bobby Stone Film Series at the Tivoli.
Also showing this weekend will be "Back to the Future" at 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday and "Jurassic Park" at 2 and 6 p.m. on Sunday. While there is no charge to attend "42," admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors 65 and older for the remainder of the films in the series. Future titles in the series will be announced at a later date.
The same night, honky-tonk artist Whitey Morgan will present an acoustic set at The Signal.
Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke announced Friday that venues could reopen as long as safety measures were followed, and Tivoli Foundation Executive Director Nick Wilkinson said movies offer the safest way to allow people back into the venue.
"We are reopening in a more limited and reconfigured form to make sure it is safe and healthy," he said.
Staff Photo by Angela Lewis /Jun 13, 2012-- Actors stand in the field at Engel Stadium as filming for "42" continues Thursday."We are cautiously going forward, and we will announce the rescheduled dates for shows that were postponed because of the virus," Wilkinson said.
Seating in the Tivoli will be limited to 12% of the venue's 1,700-seat capacity, meaning 215 patrons will be admitted. Everyone, including staff and guests, will be required to wear masks at all times except when seated and eating or drinking. Social distancing will be required, and patrons are asked to avoid using cash by using credit, debit or gift cards.
You can read a full list of guidelines at tivolichattanooga.com.
Other shows announced on The Signal's schedule are "Rumours - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute" act doing two shows on Oct. 16 and the Lost Dog Street Band with Matt Heckler on Oct. 18.
Local artists Strung Like a Horse will close out the month with a release party celebrating the release of its major label debut "WHOA!" Tool tribute act 10,000 Days will perform there on Nov. 14, and "Bébé le Strange - A Heart Tribute" will perform Dec. 5.
The venue has a capacity of 1,300 and also will follow local, state and federal guidelines around COVID-19 safety, including masks, social distancing, reduced capacity of 20% and increased sanitation and cleanliness measures.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.