Classic Center Rental Policies
- Overall Rental Policies
- Special Notes for Weddings
- Details for Conventions
- Notes for Concerts/Performances
- Public Events Policies
Rental Policies
Event Information
Space rental includes event space, setup, cleanup and your choice of seating: tables/chairs for catered events, tables/chairs for classroom style or chairs for theatre seating. It includes one head table, a lectern, one wired microphone, one registration table and parking in The Classic Center Parking deck (to the extent available).
Packages may include other equipment and/or services as specified in the package. Additional equipment such as linens for guest tables, specialty lighting, a cordless microphone, audiovisual equipment, computers and high-speed Internet can be provided. (Wireless Internet usage is free of charge). Additional equipment is available per the Facility, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet.
Equipment quantity is subject to in-house inventory availability.
Trade Show
The Classic Center's Grand Hall has 28,000 square feet of space that can accommodate trade shows of up to 182 booths (8' x 10' each). Exhibit services include carpet, decorating, audiovisual, computer equipment and technical assistance; receiving, storage, booth installation, utilities and shipping are available in-house.
Exhibit booth packages for an 8' x 10' booth begin at $55 per booth. Package includes 8' back drape, 3' side drape, one clothed and skirted table, two chairs, waste basket and booth sign. Contact the Sales Department at 706.208.0900 or e-mail CCSales@ClassicCenter.com for details.
Event Staff
A Classic Center Event Coordinator will work with you to plan the room setup, timeline and details of your event. The Event Coordinator will contact you one month prior to the event to being the planning.
We welcome working with event planners, entertainment providers, speakers, production companies, caterers, volunteers and other providers you may choose. Should you require assistance before one month prior to the event, please call the Sales Department at 706.208.0900 or e-mail CCSales@ClassicCenter.com.
Food and Beverage
- Center Stage Catering is the in-house caterer for The Classic Center and will serve your guests delicious food with professional Southern hospitality, excellent service and a unique flair to complement your event. Center Stage Catering is owned and operated by Lee Epting Catering. Their staff is prepared to work within your budget and planning guidelines for a successful event. They are housed in The Classic Center and can be reached by calling 706.357.4421 or via their website. Click here to be taken to the Center Stage Catering Website.
- We welcome food service by other caterers who have been approved to work in the facility. A caterer approved to work in the building must provide all food and beverage served in The Classic Center.
- Space rent is discounted by 30 percent in consideration of catering by Center Stage or any approved caterer with pre-planned food service of $10 or more per person.
- All alcoholic beverages must be provided and served by Center Stage Catering, in-house caterer to The Classic Center.
- All caterers supply linen, china, glass, silver, food, beverage and service and are responsible for all cleanup.
- Please call the Sales Department at 706.208.0900 or e-mail at CCSales@ClassicCenter.com for a current list of approved caterers.
Decorations
The Classic Center is pleased to offer creative decor and theme development. We also welcome working with event planners, photographers, florists, bands, DJs, caterers, volunteers and other event professionals you may choose.
- Please coordinate decorating time and details with your Event Coordinator.
- Decorations cannot be fastened to the walls.
- Any decorations hung above table height must be installed by The Classic Center.
- Candles must be contained in a votive holder or glass covering.
- Fire code prohibits any open or moving flame.
- Additional equipment is available per the Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet.
Please call the Sales Department at 706.208.0900 or e-mail CCSales@ClassicCenter.com to make an appointment to see The Classic Center and plan your event.
Event Time
Space rent is on a "per day" basis. Events may begin as early as 8:00 a.m.. There is no time limit on the length of the event; however, all events must end by 1:00 a.m.
The serving of alcoholic beverages must end a half hour prior to the scheduled end time of the event. (No later than 12:30 a.m.)
- Event time must be confirmed when confirming space.
- The number of guaranteed guests must be confirmed three business days prior to the event.
- Standard move-in time is two hours prior to the scheduled beginning time of the event. Standard move-out time is up to one hour following the scheduled end of the event. We will make every effort to accommodate your vendors schedule for installation of decorations, equipment and other items at no additional charge.
Parking
Complimentary parking is available for your guests in The Classic Center parking deck (to the extent available). The parking deck is adjacent to the building and contains 644 spaces. There is a connected, covered walkway for pedestrian traffic to the front of The Classic Center. Entrances and exits are available on Thomas, East Broad, Foundry and Dougherty Streets on different levels of the five-level deck.
- For safety and convenience, the parking deck has onsite staff and camera surveillance. Every level is well illuminated and patrolled on a regular basis.
- Handicap parking is available in front of the entrance to the Athena Ballrooms and Fire Hall and on each level of the parking deck.
- Elevators are available on each level to take guests to the most convenient entrance for their event.
For additional information on parking at The Classic Center, click here.
Audiovisual
Space rent includes head table, lectern and wired microphone in your event space.
The Classic Center offers state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and professional technical service provided by our in-house AV provider. Dedicated or on-call technician service can be provided for your setup and event time. Please request a custom price quote from The Classic Center Sales Staff or Event Coordinator.
Clients have the option of providing their own audiovisual equipment upon approval of the Executive Director.
Security
The Classic Center requires security for large events and those serving alcoholic beverages.
All decisions concerning security staffing levels will be made by the Executive Director.
Booking and Payment Policy
- All event space is booked by The Classic Center Sales Department. Please contact them by phone at 706.208.0900, by e-mail at CCSales@ClassicCenter.com, or in person at 300 N. Thomas Street. The Sales Department is available 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday by appointment.
- Events with 200 hotel room nights or more and using event space in The Classic Center can be confirmed at any time prior to the event.
- Events with fewer than 200 hotel room nights and using event space in The Classic Center may be held on a tentative basis outside 18 months prior to the event. These events can be confirmed and contracted 18 months prior to the event.
- A License Agreement will be issued when the event is confirmed. A non-refundable deposit will be due 14 days after the License Agreement is issued. The amount of non-refundable deposit is the amount of space rented, or the package selected, up to $5,000.
- Your Event Coordinator will provide a room diagram, timeline and pre-bill two weeks prior to your event. Any additional estimated charges must be paid at that time.
- The Classic Center accepts cash, check or credit card as forms of payment. (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover)
Please call the Sales Department at 706.208.0900 or e-mail CCSales@ClassicCenter.com to make an appointment to see The Classic Center and plan your event.
Additional Notes for Weddings
- We encourage you to use biodegradable materials for your sendoff. We STRONGLY discourage the use of sparklers for outdoor sendoffs!
- A cleanup fee of $100 may be assessed if confetti, glitter or balloons are used in your room decorations.
- Remember: standard move-in time is two hours before the event. If you need to be in the facility before this time, please coordinate with your Event Coordinator.
- The Classic Center is also available for rehearsal dinners and bridesmaid's luncheons. Please let us know how we can help make your day perfect!
Details for Conventions
Convention clients frequently need more than two hours to move in, and we are happy to accommodate!
Move-in and move-out days will be charged one half the base room
rental fee. A move-in/move-out guard will be required to protect
the property of The Classic Center. (Please refer to the
Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for security rates).
Note: Reduction in price is due to maintaining "minimum" comfort levels. If your move-in/move-out requires temperatures beyond the minimum levels, 100 percent of the rental rate will apply. (Please refer to The Classic Center's Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for security rates.)
Performing Arts Theatre Rental Policies
The Classic Center Theatre is a state-of-the art performing arts center with over 2,100 seats. Please contact The Theatre Director with any questions.
Theatre's Rental Rate
The Classic Center's theatre rental rate is for space rental only.
Standard lighting, heating and air conditioning will be provided
two hours prior to your scheduled show/event. Box office, security,
spotlights, ticket takers, ticket sellers and event personnel
are all additional. (See the Facility, Services and Equipment Rate
Sheet for details.)
Box Office
The Classic Center requires the use of its trained, professional staff to operate the Box Office and to act as ticket takers for all public concerts and shows. Settlement of all monies and tickets collected will be conducted immediately at the close of the event, unless prior arrangements are made.
Tickets
All tickets must be printed and sold through The Classic Center's Box Office. The licensee may sell tickets in advance by consigning tickets from the Box Office. The licensee must pay the Box Office for the tickets upon consignment.
Tickets will go on sale two weeks prior to the event, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon. A Box Office fee of 3.5 percent of ticket sales will apply for all "advance sales" with a maximum fee to be determined by the Theatre Director. "Advance sales" will constitute any sale up to two hours prior to curtain/show time.
The Classic Center reserves the right to add additional sellers if needed, and at The Classic Center's sole discretion. Ticket takers and ticket sellers will be provided by The Classic Center at the licensee's expense (please refer to the Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable rates.) One ticket ticker is required per 500 tickets sold.
All personnel are required to be onsite 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the event and to stay until the last person has vacated the premises or until released by The Classic Center's manager on duty.
Admission to any and all public events will be by ticket only. A ticket is required for admission to events with or without an admission fee. The number of tickets issued for an event will be within fire code for the number of people allowed to occupy the space as determined by the Fire Marshall.
Food and Beverage
The Classic Center's in-house concessionaire must provide all food
and beverages, including bar service. Should alcoholic beverages be
requested, The Classic Center reserves the right to mandate
corralled beer gardens. Proof of identification will be required of
all patrons and additional security may be required to control
corrals and assist with proofing of age.
Food and beverages will be allowed in the theatre lobby only. On a case-by-case basis, The Classic Center will consider whether to allow food and beverage into the Theatre House. The decision of The Classic Center will be final. The Classic Center maintains exclusive rights to all food, beverage and general merchandise sold inside the theatre.
Center Stage Catering is the in-house caterer for The Classic Center and will serve your guests delicious food with professional Southern hospitality, excellent service and a unique flair to complement your event. Center Stage Catering is owned and operated by Lee Epting Catering. Their staff is prepared to work within your budget and planning guidelines for a successful event. They are housed in The Classic Center and can be reached by calling 706.357.4421 or via their Web site. Click here to be taken to the Center Stage Catering Web site.
Green Room
An approved caterer must provide all food and beverage served in The Classic Center. No food or beverage may be brought into the facility except by an approved caterer. Caterers supply linen, china, glass, silver, food, non-alcoholic beverages and service. They are also responsible for the cleanup of the area.
Please note: all alcoholic beverages must be supplied by The Classic Center's in-house caterer, Center Stage Catering.
Move-In/Move-Out Policies/Rehearsals
All move-in/move-out/rehearsal rates will be charged on half of the
room rental fee. Note: reduction in price is due to maintaining
"minimum comfort levels." If your move-in/move-out requires
temperatures beyond minimum levels, 100 percent of the rental
rate will apply. A move-in/move-out guard will be required to
protect the property of The Classic Center. Please refer to the
Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for security rates.
Standard Operating Policy
Doors to the theatre lobby will open one hour prior to posted start
time of your event. All advertisements must be cleared by the
Executive Director.
The Classic Center's Required Personnel
In order to ensure the safety of our guests, and to maintain The
Classic Center's professional image, the following personnel
requirements have been established as minimum standards when
operating the theatre for private and/or public events.
Technical Directors
The Classic Center's Technical Director will be required for all
move-in/move-outs, rehearsals, sound checks and shows. (Please
refer to the Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for
applicable rates.)
Ushers
General Admission Shows will require a minimum of 16ushers.
Reserved seating will require a minimum of 32 ushers. A minimum of
one ticket taker per 1,000 on general admission shows or one per
500 on reserved seating shows will be required. (Please refer to
the Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable
rates.)
Rigging/Stagehands
All rigging and stagehands must be contracted through The Classic
Center. (Please refer to The Classic Center's Facilities, Services
and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable rates.)
Electrical
Utility connections must be made with the supervision of our
licensed in-house electrician. (Please refer to the Facilities,
Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable rates.)
Spotlight Operator
The spotlight operator must be contracted through The Classic
Center. (Please refer to The Classic Center's Facilities, Services
and Equipment Rate Sheet.)
Security/Crosswalk Guards
All security must be contracted through The Classic Center. Two
crosswalk guards will be required whenever at least 1,000 people
are at an event. These crosswalk guards will be on duty one hour
before the performance through one hour after the performance.
Security for performances will either be through contracted special
event security, house security or police officers. The Classic
Center's Executive Director will have final authority on how many
security officers are needed for an event.
Insurance
Performers/promoters/producers will be required to obtain a general
liability insurance naming The Classic Center as additional insured
for a minimum of one million dollars. A copy of the rider with all
exclusions must be presented to The Classic Center as well as the
insurance certificate.
EMT
An emergency medical technician will be required when more than
1,000 people are expected at your event. (Please refer to the
Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable
rates.)
Sales Tax
The customer will be required to pay sales tax on all tickets sold.
The Classic Center will take out the necessary sales tax and submit
it to the State of Georgia. This sales tax will show as an expense
to the customer and will be taken out of the settlement. Please be
sure that you discuss with the Client Services Manager whether the
ticket price you set includes tax or if you want it to be charged
on top of the ticket price selected.
Access
All working building personnel, The Executive Director, Event Coordinator and Theatre Director shall have access to all areas of the building at any time. The Classic Center retains the right to deem necessary what shall and shall not be permitted in the back stage area. No one, other than The Classic Center personnel will be allowed in the Box Office.
Public Events Policies
The Classic Center defines a public event as any event that is advertised to the general public and to which the general public is invited whether they are charged an admission or not. The Classic Center pledges cooperation and support in assisting sponsors and promoters to produce successful public events.
The following policies have been established to ensure the safety of our guests and maintain The Classic Center's professional image for public events.
Advertising
All advertising must be reviewed and approved in writing by The Classic Center's Executive Director prior to printing and/or airing, distribution. Any Internet-based advertising must also be approved.
Staffing
All personnel arranged and provided by The Classic Center, at Licensee's expense, are required to be on site 30 minutes prior to the scheduled beginning of the event and must stay until the last person has vacated property or until released by the manager on duty.
Insurance
Public events will be required to obtain general liability insurance as well as unowned auto insurance, each in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000), naming The Classic Center as additionally insured. Please consult The Classic Center's management for specific requirements.
Selling from the Show Floor
Athens/Clarke County has designated a
regulatory fee for sales of goods from the show floor. Contact The
Classic Center's Event Coordinator for regulatory fee forms and
current policies.
Access
All working building personnel, The Executive Director, Event Coordinator and Manager on Duty shall have access to all areas of the building at any time.
Box Office
- Admission to any and all public events will be by ticket only. A ticket is required for admission to events with or without an admission fee. The number of tickets issued for an event will be within fire code for number of people allowed to occupy space as determined by the Fire Marshall. The Classic Center Box Office is onsite and offers services from printing your tickets to selling them on site, as well as by phone and Internet.
- The Show Presenter will be required to pay sales tax on all tickets sold. The Classic Center will take out the necessary sales tax and submit it to the State of Georgia. This sales tax will show as an expense to the show presenter and will be taken out of the settlement.
- All tickets must be printed and sold through The Classic Center's Box Office.
- Licensee may sell tickets in advance by consigning tickets from the Box Office.
- The licensee must pay the Box Office for the tickets upon consignment.
- Tickets will go on sale four weeks prior to the event unless prior arrangements have been mutually agreed upon.
- A box office fee of 3.5 percent of gross ticket sales will apply for all "advance sales" with a minimum fee to be determined by the Theatre Director.
- "Advance sales" will constitute any sale up to two hours prior to start time.
- The Classic Center reserves the right to add additional sellers if needed.
- Ticket takers and ticket sellers must be provided by The Classic Center at the Licensee's expense (Please refer to the Facilities, Services and Equipment Rate Sheet for applicable rates.)
- One ticket taker is required per five hundred sold.
- All personnel are required to be on site thirty minutes prior to the beginning of the doors opening and stay until the last person has vacated the premises or until released by The Classic Center's Manager on Duty.
Food and Beverage
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be supplied by an approved caterer.
- All concessions must be handled by Center Stage Catering.
- The Classic Center staff adheres to a written policy regarding alcohol management.
- Should alcoholic beverages be served, The Classic Center reserves the right to mandate corralled sales areas.
- Additional security at Licensee's expense will be required to assist with verifying proof of age identification.
Security
- As a general rule, one security officer is required per 100 people, based on the capacity of the room.
- Room capacity will be strictly enforced, and we will limit access after the maximum number of people has been reached, at our discretion, to maintain public safety.
- The Classic Center reserves the right to use our in-house security company and/or a Classic Center-designated security company in the interest of public safety and the safety of The Classic Center.
- In the Grand Hall, as many as thirty-two security officers are typically required.
- Your Classic Center Event Coordinator and Executive Director will determine the number of security officers needed based on past history of the event, past history at other venues and the technical rider for the performer.
- The Classic Center reserves the right to use Athens/Clarke County Police in place of security officers where deemed necessary.
- An emergency medical technician (EMT) will be required when more than 1,000 people are expected at your event.
- The Classic Center's Management and the Fire Marshall reserve the right to mandate specific security, capacity and physical layout arrangements for all public shows. Layouts must be signed off by Fire Marshall no later than one week prior to the show.
Building Curfew
Any and all public events must end by 1:00 a.m. The serving of
alcoholic beverages must end ahalf hour prior to scheduled end of
event; thus bar service will end at 12:30 a.m. All patrons,
clients, and guests must vacate the premises no later than 1:00
a.m.
Competing Show Policy
For activities which are considered to be competing for specialized
specific and local markets, i.e. Broadway Shows, public boat shows,
home product shows, automobile shows, etc., The Classic Center's
Executive Director may, at the Center's discretion, maintain a
clearance period of 45 days prior to an existing event and any
similar event.
However, no agreement with any user will be executed requiring such clearance period.
The Classic Center's Executive Director further, at his/her discretion, may maintain a clearance period of 45 days following an existing event and any similar event.
Audiovisual
The Classic Center has an AV specialist on staff. The Classic Center can arrange all of your AV needs in-house. Should you choose to bring in your own AV equipment and require the assistance of The Classic Center's personnel, a technician will be provided at the rate of $20/hour, with a four-hour minimum.
The technician must be requested at least three business days in advance. Please consult with your Event Coordinator for proper arrangements.
Any outside AV company must be approved and must sign an agreement with The Classic Center prior to being allowed to work in the facility. This requirement is needed to ensure safety and insurance coverage for all concerned.
Payment Policy
A full deposit is required for all License Agreements up to an amount of $1,500. A 75 percent deposit is required for all License Agreements over $1,500.
First-time clients are required to pay full rental cost, which is due 14 business days prior to the first day of the event. Equipment and all incidentals will be projected at least three business days prior to the event.
All alcoholic beverages must be supplied by Center Stage Catering.