Mercedes-Benz of Macon, a division of Jackson Automotive Group, and The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, today announced a new title sponsor agreement between the two entities.  Starting with the 2018-2019 season in October 2018, The Grand’s Broadway season and all concerts of note will be included under the umbrella of “The Mercedes-Benz of Macon Great Performances Series at The Grand.”

“The Grand has been without a title sponsor for two seasons now, but in that time, we’ve gone through a great deal of positive change internally,” said Grand Opera House Executive Director Gram Slaton.  “Having a title sponsor not only recognizes that and brings a greater financial freedom to our planning for the year ahead, it also provides us with a tremendous thumbs-up from an important member of the Middle Georgia business community and acknowledges the importance of live entertainment to all of us here, not only as a great way to spend an evening locally, but also as an educational tool, an economic stimulator for Macon, and as a tourism draw that attracts guests from around the world to our town and area.  The Mercedes-Benz brand is exactly what we were looking for, as we emerge this coming fall from about $3 million of building improvements over two summers, and can offer our patrons a completely new and extremely high-end experience – doing for theatre patrons what Mercedes-Benz does for luxury car-brand fans.”

“Both Jim Jackson and I are both personally and professionally excited to create this great new relationship with The Grand,” said Mercedes-Benz of Macon General Sales Manager Gene Smith.  “Jim Jackson’s leadership at Mercedes-Benz of Macon represents the third generation of Jacksons piloting the Mercedes-Benz brand in Middle Georgia, much as Mercer University’s management of The Grand is itself entering a third generation for this beloved theatre.  We both feature top-notch service to our customers – Mercedes-Benz of Macon has won many awards for it, and The Grand’s reputation is equally up there for its superior treatment of its patrons.  It’s just a natural fit, and a way for Mercedes-Benz of Macon to give back to this community we’ve been honored to serve since 1955.”

The Jacksons became a Mercedes-Benz dealer in 1976.

The sponsorship agreement between Mercedes-Benz of Macon and The Grand Opera House is for an initial three-year term.  Patrons of The Grand Opera House can begin to expect linkages between the two entities, including in-store events and automotive showcases, beginning in the very near future.