On Friday, January 5, the Moonhanger Group announced Hargray as the new title sponsor of the Capitol Theatre on Second Street in downtown Macon.
 
“I am extremely grateful to Cox Communications for their early support of the Capitol Theatre,” said Wes Griffith, owner of the Moonhanger Group. “Cox, along with many others, has invested a tremendous effort into revitalizing the Capitol Theatre and ensuring that the venue reaches its potential as a first-rate cultural center for Central Georgia and an economic driver for downtown Macon. Hargray’s commitment to partner with the Moonhanger Group and assume the role as the venue sponsor ensures the realization of that effort. I am extremely excited to work with Hargray Communications on continued improvements to the venue and to showcase the impact they will have in providing high quality fiber internet to the region.”
 
Hargray has become a recognized leader in the southeastern United States for metropolitan fiber overbuilds that provide the highest quality and best valued communications and entertainment services for business and residential consumers in select markets. The company expanded into Macon, Georgia in March 2017.  
 
“We are dedicated to bringing next generation technology and Internet speeds to the communities we serve. In Macon, we have found city leaders, business owners, and residents who are equally committed to this endeavor and who understand the impact fiber optics have on the growth of their community,” said Chris McCorkendale, Senior Vice President of Hargray Fiber.
 
Hargray’s title sponsorship of the Capitol Theatre symbolizes the type of community partnership the company seeks.
 
“Our services allow people in Macon to connect and communicate with the same level of quality, reliability, and consistency as those in the largest metropolitan markets. It is the community within our markets that makes that connection and communication so incredibly unique. The Capitol Theatre is a venue that brings people together. Bringing people together is the essence of what Hargray does.”
 
Hargray’s investment will allow the historic entertainment venue to better serve the Middle Georgia region and will ensure its continued role in the revitalization story of downtown Macon. Since its rehabilitation in 2006, the Capitol Theatre has become a destination in downtown Macon, attracting thousands of concert-goers annually to see a wide variety of acts that suit every musical palette. Additionally, the entertainment venue welcomes comedians, event rentals, and serves as a venue for local festivals like Bragg Jam and the Macon Film Festival that attract thousands of tourists annually.
 
“The Capitol Theatre serves as one of Macon’s cornerstone cultural destinations celebrating the region’s music heritage while blending numerous genres of today’s current performers and future stars,” said Gary Wheat, President and CEO of Visit Macon. “Visit Macon is proud to partner with The Capitol Theatre in marketing Macon as a true music destination.”
 
The Capitol Theatre’s role in the community has contributed to the arts and culture scene of downtown Macon, resulting in a significant economic impact. According to a national study conducted by Americans for the Arts, attendees of arts events, such as concerts, spend an average of $24.60 per event, not including the cost of event admission. Since the Capitol reopened in 2006, 60% of the buildings along Second Street and in the blocks on Cherry Street adjacent to the Theatre have been rehabilitated, including three loft projects. Hargray’s investment in the Capitol Theatre is an investment in downtown’s ongoing revitalization.
 
“The Capitol Theatre’s revitalization was a bellwether moment for downtown Macon and since the Moonhanger Group took over management the progress has accelerated greatly,” said Alex Morrison, Executive Director of the Urban Development Authority. “The UDA is proud to be a part of the team that brought this asset back to life and kept it going, and now to see it take this next step is truly rewarding.”