ORLANDO, Fla. Input from 2,418 respondents who participated in an online survey regarding a new performing arts center in downtown Orlando revealed strong support for the project, with 70 percent of respondents “very much” in support of the effort.

The primary objective of the survey was to measure cultural attendance patterns, along with interest in and features desired by potential users of a new Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC) to help guide its planning and communication process.

"I am very encouraged by the results of this survey and several other recent citizen polls," said OPAC President and Chairman Jim Pugh. "All indications point to a strong support base for a new performing arts center."

Sixty-four percent of respondents listed Central Florida’s current performing arts facilities as "somewhat worse" to “much worse” than facilities in other cities, while 65 percent of respondents feel that they
would attend cultural events in Central Florida more often at a new facility.

Among the amenities and features most often listed as desirable among respondents were facility/rehearsal tours (42 percent), outdoor park/seating (54 percent), educational programs (55 percent), on-site restaurant (55 percent), and covered parking (61 percent).

The Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC), a 501©3 nonprofit corporation, has been charged by the City of Orlando to outline recommendations to build a destination that elevates the arts, provides the best arts education, generates urban renewal, and most importantly, is programmed to be fiscally responsible in construction and operations. For more information about the OPAC initiative and community involvement opportunities, please visit www.orlandopac.org.