After months of being closed for Phase I & Phase II of a $6.5 million dollar renovation, the 2,359-seat William Saroyan Theatre in Fresno, California reopened this summer to rave reviews, including being named as the “Best of Fresno 2008” by the U.S. Local Business Association. Renovations included: new carpeting throughout; enhanced lighting; remodeled lobby; new lower VIP lobby with bar; state-of-the-art plasma screens; designer leather furniture; remodeled backstage area & dressing rooms, VIP rooms, chorus rooms, production offices & management office, new green room; completely remodeled walkways and courtyard area; bew lush landscaping; new set of stage curtains; and new lighting rigging system. The William Saroyan Theatre is part of the SMG-managed Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, which includes the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall, Ernest Valdez Hall, Selland Arena and is adjacent to the Robert A. Schoettler Conference Center.