The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, located at 399 McCallie Avenue in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a historic performance hall built between 1922 and 1924 to honor area veterans of World War I. The auditorium features grand classical architecture and offers a variety of meeting, conference, and event facilities.
Function Rooms and Capacities
- Seating capacity: 3,866
- Suitable for full-scale theatrical productions, music concerts, comedy shows, and community events.
- Upper Theater (The Walker Theatre):
- Seating capacity: 851
- Ideal for smaller-scale performances and intimate gatherings.
- Trade Show Convention Hall (Basement):
- Area: 9,600 square feet (890 m²)
- Suitable for trade shows, conventions, and other large-scale events.
Services
- Auditorium Seating: The auditorium includes a built-in sound system and is equipped with seating for various types of events.
- Concession Stand: Available in the upper theater for convenience.
- Bathrooms: Overhauled to improve accessibility.
- Elevator: Installed to facilitate access to the upper theater.
- Audio Visual and Lighting: The auditorium includes a built-in sound system, and portable sound systems are available for other areas.
- Security: Special-event personnel are on-site for event setup and breakdown, and security services are required for events serving alcohol.
- Parking: While the museum does not own the parking garage, it is publicly accessible via Bigelow Blvd, and street parking is available adjacent to the property.
Event Hosting
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including religious festivals, political rallies, debutante galas, opera, musicals, and concerts. It continues to be an important cultural attraction for the city and a key part of its history. The venue also offers complimentary space for military ceremonies, pending availability, and has strict guidelines regarding entertainment to ensure that the nature of the gathering is in the best interest of the museum.