Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie

History

The theatre was proposed in 1998 as an alternative to the now demolished Reunion Arena in Dallas. Owned by NextStage Entertainment Corporation, the theatre was built in Grand Prairie to boost the economy of the city and lead to possible tourism. Construction began in the summer of 1999, however, it was delayed 14 months due to an increase in budget. The final construction cost was about $63 million. Originally known as "Texas ShowPlace", the venue was meant to house concerts and theatrical performances for the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The theatre opened in February 2002 as the "NextStage Performance Theater" with a capacity of 6,300.

In May 2002, the theatre hired Dallas artist Cabe Booth to paint oil portraits of the visiting acts and personalities. The portraits are signed by the performers and then hung on display in the backstage area and administrative office area. In 2007, the venue moved a small portion of the now over 300 (and growing) 4'×4' paintings into the main foyer along the downstairs entry to the private suites. In 2004, Nokia Corporation purchased the naming rights to the theatre for six years, changing its title to "Nokia Live at Grand Prairie". In February 2010, Verizon Wireless acquired naming rights for ten years, changing the title to the "Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie". Since the venue has opened, it has hosted several Broadway productions and family shows including Sesame Street Live, Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! and The Doodlebops Live!. Concert performers have included Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony, Janet Jackson, Phish, "Weird Al" Yankovic, Toni Braxton, Jennifer Hudson, Paramore, American Idols LIVE! Tour 2014, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé, Alicia Keys, Kylie Minogue, Roger Daltrey, Bob Dylan, The Black Crowes, Van Morrison, Robert Plant, Stevie Nicks, David Gray, Guster, Ben Folds Five, Barenaked Ladies, Jimmy Eat World, The Smashing Pumpkins, ZZ Top, Fort Worth native Kelly Clarkson, and South Korean boy groups BTS, B.A.P, GOT7, EXO, and SHINee. Christian worship services have also taken place here by groups such as Hillsong United and Joseph Prince Ministries.