Stage Red Theater Opens In Downtown Fontana!

Sammy Hagar was treated to the ultimate homecoming on Saturday, June 15, when the City of Fontana, California, honored one of its favorite sons with the official grand opening of Stage Red Theater. Named for Sammy’s famous nickname, The Red Rocker, the remodeled 300-seat performance venue will serve as a focal point for nightlife in downtown Fontana. 

The event kicked off with a spirited welcoming ceremony led by Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, who was joined by City Council members and Sammy for a ribbon cutting. With his big signature smile, Sammy thanked the mayor and guests and invited everyone inside to explore the beautiful, completely transformed theater. Hundreds of fans and Fontana locals celebrated the opening, toasting the Stage Red Theater with cocktails made from Beach Bar Rum and Santo Spirits, of course! 

Sammy and his bandmate, guitar virtuoso Vic Johnson, performed an acoustic concert to properly christen the newly minted stage. They were joined by a very special guest: Sammy’s wife, Kari Hagar, who made a rare onstage appearance to sing a few songs with her husband. Their set included the Van Halen hit, “Finish What Ya Started.”

Sammy received a special surprise on stage to commence the evening - a diploma from Fontana High School! He’d been denied a diploma in his youth following a prank. 

“Your hometown is where you really want to be known,” said Hagar. “Growing up, I was a poor kid, and coming here to this beautiful place and being honored like this by the mayor and everyone else just feels really good.”

The transformation of The Fontana Theater into Stage Red is a fitting next chapter for the space. Although originally built as a one-screen movie theater in 1937, the venue was designed by Carl H. Boller, one of the best-known theatrical architects of that period. The extensive remodel and design embraces the historic building's original architecture while providing luxurious updates that will offer guests an unparalleled live music experience that aims to be a cornerstone of the city's cultural renaissance. For more information, visit www.stageredfontana.com or follow @stageredfontana on Instagram.