First Avenue and Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) have finalized First Avenue’s purchase of the Fitzgerald Theater from MPR.

“We’re incredibly excited to have finalized the purchase of the Fitzgerald Theater, and we’re honored to be the next stewards of such a historic venue in Minnesota’s history. The opportunity to continue programming this space with diverse and creative music and entertainment is really significant to our team. Keeping local venues independently owned and operated is imperative to the well-being of art and entertainment in the Twin Cities,” said Dayna Frank, owner of First Avenue.

“The Fitzgerald Theater has been a part of MPR since 1980, and while we’re expanding our live events to audiences throughout greater Minnesota, we’ll still be delivering great MPR programming at the Fitz. We know the theater is in good hands and we look forward to seeing what First Ave will do in this special space,” said Jon McTaggart, president and CEO Minnesota Public Radio.

First Avenue owns and operates the 250-capacity 7th St Entry, the 350-capacity Turf Club, the 650- capacity Fine Line, 1550-capacity First Avenue Mainroom, and co-operates the 2400-capacity Palace Theatre. Additionally, First Avenue promotes concerts and events at numerous venues in Minnesota, including but not limited to, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, The Cedar Cultural Center, The Historic State, Orpheum, and Pantages Theatres in Minneapolis, as well as Surly Brewing Festival Field.

First Avenue is celebrated as one of the longest-running, independently owned and operated clubs in the United States. Its commitment to independence is led by the belief that unique, locally-owned live music rooms are imperative to the health of the community and economy. First Avenue is dedicated to promoting artistic expression in voices old and new, to provide a community by offering artists a stage and a mic, and fans a place to gather.

As the musical epicenter of the Twin Cities, First Avenue—and by extension, the venues it owns and operates—opens its doors to all of the thousands of music lovers who are First Avenue's past, present, and future.