NEW: Randy Owen Center for Performing Arts opens at Jax State
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This week, Jacksonville State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the Randy Owen Center for Performing Arts (ROC).
Named in honor of Jax State alum, Board of Trustee member and Alabama lead singer Randy Owen, the 100,000 square foot performance, educational, rehearsal, recording and collaborative space is located at the corner of Church Street and Roebuck Waters Drive in Jacksonville.
“Many universities have named buildings after people over the years, but very few, if any, are named after an artist whose music became part of the soundtrack of American life. We finally have a place where our students’ talents can be displayed, and we have a place where students can learn how to record and even perform their talents. And that has been worth the wait.”
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., Jacksonville State University
New state of the art Randy Owen Center
The new center includes the following amenities:
- 1001-seat Phil and Denise Webb Concert Hall and lobby
- ROC Educational Wing that includes: recital hall, rehearsal hall, backstage artist suites, recording studio, educational classrooms, creative cooperative workspaces and event spaces
In addition to this week’s ribbon-cutting, Jax State held a sold-out concert with Randy Owen and Friends on Wednesday night.
On Thursday, the university is holding guided tours of ROC between 11AM to 1PM and a free advance public screening of My Home’s in Alabama: The Randy Owen Story at 6PM.
At the Tuesday opening ceremony Owen summed up why the new performing arts center at Jax State matters.
“My wishes, and my hopes, and my dreams are that someday some kid will come through here, like me, and when they leave here, they have a dream. Because if I can make it, anybody can. I’ve been so blessed to be here, and this is one day that I’ll never forget.”
Are you excited about the new Randy Owen Center for the Performing Arts? Follow their Facebook page for a schedule of upcoming 2026-27 performances and events.
