Berglund Center, a cornerstone of Roanoke, Virginia's cultural and entertainment landscape, has hosted world-class events since its opening in 1971. Originally named the Roanoke Civic Center, this versatile venue has evolved into a premier destination for concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events, and community gatherings. Over the decades, it has welcomed renowned artists, hosted memorable performances, and served as a hub for local celebrations.
With multiple facilities, including an arena, performing arts theatre, and exhibit hall, the Berglund Center has consistently adapted to meet the region's diverse entertainment needs. Renamed in 2014 following a partnership with Berglund Automotive, the center remains a beacon of entertainment and community spirit, drawing thousands of visitors annually to experience its vibrant offerings.
We pay homage to the nearby Gainesboro Neighborhood. The Gainesboro neighborhood, one of Roanoke's oldest communities, is rich in history and cultural significance. Once a thriving hub for African-American commerce, arts, and education, it played a pivotal role in shaping the city's identity. Landmarks like the Gainsboro Library and Hotel Roanoke stand as testaments to its storied past. Today, the area is experiencing revitalization while preserving its historical charm, blending cultural heritage with modern development. Gainesboro remains a symbol of resilience and community pride in Roanoke.
Berglund Center celebrated fifty years serving the Roanoke community in 2021, and since then we have been working on the creation of our 50th Anniversary Exhibits! Located in the Special Events Center, the cases display memories decade-by-decade, spanning from 1971 to present. We also have a few cases honoring the history of the sports teams that have called Berglund Center home - from our basketball team the Roanoke Dazzle, all the way to our Railyard Dawgs hockey team!
Berglund Center has been working to preserve autographs we’ve collected over the years within our autograph cases so that we can auction them for charity! All the amazing artists we have had the honor of hosting in our Coliseum and Performing Arts Theatre have had the chance to sign our autograph boards. Our goal is to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House through upcoming auctions in the new year.
This past August, concertgoers at the Old Crow Medicine Show in Elmwood Park had the opportunity to give back to their community. Berglund Center worked with Ursula’s Cafe, a non-profit, pay what you can cafe, to collect nonperishable donations, and we’re so grateful that our community came together to pay it forward and show support for such a great cause!
Angels of Assisi Adoptions
Nonprofits Earn....
Over the past few years of our Paws & Pucks program, in collaboration with Olde Salem Brewing Co., Berglund Center and our Railyard Dawgs hockey fans have raised over twenty-thousand dollars to support Angels of Assisi. Two dollars from the sale of each can of Paws & Pucks brew purchased by Roanoke hockey lovers is donated to Angels of Assisi!
GAINSBORO MURAL
On February 15th, 2023 “The Heart of Gainsboro” project was unveiled to the public. This was a multi-month project initiated by Robyn Schon, General Manager of the Berglund Center and The Year of the Artist of Roanoke, Virginia. Bryce Cobbs (Artist) worked alongside Historian in Residence, Jordan Bell, to conduct interviews with Gainsboro/ NE community members who were directly impacted by “urban renewal” during the mid 1950’s. These amazing individuals told their stories and recounted on their memories of what the community was in the past contrasted to how it is represented now in the present. These stories and memories were the inspiration and basis into what would be the final 36x72” oil painting you see to the left. After the painting was completed, it was then presented to the community members who were represented in the piece. The painting was later scanned and digitally reproduced and installed onto the wall in Berglund Performing Arts Theatre.
-Our Parlors have been named after prominent figures in the community.
-Commission of the Gainsboro Mural
-Commemoration of Tank Town
-Tank Town Orignial Tree located on Berglund Center Grounds