Gosh, how long ago did we report the closing of the Coca-Cola plant in Opelika followed months later of the plans to turn it into a downtown destination for weddings, trade shows and other events needing room, parking, and all the facilities to make an event happen! I attended a special preview on Thursday Night of the new “Event Center Downtown” (aka Opleika’s Old Coke Plant) and all I can say is Wow! By the way, that’s James Fukai (left) Laural and I guess you know who the grey haired guy needing the shave is. James is having a wedding at the event center in a few weeks, and his lovely wife to be is to his left and just outside the picture. I had hoped this would just be me and a pretty girl, but no, some crazy friend jumps in.
With a friends wedding just weeks away, and planned for the event center, I was really excited to see all that has been accomplished. Inside a large room with a band, easy access rest rooms and handicapped access throughout. Just a few steps up from the main room (or up the ramp) a full service bar, plenty big enough for the largest event. Another few rooms for food serving or whatever, and more rest rooms. Then outside, to a wall with fountain. Tonight, a giant screen was setup, with a live view of the band inside. Pretty Sweet.
The Official Ribbon Cutting is Friday Afternoon at 4PM. Drop by and check it out. Chris and Lisa Beck have done what they promised in delivering a first class event center to downtown Opelika. Watch for big things in coming months!
From the Archives — originally published on the Opelika Daily News on April 15, 2010. View the original page.
