OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City Mayor and Council will be joined by members of the Maryland Stadium Authority and state officials on Jan. 17, 2015, to celebrate the official opening of the new Performing Arts Center.

The grand opening will celebrate the accomplishment of the brand new 1,200-seat, two-tiered auditorium. The celebration will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and performances by the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Julien Benichou and featuring Israel Lozano. The OC Stars will also take the stage for a very special appearance.

“This event marks a monumental moment in our community’s history,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “The Performing Arts Center is a focal point for entertainment in Ocean City. It represents a lot of hard work, a strong partnership between Ocean City and the State of Maryland, big dreams and a very bright future for our community. It is a beautiful venue and I am confident that citizens will walk away with a very different experience, a more personal experience, than they will at many other venues in our surrounding area.”

Ticket prices for the grand opening celebration range from $25-$45 and are currently on sale through TicketMaster at www.ticketmaster.com or the convention center box office. In addition to the performance, tickets include complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A cash bar will be available and black tie is optional. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled at 7:15 and the concert to follow.