Second Street Live! to become The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown

The downtown Fort Smith entertainment venue that began as Second Street Live! is now to be know as The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown.

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith officials acquired the property in early 2012. At the time, UAFS officials said the building would allow the university to expand its arts programs.

The facility, located at 101 N. Second St., opened in early 2010 at a cost of more than $2 million. Renovations to the building began in November 2009. The building, first constructed in 1890, has roughly 20,000 square feet divided evenly among the first floor and a basement.

A decision on the new name came after UAFS Chancellor Paul B. Beran decided to go with an amalgam of ideas generated in a naming contest.
 
“The Blue Lion at UAFS Downtown has already been the site for numerous concerts, exhibits, meetings and workshops and it will continue to be a good choice for University- and community-sponsored events,” Beran said in a statement. “Having this venue in the downtown area is important to us and to the region. Deciding on a new name took some time, but we believe the new name will establish the identity we want.”