Significant Gift from GMA/FirstPoint Foundation for New High-Definition Screen at LeBauer Park and Tanger Center

APRIL 14, 2026 -- Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. (GDPI) and the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts today announced that the Guilford Merchants Association has verbally committed a $250,000 leadership gift to support the installation of The GMA Screen, a high-definition LED screen and sound system that will serve both LeBauer Park and the Tanger Center.

The commitment, combined with a $185,000 challenge gift from Dr. Samuel LeBauer, will allow the project to move forward with the purchase and installation of the screen and sound system in 2026.

The new technology will create expanded opportunities for public programming in downtown Greensboro, including community events, movies in the park, sporting events, and enhanced performance experiences.

“This investment represents a powerful collaboration between the arts, public spaces, and the business community,” said Jack Garvey, Jr., Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of GDPI. “The GMA Screen will bring people together in new ways while supporting the vitality of downtown Greensboro.”

The GMA Screen will rotate seasonally between the two venues to maximize community impact. From April through September, the screen will be installed at the Price Bryan Performance Pavilion in LeBauer Park, where it will support outdoor movies, watch parties, and other public programming. From October through March, it will be installed at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts to enhance performances and special events.

“Since opening the Tanger Center, we have seen growing demand from touring artists and productions for a dedicated LED screen to support certain performances,” said Scott Johnson, General Manager of the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. “This investment will elevate the production value of shows at Tanger Center while also creating new community experiences in LeBauer Park.”

The LED screen will measure approximately 26.5 feet by 14.75 feet and will be supported by a permanent sound system installed in LeBauer Park.

Installation is expected to begin in spring 2026, with a public debut targeted for summer programming in LeBauer Park.

The project is a partnership between Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc., the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, with the Guilford Merchants Association serving as the Title Sponsor.

About Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. | Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that champions downtown Greensboro’s public spaces. GDPI raises vital philanthropic and community support to operate, maintain, and program Center City Park and LeBauer Park, while also helping build support for Friends of the Downtown Greenway. Through these efforts, GDPI creates welcoming places for the whole community to gather, play, and connect.

About the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts | The Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is a premier performing arts venue located in downtown Greensboro. The facility hosts Broadway productions, concerts, comedy performances, and community events, serving as a major cultural and economic driver for the region.