Officials from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion opened the new Woodforest Bank Club Aug. 8. The nearly 15,000-square-foot facility is reserved for the pavilion’s season ticket and box seat holders during the venue’s concert and performing arts season.

Late last year, the pavilion’s board of directors unanimously approved the major construction project to replace the original facility. The new building, which is now open for the rest of the current season, features two floors of expansive seating, three new bars, a catering kitchen and expanded restrooms.

“We are truly excited to have the opportunity to offer this beautiful amenity to our season ticket and box seat holders,” said Jerry MacDonald, CWMP president and CEO, in a statement. “This development represents a pivotal moment in the pavilion’s history as it was one of six projects completed during Phase 2 construction, a comprehensive venture which is valued at $11 million. The fact that we are debt free after the building of this beautiful facility is an incredible feat of which we are very proud.”

An outdoor patio area upstairs offers a 260-degree view of the North Plaza with the pavilion’s peaks and hill as the backdrop. It also serves as a listening deck.

All proceeds from the cash bar at the grand opening benefitted the pavilion’s fine arts scholarship program. During the event, guests toured the new facility, which offers a unique snapshot of the pavilion’s history. A memorabilia wall showcases photographs, signed guitars and concert posters of various artists who have performed on the pavilion’s main stage since its inception in 1990. The pavilion’s resident photographer Ted Washington captured all photos.

The Woodforest Bank Club is a year-round facility, so use is not limited to the pavilion’s season. Even though the club is not available for rental during pavilion performances, it is available for group meetings or private functions every other day of the year, based on availability.