Built in 1927 as a movie palace and vaudeville hall, the fanciful Coronado Theatre's design incorporates gilded Spanish castles, Italian villas, Chinese dragons in relief and a faux starry sky. Today the opulent theater plays host to live concerts, national touring shows and performances by the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Construction of the Coronado Theatre begins. The Rockford Enterprises Group, headed by Willard Van Matre, commissioned Peoria architect Frederic Klein to design the movie palace, which was proclaimed in local papers to be "the largest auditorium in the city."
The name "Coronado" was chosen through a contest sponsored by the Rockford Register Gazette and Great States Theaters. Other finalists included Normaine, Madrid, Avalon, Valencia, Seville, Black Hawk, Paradise, Cortez and Aaragon.
The Coronado Theatre's grand opening. On its first day of operation, the Coronado hosted 9,000 patrons during three showings of "Swim Girl Swim," a silent film starring Bebe Daniels.

Events:

This Fall we begin a new chapter in the Coronado’s illustrious history. We are excited to share with you our inaugural “Coronado Presents…” season of greatartists and entertainment. Arlo Guthrie, HalHolbrook in Mark Twain Tonight!, a sparkling Kathy Mattea Christmas show, and Rain – The BeatlesExperience are just a few of the performances that will grace the Coronado stage in the coming year.
The 07-08 Coronado season has something for everyone – family and children’s shows, gospel and Irishmusic, as well as a touch of comedy. In addition, you can once again enjoy another fine season of Broadwayat the Coronado, including Evita, Annie, CHICAGO, Mannheim Steamroller, and Gypsy.
Tickets are on sale now for all shows in the Coronado Presents series, Broadway at the Coronado's Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, as well as our resident organizations. To purchase tickets for all events at the Coronado or for more information, please see the event calendar found on our website, stop by the box office or call 815-968-0595.
As a resource for the entire community, the Coronado is also proud to host many resident organizations and area programs, including: The Rockford Symphony Orchestra, The Rockford Coronado Concert Association, The Rockford Dance Company, the Music Academy of Rockford College, the All-City Musical, Senior Follies and many others.
In an effort to serve all of our patrons, the Coronado is fully handicapped accessible, and wheelchairs and hearing-assistance devices are available upon request.

General Contact Information

Street Address:
Coronado Performing Arts Center
314 N. Main St.
Rockford, IL 61101-0476
Mailing Address:
P.O Box 1976
Rockford, IL 61110-0476

phone number: 815-968-CPAC(2722)
fax number: 815-968-1318

For details information: Coronado Theatre