H-E-B Announces Partnership with the Long Center, Sponsoring their 3D-Printed Outdoor Stage, Recycling Efforts and Access to the Arts
No store does more! H-E-B is announcing a partnership with local nonprofit the Long Center for the Performing Arts to become the title sponsor of their 3D-printed outdoor stage and recycling program. This is in line with H‑E‑B’s long-term efforts to support the communities it exists within. Together, H‑E‑B and the Long Center are making the arts more accessible for Austinites and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
The Long Center’s 3D-printed performance pavilion, originally unveiled during SXSW 2023, is located on the venue’s Hartman Lawn directly across Riverside Drive from Auditorium Shores. The cosmic-inspired amphitheater is the first of its kind in the world and is now crowned with a 10-foot-long, illuminated H-E-B sign. The newly-minted H-E-B Stage was unveiled last night in front of thousands at the kick-off of the Long Center’s free summer concert series, The Drop-In, which in its fifth year has become one of Austin’s most beloved summer traditions.
“Our collaboration with the Long Center enables many events to be offered at low or no cost to attendees, making high-quality cultural performances and programs available to a diverse audience,” said Rob Pennington, H-E-B’s Sr. Director of Marketing. “It is an honor for us to play a small role in something that brings joy and excitement to Austinites, and we look forward to continuing our support for many years to come.”
Accessibility to the arts is a shared value of H-E-B and the Long Center. This partnership helps support multiple community programs, including The Drop In – which runs every Thursday all summer long and is open to all ages and dogs (free ticket RSVPs open every Monday at 10 a.m. at LongCenter.org).
“As we set our sights on the future of Austin and the future of the Long Center, we are proud to announce this renewed and expanded partnership with an iconic Texas brand, H-E-B – a company that shares our commitment to supporting Texas communities and enriching lives through access to the arts, education, and local culture,” said Cory Baker, President & CEO of the Long Center. “H-E-B has long been a champion of initiatives that bring people together, and their support helps ensure the Long Center remains a vibrant, welcoming space for all Austinites.”
In addition to stage naming rights, H-E-B will also now be title sponsor for all Long Center recycling efforts, continuing the building’s sustainable origins and elevating the venue’s efforts in becoming a more green organization. Originally opened in 2008, the Long Center was created using an impressive 95% recycled materials from the pre-existing Palmer Municipal Auditorium, granting it LEED Gold certification at the time of its opening. The partnership allows for additional recycling bins to be placed throughout the Long Center, now branded with H-E-B to reflect their support, creating more accessibility for audiences to take part in the venue’s green initiatives. In addition to the recycling efforts, H-E-B has made a commitment to partner with the Long Center on future sustainability initiatives. In short, H-E-B and the Long Center are working together to celebrate the arts, unite the community, and protect the planet.
“H-E-B is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations, such as the Long Center, with the mission to expand educational programs and provide equal access to the arts through programs like Long Reach for the Arts, which provides K-12 students in AISD and other Central Texas school districts with unique arts experiences and events such as The Drop-In, Teresa Lozano Long Community Day, Santa on the Terrace, and BubblePalooza,” said Heidi Anderson, H-E-B’s Sr. Director of Public Affairs.
Austinites can further support the Long Center’s efforts by becoming a Long Center Member. For more information about these events, visit thelongcenter.org.
ABOUT H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 435 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 160,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.
ABOUT THE LONG CENTER
Uniquely facing the city skyline, the Long Center is an iconic cultural hub and community gathering place – a reflection of Austin’s eclectic and creative soul. Built in 2008 and with a local history that spans many more generations, the Long Center is dedicated to fueling community through creativity, elevating Austin’s creative sector, and connecting communities near and far through creative discovery. For more information about the Long Center, please visit thelongcenter.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
All photos by Brynn Osborn @ The Drop-In featuring Brownout
