Santa Barbara Bowl Dedicates The Scranton Overlook
DATE
THE NEWS!
10/29/2012
On October 25, 2012, the newly completed Overlook at the Santa
Barbara Bowl was dedicated as The Scranton Overlook, a gift of an anonymous major donor in honor
of founding and retired Executive Director Sam Scranton for his vision and leadership that transformed
the Bowl into a state-of-the-art facility and community treasure. At the same event, the Santa Barbara
Bowl Foundation Board of Directors announced an increased commitment to endowment fundraising
for Facility Maintenance and Education Outreach and celebrate the completion of the $38 million capital
phase of the American Classic Capital and Endowment Campaign.
Scranton, who served as General Manager, a Founding Board Member and Executive Director
throughout his 30-year run, is largely credited for his tenacity and commitment to transform the historic
amphitheater from disrepair to a world-class venue. During his tenure, Scranton oversaw the creation
of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation; led the Foundation as it took over control of the venue in 1994;
formed the production/booking partnership with Nederlander to bring in first-tier talent; and assisted
with the development of the Facility Master Plan. That blueprint for the Bowl’s restoration and
renovation defined the parameters of the multi-phased, multi-million dollar capital campaign that has
resulted in the Bowl becoming one of the most desirable outdoor venues in the world to perform for
world-class artists.
“For decades, Sam’s name was synonymous with the Bowl. The combination of his sense of humor and
no-nonsense demeanor, essentials in this very tough business, put the Foundation on a very solid
trajectory,” said Board President Paul Dore. “Some of us literally grew up with him, especially Rick
Boller, his long-time protégé and successor. It is wonderfully appropriate that Sam be permanently
recognized in this visible and substantive fashion. We are all grateful to the anonymous donor who made
this possible.”
