Local arts organizations and attractions have announced they are offering free admission for workers affected by the government shutdown. Furloughed government workers can get free tickets at the following locations.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is offering free tickets to Wednesday night's show for local first responders, furloughed government employees and active duty military personnel. They are playing the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. Just show your work ID at the box office between now and the 8 p.m. showtime and they will give you a pair of tickets (while supplies last), according to an email from the band.
Improv Chattanooga, 1800 Rossville Ave., Suite 118
"One of the best ways to deal with adversity is to laugh," says Steven Disbrow, Improv Chattanooga co-founder and producing director. "And it certainly helps to be able to go on a date night once in a while, too."
Disbrow says free admission to Improv Chattanooga's comedy shows is also extended to spouses and significant others.
The improv troupe performs four shows each week, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 10 p.m.
» What to bring: To take advantage of the free admission, patrons need to bring either their government ID, or their pay stub showing a $0.00 pay amount.
» For more information: 423-843-1775 or email info@improvchattanooga.com.
Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Creative Discovery Museum is allowing federal employees affected by the shutdown and their immediate families (up to four people) free entrance throughout the duration of the shutdown.
"Creative Discovery Museum is committed to being accessible to all children and families," said Henry Schulson, executive director. "When situations arise that are difficult for families in our community, we do what we can to support them during that time."
» What to bring: Visitors must show a federal employee ID to qualify.
» For more information: www.cdmfun.org.
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, CSO box office in the Tivoli Center, 701 Broad St.
The CSO offered two complimentary tickets to its first concert of 2019, and is extending the offer for two free tickets to federal workers for its chamber concert, "Mozart & Strauss," on Sunday, Jan. 27.
» What to bring: Federal employees must provide a valid federal employee ID and pick up their tickets in person at the CSO box office located in the Tivoli Center. Complimentary tickets will be available while supplies last.
» For more information: 423-267-8583.
Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St.
The CTC is offering free admission to furloughed federal workers and their families for its upcoming Youth Theatre production of "Once On This Island, Jr.," which runs Feb. 2-10.
» What to bring: Federal employees must present any form of federal employee ID at the Will Call booth. Make reservations by calling the box office at 423-267-8534.
» For more information: 423-267-8538.
Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.
Studies have shown that aquarium-watching helps reduce stress and anxiety and increases feelings of relaxation. What better way to accomplish that than with a family outing to the Tennessee Aquarium?
The aquarium is offering four free Aquarium passes to government workers during the shutdown.
"We hope this helps provide a much-deserved break for families during this stressful time," says Thom Benson, Aquarium spokesman.
» What to bring: Employee's government ID.
» For more information: www.tnaqua.org
Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View.
The Hunter Museum will offer free admission to furloughed federal workers "for the duration of the shutdown," says Cara McGowan, director of marketing and communications. The offer includes the federal employee plus one adult guest (youth 17 and younger always get in free).
» What to bring: Visitors must show a federal employee/government ID.
» For more information: 423-267-0968, www.huntermuseum.org.
- Compiled by staff writer Susan Pierce.