SACO and Fender Contribute Significant Technology to Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation

Cutting-edge Video Wall and Sound System Amplifiers Provide Additional Sophistication to Extensive Theatre Restoration

PALM SPRINGS, CA (September 30, 2025) The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced that it has received cutting-edge technology donations that will significantly elevate the stature of the newly restored theatre. SACO Technologies, the creative force behind the Sphere technology in Las Vegas, has donated a state-of-the-art video wall to be installed against the back wall of the stage. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, the leading manufacturer of guitars, basses, amps, accessories and digital experiences, has donated a range of high-end amplifiers (called a backline package), which will reduce equipment rental costs for future acts that book the theatre. Both donations now provide a higher sophistication level for the theatre when it markets the venue to future acts and distinguishes the Plaza Theatre over other small theaters and performing arts centers across the country.

“The incredible scope of these two important technology donations has significantly increased the ability of the Plaza Theatre to attract acts,” said J.R. Roberts, President of the Plaza Theatre Foundation. “This would not have been possible without the extraordinary skill of our hard-working Board member Brian Ray, who spent a great deal of time arranging these unprecedented donations. His work, and all of the work performed by our Board, has ensured that our massive restoration project has proceeded without delays and will allow the theater to reopen in early December.”

About the Video Wall

The SACO video wall measures 24.6’ wide x 13.12’ tall (7.5M x 4M). It consists of LED panels offering high definition/high resolution at 1920 x1080 with a 3:91mm pixel spacing. It features a machined cast aluminum frame with a durable epoxy face built for endurance and longevity and has a motorized truss to raise and lower the wall as needed, which will add an element of professionalism to any act utilizing the wall. The brand-new, highly durable motorized video wall will be hung just 4 inches from the back wall of the stage, leaving maximum room on the stage for artists.

“If you have been one of the millions who’ve marveled at the incredible technology on display at The Sphere in Las Vegas, then you have been able to experience the genius of Ron Proesel of SACO Technologies,” said Brian Ray, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation board member. “Ron and SACO have generously agreed to donate this bespoke video wall for permanent use at the theatre. This means the creative teams of performers can bring in a drive of their preferred video content, which will be controlled from the sound and light position at the back of the theater, to enhance the experience of the audience. I’m very grateful to my dear friend Ron Proesel for this unparalleled and incredibly generous donation.”

About the Backline Package

The state-of-the-art backline package Fender is donating to the Plaza Theatre includes an Acoustic Junior amplifier, a 1964 Deluxe Reverb amp, a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amp, a 1959 Tone Master Bassman amp, a Bass 800-amp head, an Acoustic 100 amp, two 4x10 Bass cabinets, and amplifier covers and speaker cables.

“When an act is looking to broaden their horizons into a new market, their first question is often about the tech package offered at the venue, which includes details about the audio equipment, if there is a video screen, and whether or not a backline is provided,” Ray continued. “Having this industry-standard backline package will be very useful and will be included in our tech package sent to managers and agents when we are attracting acts. Some acts do not fly their own amplifiers, and they will often ask the promoters to absorb the cost for rentals, cutting into their margins. Well, now we have a robust backline package to offer that solves that problem.”

About the Plaza Theatre

Located in the center of downtown Palm Springs and built in 1936, the Plaza Theatre was a vibrant home for film premieres and screenings, nationally broadcast radio programs, and other performances. In its later years, the theater was home to the long-running “The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.” It had fallen into disrepair and has been closed since 2014. The City of Palm Springs created a comprehensive restoration and rehabilitation program to restore the theatre. The restoration will provide essential infrastructure repairs, installation of new theatrical equipment, and structural improvements to ensure that the building meets current fire prevention and Americans with Disabilities Act mandates. When the restoration is complete, the Plaza Theatre will be poised to continue to provide the city and its visitors with top notch entertainment for years to come.

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation conducted a multi-year fundraising campaign to provide funds to fully restore the iconic theatre and adapt it to future needs. It is in the process of raising the remaining $6 million needed to finish the extensive restoration and update of the theatre, which will open in early December 2025. For those who wish to contribute to the restoration efforts, many exciting naming opportunities are available. To learn more about naming opportunities, contact J.R. Roberts at (760) 218-6330 or info@psplazatheatre.org. For more information and updates on the Plaza Theatre restoration project or to make a contribution, visit SaveThePlazaTheatrePS.org.

About SACO Technologies Inc.

SACO develops bespoke customized solutions helping visionaries achieve the impossible by redefining the limits of LED technology. Its interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers and LED technologists collaborate with their clients to ensure that SACO technology delivers the best media experience while enhancing the building architecture.

About Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

An American icon, Fender was founded in Southern California and has established a worldwide influence that extends from the studio to the stage—and beyond. Everyone from beginners to the world’s most acclaimed artists have used Fender instruments, amps and gear, making the company not only a revered industry leader but a cultural symbol that resonates globally. Nearly seven decades since founder Leo Fender built his first electric guitar, Fender’s reach transcends instruments and accessories, encompassing a range of innovative digital experiences that fuel musical expression and serve players at every stage–on every stage.