First time DPAC visitor is 3 millionth guest

Erin Andrews, a Durham native who now lives in Burlington, was the 3 millionth guest and received a $1,000 gift certificate to DPAC's 2016/2017 season.

Posted 12:00 p.m. Aug 16, 2016 — Updated 2:27 a.m. Aug 17, 2016

DURHAM, N.C. — Tuesday's opening night of Newsies at Durham Performing Arts Center was historic for the venue as DPAC saw its 3 millionth person enter its doors.

The venue has been open since 2008 and has hosted everything from Broadway blockbusters and top comedians to legendary concerts. For the past six years, DPAC has ranked among the top five most attended theaters in the country.

Erin Andrews, a Durham native who now lives in Burlington, was the 3 millionth guest and received a $1,000 gift certificate to DPAC's 2016/2017 season, which features Broadway shows, concerts and comedians. She also had the opportunity to go backstage after the show and meet the Newsies cast.

Tuesday was Andrews' first time visiting the DPAC.

"When DPAC was first envisioned, no one would have believed that it would become the center for live entertainment in North Carolina. My thanks to the fans of the Broadway, concert, comedy and special events we host that have been so supportive of everything we do. One-of-a-kind, live entertainment events plus a focus on the guest are why every year, DPAC is always in the top five theaters in the U.S.," DPAC general manager Bob Klaus said in a statement.

Newsies will continue its run through Sunday at DPAC. Based on true events, the show tells the story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York.