MOLINE, ILLINOIS (December 4, 2019) — GIT Improv and The Black Box Theatre of the Quad Cities are excited to announce a new partnership which sees the The Late Nite Shows — a popular line-up of original, uncensored comedy performances — make their long-awaited return at The Black Box Theatre, located at 1623 5th Avenue in downtown Moline, this Saturday.

After a long and exhaustive search ComedySportz Quad Cities has found a place to call home, and it's just around the corner from their previous home in Rock Island. ComedySportz has selected the former Rocket Theater located at 224 19th Street as their new location.

Rock Island City Council will vote August 23 on a proposed development agreement between the City and the owner of the former Rocket Theater, Renaissance Rock Island (DARI), to renovate the building. The development agreement commits the City to contribute up to $225,000 to DARI. Up to $200,000 of these funds would be used for building renovations. (City Council previously approved a $200,000 allocation of Downtown Tax Increment Finance Funds (TIF) for the property redevelopment.) $25,000 would be passed through to ComedySportz to use for the purchase of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and other items needed to support the business operation. City support is contingent upon DARI entering into a three year lease with ComedySportz.

Mayor Dennis Pauley stated, "Earlier this year the City Council proclaimed May 15 as ComedySportz Day in the City of Rock Island to commemorate their 20th anniversary. We are pleased with their decision to stay in Rock Island, and look forward to at least another twenty years of laughter with ComedySportz."

"We would like to thank not only all the venues that reached out to us as possible locations over the past two months," said ComedySportz Quad Cities Manager, Patrick Adamson, "but also all of our loyal fans who continue to come out and show their support as we set out on our Fundraising Tour." Mr. Adamson said the appeal of returning home to The District was always there and "that DARI had gone out of their way to not only help us find a new location, but also let us know just how missed we are in the community. We cannot thank DARI and the City of Rock Island enough."

"We're excited to keep ComedySportz in Rock Island, and equally excited that a great venue like the Rocket Theater will have new life," commented Zack Wenthe, Downtown Manager for Renaissance Rock Island.

If the agreement is approved, it is the intent to begin the construction immediately for occupancy by ComedySportz in November 2010.

ComedySportz Quad Cities, Inc., will launch regular matches on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. starting in November, and also have plans to expand out with other entertainment offerings in 2011 - including late night and offweekend performances. They are very interested in working with other businesses, charities, and organizations in the community to host events and offer our space up for rental as needed.

ComedySportz Quad Cities has been a mainstay in The District for just over two decades and celebrated their 20th anniversary this summer. They are the longest running show in the Quad Cities and have won four World Comedy League championships. Along with our touring company, Guys In Ties Improv Comedy (GuysInTies.net), ComedySportz Quad Cities, Inc., has also been entertaining audiences nationwide including being a part of the Traverse City
Comedy Festival in Michigan.

The former Rocket Theater has had an extensive history, opening in the 1940's as a single-screen movie house. It was transformed into a discount theater in the 1970's and closed in the late 1980's. A nightclub later opened at the site, but it too closed. DARI purchased the building in 2003. In Spring 2005, the theater was renamed the Brew and View II at the Rocket Cinema, where it featured movies and live music until March 2006. The building has been vacant since 2006.

For more information, visit www.ComedySportzQC.com, e-mail info@comedysportzqc.com, and follow ComedySportz online at both Twitter (CSzQC) and Facebook.