There is a whole new addition on the back of the auditorium at Bluefield High School.

The Performing Arts Center will host student events, as well as community productions and concerts.

The facility has brand new lights, dressing rooms and air conditioning.

There are also storage areas and meeting places.

And now, performers do not have to sneak behind the curtain on stage to get to the other side. There are doors they can go out through and walk around.

All the upgrades cost about $2 million.

The facility will host performances by the high school band, choir and theater department. Community groups can also use the facility for their productions.

High School Band Director Mel Saunders says, now, the facility is truly a performing arts center, not just an auditorium.

"The arts are a different side of folks. It brings out the inner being in people and students and gives them as opportunity to express themselves" said Mel Saunders, Bluefield High School's band director.

But the upgrades to the Performing Arts Center do not stop with these new additions. Now, school administrators are looking into getting a new curtain for the stage.

For the grand opening, the Bluefield Performing Arts Center is scheduled to host Mountain Stage this weekend.

That show will include a bluegrass group, a country/blues duo a Western Soul Band and more.

Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 in advance.

The event is this Sunday at 7 p.m.