Plays, musical and comedy acts, maybe some films — those were the sorts of the things City leaders thought about when they decided to lease the Auburn Avenue Theater in 2007.

But allowing the community in to watch Auburn boys compete in the Little League World Series, now that was more than anyone imagined.

The City of Auburn invites the public to watch the Auburn All Stars compete in their first-ever Little League World Series game at the Auburn Avenue Theater at 10 a.m. today. Admission is free.

Auburn Avenue Theater is located at 10 Auburn Avenue in downtown Auburn. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. The theater boasts a new projection system and a 7-by-12-foot screen to watch the game.

“Last week at our theater we added a projector that can show either films or TV,” said Daryl Faber, director of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation. “We wanted to show old film festivals and indie films in the coming year. But we couldn’t think of a better place to get the community together than to watch the kids play in the Little League World Series. The timing on the installation was perfect; the team won.

“The theater can hold 280 people, but we have no idea whether 280 or 28 will show up,” Faber added.

Faber said the Auburn Little League will sell concessions, limited edition commemorative T-shirts and provide donation boxes to help offset funds for the trip to the World Series. Auburn Little League is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to support Auburn kids,” said Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis. “I encourage everyone not only to watch the game, but help these families with the expenses associated with their travels.”

There are several ways that people can help the team members and their families:

• Make a donation at any Bank of America (mention Auburn Little League) or Sound Credit Union, located at 2326 Auburn Way N.

• Make a donation or purchase items at the Auburn Avenue Theater viewing party on Aug. 20

• Make a donation at BB McGraws Family Restaurant & Sports Bar; located at 440 – 16th St., Auburn (restaurant will open early on Aug. 20 to show the game on its 24-inch big screen TV and 45 other TVs as well as other games throughout the tournament)

• Make a donation at the Iron Horse Casino, located at 333 – 15th St. NE, Auburn (casino will be showing all games)

• Host your own viewing party and take donations for the families and drop off at any Bank of America or Sound Credit Union location.