The public can get a close look of the region’s new entertainment venue – the ShoWare Center – on Friday.

The grand opening celebration will begin at 4 p.m. at the center, 625 W James St.

Doors will open to the public at 3:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

Hosts Bill Wixey from Q13 FOX and Ian Furness from Sports Radio 950 KJR will be on hand to headline the community celebration.

Kent’s own renowned jazz artist, Darren Motamedy, will entertain. Also scheduled to perform are the cast of the joint production of “Fame” by Kentridge and Kent-Meridian High Schools, Dance Teams from Kentwood, Kentlake and Kentridge and an interactive show for kids presented by Radio Disney.

On the eve of their first game at ShoWare Center, members of the Seattle Thunderbirds will be available for photos and autographs. Several of the players will coach youth hockey demonstrations from Kent Valley Hockey Association. The Buckets Blakes from the Harlem Globetrotters also will showcase their ball-handling skills.

The Buckets’ team will make their first visit to ShoWare Center on Feb. 18.

Guests will be encouraged to tour through the “behind-the-scenes” areas within the ShoWare Center, including the team locker room and the “Zamboni” garage.

About ShoWare Center

As one of the nation’s first LEED® Silver arena, the ShoWare Center is the home of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, as well as concerts, family shows, corporate events, tradeshows and other sporting events. Located about 17 miles from Seattle, Bellevue and Tacoma, ShoWare Center offers guests more than 2,000 complimentary parking spots within close walking distance. ShoWare Center is the crown jewel in a well-designed gathering place for the residents of the Puget Sound region.

For more information, visit www.ShoWareCenter.com.