Inside look at Ravinia's redesigned Hunter Pavilion

HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- For 120 years, Ravinia has been a destination for live performances. This weekend, the Highland Park venue will debut a newly renovated pavilion following a $70 million transformation.

The Hunter Pavilion has reopened with a new stage, seating and lighting as part of the extensive project. Ravinia officials said the renovation was designed to preserve the venue's history while modernizing the audience experience.

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"Ravinia is iconic, and we're so proud that we were able to capture the history of Ravinia while also updating it. Everybody worked so well together... just like an orchestra. We all created this symphony together," Ravinia CEO Jeff Haydon said.

Among the changes are wider seats with additional legroom and cushioning. The pavilion also has fewer seats, a move intended to improve sightlines for audience members.

The stage was redesigned to accommodate a variety of performances.

"When Paul Simon comes next week, all of this flips up into the loft, the black curtain goes in, and you've got a beautiful big stage that everybody can enjoy a great rock show," Haydon said.

The venue also received a complete sound system overhaul. Ravinia officials said the acoustics have been improved for both performers and audiences, and design elements incorporated patterns inspired by the stained glass of the historic Martin Theatre nearby.

Outside the pavilion, visitors will find expanded dining and retail options, including burgers, tacos, sushi, ice cream, grab-and-go offerings, an upstairs restaurant and cocktail bar, and a gift shop.

"One of my favorite things is this thermos. These are magnetic cups on each side... and this will hold a whole bottle of wine," Martin Oliver said.

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The renovation coincides with Ravinia's ongoing Reach Teach Play program, which provides music education opportunities for young people across Chicago.

"These programs range from guest artists in the classroom, to residencies with Chicago Public Schools, to instrument training - kids receiving instruments, learning to play, and playing together," said Alex.

One student involved in those efforts is 17-year-old flutist Kaylee Johnson, who is set to perform with Lizzo during Ravinia's grand opening night celebration.

"I'm very excited and very honored to be getting the opportunity," Johnson said. Asked whether she was nervous, she replied: "Maybe a little."

Johnson, 17, is from the city's Austin neighborhood and is an alumna of Ravinia's Reach Teach Play Program.

The renovated pavilion opens this weekend with performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ravinia will host more than 90 shows during the summer season, and ticket holders can ride Metra trains to the venue at no additional cost.