UTICA - As many know, the Stanley Theater is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation project.

We've seen the marquee dismantled and the lights go down, but today, something was added to the Genesee Street theater.

The open space present now is where the stage house of the new theater will stand. Today, history was in the making as the concrete was poured for the world stage.

Close to 80 construction workered gathered behind the historic theater to pour 310 yards of concrete; enough to cover an entire football field, four inches deep.

The stage itself is 56 x 120 feet; 2-3 times bigger than the old stage.

"It means that kind of show and that level of show can come in here at any time any show that's touring out there can come in here and we stay viable in the market place and can participate," said Ron Thiele, Executive Director of the Central New York Community Arts Council "And bring great entertainment here."

Stanley officials have been planning the project since 1999, breaking ground in July 2006. It's been a race to the finish ever since.

On Tuesday, the concrete will be dry and the forms will be removed.

Construction crews are working under a deadline, as the entire area has to be closed in by the end of the year, because "The Producers" will test the new stage at the end of January.