Iroquois Amphitheater to host showing of “Ali”
And 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville is showing a video tribute all week
LOUISVILLE (June 7, 2016) – Mayor Greg Fischer is inviting citizens to a free showing of the 2001 film “Ali,” starring Will Smith, at the Iroquois Amphitheater on Thursday evening, June 9.
Released in 2001, “Ali” is a dramatized telling of Muhammad Ali’s early boxing career to his rise to world champion, his conversion to Islam and his refusal to the draft. The film earned two Academy Award nominations. (Note: the movie is rated R).
Smith, the film’s star, is among the pallbearers for Muhammad Ali’s funeral on Friday.
“Ever since we learned of The Champ’s passing, this community has been consumed with all things Ali,” the Mayor said. “We’ve seen televised and printed tributes, remembrances on social media, and we’ve shared our own stories. And still, we cannot get enough. So we thought the public might enjoy coming together to watch this film, which illustrates so much of his early career.”
The amphitheater gates will open at 7 p.m., and the show will start at 8:30 p.m.
Metro Councilwoman Marianne Butler, whose 15th District includes the amphitheater, said she is pleased to host a Muhammad Ali tribute in south Louisville.
“The passing of Muhammad Ali has caused sadness throughout Louisville and the world, and District 15 feels it, too,” Butler said. “We welcome all those who wish to remember the great deeds and struggles of a Louisville native who was beloved by so many.”
The Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, is a state-of-the-art, handicapped-accessible theater with seating for 2,348 that hosts a variety of performing arts and cultural programs located in Iroquois Park. Constructed in 1938, the facility has been a source of pride for south Louisville for decades. It was renovated and modernized after its 2000 performance season.
Also this week, 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville is showing tribute videos to Muhammad Ali, and has provided seating for visitors who want to settle in and view the videos on the large screen.
Ali died June 3 at age 74. He will be buried in a private ceremony Friday at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville. Public events, such as the I Am Louisville Festival for youth, and a public memorial service, will be held throughout the week to remember him. More information on those events and other ways to remember Ali can be found at alilouisville.com.
