Why Does the Coronado PAC in Rockford, Illinois Keep a ‘Ghost Light’ on?

Let's start here...what is a "Ghost Light?"

"A ghost light is an electric light that is left energized on the stage of a theater when the theater is unoccupied and would otherwise be completely dark." - Wiki

O.K. so when the lights are shut off in a theatre, it's technically the one light left on so no one gets hurt, and people can somewhat see what they are doing. But WHY a "ghost light?" Is there truth, is there folklore, is there reality, is there superstition?

Well the superstitious have various reasons for the ghost lightwhen it comes to the supernatural. A popular superstition holds that every theater has a ghost. I've been to enough theatres to know that this theory is true. Some theaters have traditions to appease ghosts, by keeping this light on.

I had a chance to hang inside the Coronado PAC with JUST the "Ghost Light" on a few years ago, as Chad Smith the stage manager sat in his office. Let me tell you, it's creepy.

When I asked Chad about the Coronado's reason behind the "Ghost light" he chuckled and said:

"It definitely keeps the ghosts happy."

Check please!

Chad is a legit dude, no funny business. For as long as I've known him he's always been a straight shooter, and just a hell of a guy...So for him to say that, hell I'm sold.

We have all hear the "ghost stories" at the Coronado from over the years. There have been 911 calls about activity in the elevator when no one should be there. Also, there is the story of the haunted piano upstairs in the green room, that will play by itself.

I love the Coronado PAC, but the ghost stuff is a little too real.