What: Signing and placement of the last steel beam on the new $53.5 million Center for the Arts in a traditional "topping out" ceremony celebrating the completion of the new building's frame and announcement of the largest single gift from an individual benefiting a Sacramento-region arts organization. Who: UC Davis Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef; the new donor as well as other top Center for the Arts campaign volunteers and donors; Yolo County Supervisor Tom Stallard; McCarthy Building Cos. CEO Michael Bolan and David Parkes, president of the McCarthy Northern California Division When: Tuesday, March 27 11:30 a.m.: Barbecue (the press is invited) 12:30 p.m.: Introductory remarks; gift announcement 1 p.m.: Beam-signing; beam hoisted into place from crane 1:15 p.m.: Interviews available with donor, other dignitaries Where: Top floor of the UC Davis South Entry Parking Structure, south of the Center for the Arts construction site on the UC Davis campus Visuals: A construction crane will hoist into place a steel beam after dignitaries sign their names. The beam will be decorated with an American flag, evergreen tree and scroll containing the signatures of arts center supporters. UC Davis will provide Beta deck video footage from the top of the structure that can be dubbed on site. In addition, the donor and speakers will be available for interviews immediately after the ceremony. Background: McCarthy Building Cos. is constructing for UC Davis a performing arts center that includes a 1,800-seat main hall and 250-seat studio theater. The regional arts facility will have the latest stage production technology and acoustical design by one of the country's foremost sound experts. The campus is financing the $60.9 million project through a combination of campus funds, a UC regents' loan and a $30 million capital fund-raising campaign. Costs include $53.5 million for construction, $5 million for an initial operating endowment and $2.4 million for start-up expenses. Plans call for the facility, which will be available for productions by campus and regional arts groups as well as the professional artists booked through UC Davis Presents, to open in October 2002. Directions: Take Interstate 80 to the UC Davis campus exit (west of Richard Boulevard exit). Turn north from off-ramp on to Old Davis Road. Drive past South Gate kiosk, heading straight to new parking facility. Ceremony will be on the top floor of the garage. Media can park free on campus in any nonreserved space. If your vehicle is not marked, place a media business card on the dashboard.