The time is near to say goodbye to Hancher Auditorium.

Hancher, the University of Iowa performance hall, was left ruined by heavy Iowa River flooding in the summer of 2008.

In order to give an official farewell, Hancher organizers are hosting a free outdoor performance by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on the Hancher Green on Sept. 4.

“I don’t want to say we’re ready to say goodbye, but we know that we need to,” said Robert Cline, the Hancher director of marketing and communications. “To get the community thinking about that new building and move that process forward.”

A newly constructed facility is expected to open in June 2016.

— by Nina Earnest