TAMIU LBV Planetarium Celebrates Reopening with Festivities, Ticket Giveaways
Immerse yourself in wonder and discovery as Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) proudly announced the reopening of the Lamar Bruni Vergara (LBV) Planetarium with festivities that took place Wednesday, March 18, 2026, outside the LBV Science Center.
The newly renovated space now boasts the Sonia and Memo Benavides Immersive Theater, located inside the LBV Planetarium. Event attendees were invited to learn more about the enhancements and upgrades made possible by the most recent donation from Mr. Memo and Sonia Benavides.
From powerful state-of-the-art projectors, improved lighting, and brand-new seating, the immersive theatre provides both a spectacular and comfortable educational experience for its visitors, emphasized Dr. Marcus Ynalvez, dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“The newly renovated style hopes to not only inspire curiosity but will also motivate students across the disciplines to develop a research-driven mindset,“ said Ynalvez.
As part of the festivities, event attendees toured the new space and took part in a ticket giveaway for future LBV Planetarium shows. Also, a scavenger hunt invited eventgoers to find special prizes hidden around the LBV Planetarium dome.
Individuals will be able to experience the newest LBV Planetarium technology during Discover TAMIU, the University’s annual Open House offering 100+ activities across campus. The family-friendly day of fun will include free LBV Planetarium showings on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information on the LBV Planetarium, visit http://go.tamiu.edu/planetarium, call the LBV Planetarium Office at 956.326.3128, or email planetarium@tamiu.edu. Follow the LBV Planetarium on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/txamiu.planetarium/ for the latest updates.
More of the University’s story is available across its social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. University news is also found on its dedicated NewsHub.
University faculty, staff and administration, alongside Mr. Memo Benavides, longtime TAMIU partner and Laredo philanthropist, stand for a group photo after the announcement of the University's LBV Planetarium reopening.
