CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

THE FUTURE TAKES FORM: GROUND BROKEN FOR L. RON HUBBARD HALL—A LANDMARK UNLIKE ANY OTHER

AUGUST 1, 2026

Thousands gather in Clearwater for historic ceremony marking the next chapter in the Scientology religion’s worldwide mission.

Beneath a sky illuminated by spectacular fireworks, more than 7,000 Scientologists and guests gathered Saturday evening for the groundbreaking of L. Ron Hubbard Hall, celebrating a landmark moment in the continuing evolution of the Scientology religion’s spiritual headquarters in Clearwater.

Scientologists from 72 nations joined the historic ceremony, reflecting the international significance of the milestone. Together they marked the beginning of a project that will serve generations to come.

Presiding over the evening was Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion, who spoke of the significance of the ground upon which the Hall will rise.

“There are moments in history when a single location transcends the ordinary—when it ceases to be merely a point upon a map and instead becomes a point of reference for all that follows.

“Tonight is such a moment.

“Because what begins upon this ground will not remain upon this ground. Its influence will extend across continents, across cultures, across generations—until its reach encompasses every corner of our worldwide religion.”

Named in honor of Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Hall will serve as the home of the Church’s International Events—simultaneously broadcast to Scientologists around the world. Designed specifically for those global broadcasts, every aspect of the venue has been engineered to support events of exceptional scale, precision and production quality.

The evening also revealed the remarkable scope of the Hall itself.

Spanning more than 286,000 square feet across an entire city block, L. Ron Hubbard Hall combines timeless neoclassical architecture with advanced engineering to create one of the world’s most sophisticated multipurpose venues. Visitors arrive through a welcoming plaza before entering a soaring four-story Grand Lobby that opens into an auditorium unlike any other on Earth.

Designed to adapt seamlessly to the needs of each event, the Hall transforms from a 3,500-seat auditorium into an elegant banquet venue accommodating approximately 1,500 guests. Immersive acoustics, advanced theatrical lighting, state-of-the-art broadcast systems and transformable staging enable the Hall to become whatever the occasion requires.

As Mr. Miscavige explained:

“Its purpose is capability.

“It was designed to become whatever the moment requires.”

One day it may host an International Event simultaneously broadcast around the globe. The next, it may become the setting for a convention, banquet, educational seminar, briefing or celebration.

But the Hall has been designed for more than the Church’s own International Events.

For decades, the Fort Harrison Religious Retreat has quietly welcomed the Clearwater community through hundreds of events each year, including charitable fundraisers, educational programs, interfaith gatherings, civic meetings and cultural celebrations. L. Ron Hubbard Hall expands that longstanding tradition by providing a purpose-built venue for nonprofit events, cultural performances, school graduations, student recitals, educational conferences, community banquets and civic celebrations.

The ceremony also recognized the worldwide commitment that brought the project into being.

Scientologists from 96 nations contributed to the realization of LRH Hall, representing more than 10,000 individual contributors whose support made the project possible. More than 100 Legion of Honor members stepped forward with commemorative golden shovels as Mr. Miscavige led the ceremonial turning of the first earth, marking the beginning of the project’s next phase.

As the evening drew to its close, Mr. Miscavige returned to the man whose vision inspired the Hall and from whom it takes its name.

“None of this began with buildings.

“None of it began with organization.

“None of it began with strategy.

“It began with one man.

“One man who looked upon this world not as it was, but as it could become.

“One man who dedicated his life to discovering the road to greater freedom.

“And then, having found that road, devoted everything he possessed to making certain others could walk it.”

That, Mr. Miscavige said, is why the Hall bears his name—not simply to honor his memory, but because every purpose it will serve, every advance it will help bring about and every future generation inspired will stand as a continuation of the work he began.

He concluded:

“Every strategy announced from this stage exists for but one purpose: the broader application of L. Ron Hubbard’s Technology.

“And therefore, the voice emanating from this stage will always be the voice of L. Ron Hubbard.”