Worcester’s Inside Guide: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Woo!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Susan Wagner GoLocalWorcester Contributor

After seeing a Worcester State College student’s delight at discovering the many benefits of his WOO Card, I knew the program had to be the feature of the March Inside Guide, just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style. So, welcome to the world of WOO!

Because it is only 40 miles west of Boston, Worcester is often overlooked as a destination. The area remains a hidden gem with 13 area colleges and universities, a thriving art & entertainment scene, and a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages. Choose from petting zoos, planetariums, historic homes, green spaces, world-class art, film and stage theaters, musical events, jousting knights, a Russian icons and so much more. Many attractions have now partnered with the WOO Card to offer discounts and special packages.

Initiated in 2007 as a means of “engaging Worcester’s large collegiate base with its wealth of cultural destinations,” the WOO Card program has since grown to include a card for the general public as well as an exclusive program for Worcester area college students. The program is overseen by the Worcester Cultural Commission, there are now over 10,000 registered WOO Card subscribers.

With an open door to Worcester County’s vibrant cultural community, subscribers can now WOO at area art and cultural destinations by enjoying discounts and special offers at a variety of exciting concerts, theaters, one-of-a-kind museums, street festivals, and more year round. Simply swipe your WOO card at participating city hot spots to get discounts on everything including theater, restaurants, galleries, concert tickets, music instruction, live entertainment, sporting events, two-for-one museum admissions, and even hotel room upgrades.

Wow WOO Packages are one of the many subscriber benefits and offer cultural experiences that are kind to your pocketbook. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for only $69.00 per person with a “Luck of the Irish” dinner package that includes a performance by Saw Doctors or Celtic Crossroads at the Hanover Theatre and a $50.00 dinner card to be enjoyed at the Celtic Tavern. Subscribers also receive ongoing email notification of discounts and events and can use their WOO card to earn points to be eligible for monthly drawings of great prizes.

Want to WOO but not sure where? The extensive Where to WOO calendar provides almost daily activities at an array of venues. An extensive “Where Will You WOO?” map is available online and a copy can be emailed upon request. Log on to worcestermass.org for a full WOO listing.

College WOO Cards are available FREE to students online and at participating Colleges of Worcester Consortium campuses. Woo Cards cost the general public $20 and are easy to purchase online. Cards can also be ordered at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Box Office, DCU Center Box Office, Worcester City Clerk's Office at Worcester City Hall, Worcester Public Library Main Branch at Salem Square, and LeLimo at 224B Cherry Street, Shrewsbury. For more information, contact [email protected].

Insider Tips:

Save 25% off the purchase of a WOO Card during the month of March!

Use the coupon code “MARCH” to save $5 off the online purchase of a WOO Card. Discount applicable to online purchases only. Buy a WOO Card now.

The registered WOO cardholder who refers the most friends to make a WOO Card purchase online between now and March 31, 2012, will win a Celtic Tavern gift card! Simply have anyone you refer enter your name in the '”how did you hear about us” field at time of checkout.

Susan D. Wagner is a Worcester resident and president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity. She is also Managing Partner for The Boston Ad Agency and Director of Corporate Communications for Boston Web Designers.