From left, state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean; Tom Benson, National Comedy Center chairman; Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center executive director; Mayor Sam Teresi, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, cut the ribbon on the National Comedy Center. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

The National Comedy Center is earning rave reviews from patrons making their way the center on its first day in operation while drawing visits from area political leaders as well.

Tim Lowe of New Jersey was among the visitors who spoke with The Post-Journal’s Dennis Phillips on Wednesday morning.

“I almost brought myself to tears,” said Lowe, a George Carlin fan who said he particularly enjoyed the special section of the comedy center devoted to Carlin. “It is so involved. I’m at a loss for words. I had high expectations, but I’m blown out of the water.”

The center officially opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday. At 9:30 a.m., Gov. Andrew Cuomo spoke during a brief opening ceremony.

“The new National Comedy Center will serve as a tourist attraction and an economic game changer for Chautauqua County and the Western New York region,” Cuomo said. “The National Comedy Center highlights some of the most memorable comedic performers the world has known and will serve as a destination for visitors from across the country. New York is proud to invest in comedy and the arts, as we work to foster economic growth and create cultural hubs statewide.”

Construction of the project began in 2015 with a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Cuomo. The project includes a new 6,000 square-foot building, which, combined with the renovation and adaptive reuse of two historic buildings, including the historic Jamestown Gateway Train Station, make up the total 37,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“Eight years ago, a small group of incredibly hardworking and dedicated people had the dream of making Jamestown America’s home for comedy through the creation of the National Comedy Center,” said Tom Benson, National Comedy Center chairman. “Due to the perseverance and blood, sweat and tears of that amazing group and the support that we received from our capital funders, including Governor Cuomo and New York state, this dream has become a reality that will change the face of Jamestown and provide long lasting economic benefits for all of Western New York. We have made the transition from people laughing at us to laughing with us and it feels great.”

The collections and more than 50 immersive exhibits focus on everything from late night comedy to slap stick. Visitors are taken on an interactive journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville acts to the latest viral memes. Personalization technology is used to create a humor profile that is embedded onto a radio-frequency ID wristband for each visitor. This allows for customization of the exhibit experiences, and encourages reflection on, and education in, one’s own sense of humor. It is one of the most technologically advanced attractions of its kind, and also touts a cash bar, and a Blue Room — where the more adult rated or off-color comedy can be found. There are also personal archives on display from people including Lenny Bruce, Rodney Dangerfield, the Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin, Jerry Lewis, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Jerry Seinfeld, George Carlin and more.

“Jamestown is serious about comedy,” said state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown. “This project was no laughing matter. It involves state-of-the-art electronics, unique and interesting memorabilia, and incredible attractions. It is truly a national destination for those who love comedy and want to experience the best possible presentation of nationally-renown comedy acts.”

The National Comedy Center is supported by over $14 million in resources from the state, including $4.4 million awarded through the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council; an additional $5 million through the Buffalo Billion II initiative; $5 million through the New Markets Tax Credit Program; and other state sources. It is expected to attract more than 114,000 visitors each year. Mayor Sam Teresi also thanked the various state agencies — Empire State Development, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Places, state Transportation Department and Department of State.

“The major credit for the funding success of this project however, has to go directly to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who in my mind, took a personal interest in this project and drove it from the 45-yard line into the end zone,” Teresi said. “Over the past four decades, I have witnessed significant state financial assistance directed to numerous major local projects, but never to the extent of this, and with the personal interest and advocacy of the Governor himself.”

“America’s newest and most exciting destination is the National Comedy Center, a one-of-a-kind, spectacular showcase for the art of comedy that will put Chautauqua County on the map and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages,” said state Sen. Catharine Young, R-Olean. “Inspired by Jamestown’s own comedic heroine, Lucille Ball, and developed by internationally renowned cultural and interactive design firms, this world-class venue is poised to transform the economy of our historic city with a projected $23 million impact while placing Jamestown on the “top destinations” lists of travel reviewers everywhere. The path to this moment was forged by many dedicated leaders working in partnership towards a remarkable goal. My thanks go out to Governor Cuomo for his commitment to this project and the future of Jamestown, to the National Comedy Center’s visionary and tireless leaders, and to state and local officials for supporting, facilitating and assisting at every turn. This amazing effort is a triumph of confidence and collaboration and has launched the start of a new era for our community.”

U.S. Rep. Tom Reed also made an appearance at Wednesday’s opening. Reed made a point of recognizing both Cuomo, with whom Reed has had several political disagreements over the past couple of years, along with U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer, D-New York and Senate minority leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, who appeared at the center on Monday to discuss federal historic presevation funding that helped with the renovation of the former Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Station.

“Jamestown is to comedy what Cleveland is to rock and roll or Cooperstown is to basebal,” Reed said. “We always believe it is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit. We would like to thank Governor Cuomo and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their strong support in getting national recognition for the National Comedy Center. However, the real heroes of this project are the men and women of our community who worked every day to make this dream a reality. I look forward to witnessing how Jamestown – a place of rich comedy history – grows and expands due to the jobs the Comedy Center will bring.”

Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello said, “I am so excited to see this unique, state-of-the-art attraction become a reality here in Chautauqua County and in Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown. We are proud to be the home of this entertaining and interactive experience that is an amazing tribute to the art of comedy. I want to thank the governor and Empire State Development for their commitment to this truly transformative project.”

City of Jamestown Mayor Samuel Teresi said, “Support at the State Legislative level and throughout the administration (i.e., ESD, OPRHP, DOT, DOS, etc.) has been outstanding and in many ways, unprecedented.