Fighter jets flying over Troy area for new media center opening at RPI

If you're one of the many people who noticed planes flying low Friday morning, you're not alone.  We've had several calls into our newsroom with people wondering what was going on in Troy.

Troy Police say the planes are for the new opening of the $200 million media center at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center officially opens today, kicking off a three-week celebration that includes video installations, musical performances and multimedia presentations.

RPI officials say EMPAC will bring together art and science to promote innovative ways of teaching and performing. The 220,000 square-foot cedar and glass building contains a 1,200-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a 360 degree panoramic screen, artist studios and rehearsal spaces.

Troy-based RPI is the nation's oldest technological university.