Most good receivers have multiple zones. Check Yamaha's and Denon's. Depending on how many zones you want, those could work.

http://www.home-technology-store.com/home-audio/single-audio.aspx

you might be looking for a Distribution Amp

heck, get a headphone amplifier.

Yeah thanks for the replies!

I didn't think of a headphone amp. Duh. As far as the distribution systems its a little too late to cut back into the drywall. Thanks though

I did come across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Speaker-Selector-Switch-Switcher-w-Level-Volume-Control_W0QQitemZ320165293289QQcmdZViewItem

Our receiver is only 50wattsx2. I'm thinking thats a weak signal once its thrown across 8 speakers right? Do I need to get a power amp between the receiver and the speaker selector/controller?

Sorry I've never done a setup like this before.

Thanks!

What is this, the first time a venue like this has needed a multi-zone sound system? Uncharted waters...? I don't get the headphone amp approach. First off, the typical headphone amp only drives a small amount of power-certainly not enough for a "real" speaker. Not to mention that they have an output impedance that is incompatible with conventional speakers ('phones are usually much higher).
There are components designed to deal with the issues you have described. This is called "commercial sound", and the days of it sounding like crap are long gone. Go to this website: parts-express.com
They have all sorts of gear for the DIY installation. Distro systems, 70-volt systems, speaker components, wire, the works. Granted, the amps aren't designed to be thrown into the back of a truck and hauled around the country, but you aren't going to be doing that, anyway....are you?
Typically, you use a 70-volt system to distribute multiple speakers off of a few amps. Then, if you need a few extra mic inputs for a live act, you can add a compact mixer (Mackie 1202VLZ-Pro comes to mind) just like a CD player or iPod. Simple, no sweat. No cutting up the drywall, just remove some ceiling tiles to run the wires through the room. I've done it several times, trust me (OK, that's what Steve Fossett said, but really...).

What you are looking for is a multi zone amplifier

See http://www.audiocontrolindustrial.com/dept.asp?d_id=5654&l1=5654

or

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B8WX0Q/?tag=r06fa-20

or

http://www.rane.com/ma4.html

These are not cheap and are designed to run 24/7 and not give you any problems.

The problem with a lot of home use receivers today is that they are not designed for continuous duty and have woefully under sized power supplies that are ok for the occasional use but will break down repeatedly if left on for long periods of time. Take all of moonbaby's advice. Do this right from the start and you will have NO PROBLEMS. If you chintz out now you will pay for it in the end.

Best of luck!

PS Most large cities have pro sound contractors that deal with this stuff day in and day out and if you buy the equipment though them they will probably be more than happy to make suggestions and show you possible pitfalls.

I don't get the headphone amp approach.

It is an example. In hindsight I may have added "but yours will be designed for speakers" rather then leaving it flat, as I did.

When I was trying to get my brain around it, the phrase "multi-zone" I didn't even know so I didn't even know how to search for the stuff. That was the first thing I could put my hands on at that time and say "yea like a headphone amp, only bigger."

Seems like an intelligent fellow that started this thread. So when he mentioned "mixer" I thought "he just needs the concept and then he can move past it."

Which he did.

It wasn't an attempt to water down the high quality of these forums.

You didn't "water it down". I simply didn't know whether you were suggesting it as a line distro or as a small multi-channel amp.
Fogetaboudit!