Surface multi-surface Closed June 2014 Demolished 2016 | Opened 1954 Owner Omaha | |
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Location 1804 Capitol Avenue
Omaha, Nebraska 68102 Operator Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) Capacity Concerts: 10,960
Basketball: 9,300 Address 1804 Capitol Ave, Omaha, NE 68102, USA Similar McNichols Sports Arena, Kemper Arena, Market Square Arena, Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, Reunion Arena | ||
Omaha civic auditorium demolition part 1 partial demolition
Omaha Civic Auditorium was a multi-purpose convention center located in Omaha, Nebraska. Opened in 1954, it surpassed the Ak-Sar-Ben Coliseum as the largest convention/entertainment complex in the city, until the completion of CenturyLink Center Omaha in 2003. With the opening of the Ralston Arena in 2012, all teams that played at the Civic Auditorium moved, which reduced the venue's viability. The auditorium closed its doors in June 2014.
Contents
Omaha civic auditorium prepares for auction
Arena
The Civic Auditorium arena seated up to 9,300 people for sporting events and up to 10,960 for concerts.
In the past, the arena was home to the Creighton Bluejays men's basketball team, the Creighton women's basketball and volleyball teams, and the University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team, and the Kansas City-Omaha Kings NBA basketball team.
The arena was the site of the Missouri Valley Conference men's basketball tournament title game in 1978 and 1981. It was also the site of the seventh WWF In Your House pay-per-view in 1996. Billy Graham's Nebraska Crusade took place at the arena in 1964.
One of Elvis Presley's Final Concerts
One of Elvis Presley's final concerts was held at the Civic Auditorium on June 19, 1977. The concert was filmed for a CBS TV special: Elvis in Concert.
"You're no Jack Kennedy"
A memorable event at the Civic Auditorium was the 1988 U.S. vice-presidential debate between Democrat Lloyd Bentsen and Republican Dan Quayle. The debate produced one of the most famous quotes in American political history.
Quayle, then a U.S. Senator from Indiana, had been a relative political unknown and reporters covering the campaign wondered if he would make a suitable president if something were to have happened to George H. W. Bush, who selected him as his running mate. In response to a question, Quayle pointed out that he had as much experience in the Senate as John F. Kennedy had prior to being elected President of the United States in 1960. To which, Bentsen, a Senate veteran from Texas, responded: "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy, Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Omaha Civic Auditorium Music Hall
The Omaha Civic Auditorium Music Hall, located on the east side of Omaha Civic Auditorium, was used for concerts, Broadway shows and other events. It seated 2,453 and was known for its intimate yet casual atmosphere.
Exhibit Hall
The Civic Auditorium exhibit hall features 43,400 square feet (4,000 m²) of space for conventions and trade shows.
Mancuso Hall
Mancuso Hall is a large-events venue used for parties, trade shows, concerts, banquets, and conventions, among other events. 25,000 square feet (2300 m²) of space, Mancuso Hall seats 2,500 for concerts and 1,500 for banquets.
Demolition
Demolition of the Civic Auditorium began in August 2016.