Built in 1936, the Civic Auditorium is a Spanish Mission-style, dual-level auditorium that hosts a variety of events including concerts, performing arts, general assembly, community and sporting events.
It was created through a joint venture between San Jose residents, Federal Government and local property owners Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Montgomery, who donated the City of San Jose the property where the Civic sits today.
Many of the most popular entertainers and public figures have appeared at the venue creating memorable historic events since its opening in 1936.
Frank Sinatra headlined a Wutzit Benefit on April 26, 1947. There were 40 police officers on duty to hold back the lines at the reception. (1947-04-26,sanjosemercurynews)
In 1965, at the U.S. Winter Nationals Karate Championships at the San Jose Civic Auditorium, Chuck Norris won his first grand championship title and the then relatively unknown Bruce Lee performed one of the demonstrations that would soon make him famous.
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| San Jose Civic interior |
On May 25, 1968, Cream performed here.
Richard Nixon made national headlines during an anti-war demonstration at the San Jose Civic.
It has presented major sporting events including boxing matches with champions such as Jack Dempsey and Joe Lewis.
George Foreman, still hoping for a shot at heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, fought Michael Greer on September 14, 1989.
Seating capacity 3036.
Jerry performed here on
7/1/72 Merl Saunders
8/20/72 Grateful Dead
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