International Amphitheatre

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Lore & Background

The Amphitheatre opened on April 28, 1934. It was built for $1.5 million by the Stock Yard company principally to host the International Livestock Exhibition. The arena replaced Dexter Park, a baseball park that stood on the site for over 50 years until demolished in 1933. The completion of the Amphitheatre ushered in an era where Chicago reigned as a convention capital. In an era before air conditioning and space for press and broadcast media were commonplace, the International Amphitheatre was among the first arenas to be equipped with these innovations. The Stock Yards closed in 1971, but the Amphitheatre continued to host events. By the 1980s, the venue struggled to compete with other facilities. After a gun show in September 1983, the venue closed. It was sold to new owners for $250,000 and sat dormant. On November 27, 1987, the International Amphitheatre reopened with a game by the Loyola Ramblers college basketball team. In 1989, Loyola moved to the Rosemont Horizon. Demolition commenced in August of 1999. An Aramark Uniform Services plant is located on the site once occupied by the Amphitheatre. Part of the former convention hall extension still remains standing and is occupied by Lakeshore Beverage.

In Their Own Story

The Bulls' time at the International Amphitheatre was defined by necessity and transition rather than long-term dominance. In 1966–67, the team called this livestock-turned-arena home for their entire regular season. The building's history as a hub for televised boxing and wrestling meant it was accustomed to high-energy crowds, though its primary function remained rooted in the agricultural shows that had defined Chicago for decades. The arena featured exposed steel and a layout designed for versatility, hosting everything from rock concerts by Led Zeppelin and The Beatles to college basketball games. For the Bulls, however, the arrangement was short-lived. After just one year, the franchise sought a more permanent solution, eventually settling at Chicago Stadium while the Amphitheatre continued to host other events like the Chicago Cougars of the WHA in the 1970s.

Reader's Guide

The arena seated 9,000 for sports. It was the first home of the Chicago Packers of the NBA in 1961–62, before becoming the Chicago Zephyrs and moving to the Chicago Coliseum for their second season. It was also the home of the Chicago Bulls during their inaugural season in 1966–67. The team played once time at the Chicago Coliseum, a playoff game in their first season, as no other arena was available for a date with the St. Louis Hawks. The Bulls moved permanently to Chicago Stadium. The Amphitheatre was also the primary home of the Chicago Cougars of the WHA from 1972 to 1975. It hosted five presidential nominating conventions: 1952 Republican, 1952 Democratic, 1956 Democratic, 1960 Republican, and 1968 Democratic. Televised boxing and wrestling were held at the venue for decades. In 1981, Joe Frazier's final boxing match was at the Amphitheatre.

Did You Know?

• The Amphitheatre was among the first arenas to feature air conditioning and dedicated space for broadcast media.
• The 1952 Republican National Convention at the Amphitheatre was the first political convention broadcast live by television coast to coast.
• The 1968 Democratic National Convention at the Amphitheatre was one of the most tumultuous political conventions in American history, noted for anti-war protests.
• The Beatles performed at the Amphitheatre on September 5, 1964, and August 12, 1966; the 1966 show was the first show of their last tour.