There were some cool events at the International Amphitheater

Back in the day, the International Amphitheatre located at 42^nd and Halsted was a place where part of Chicago’s history was made. Once located next to the Union Stock Yards, their doors opened in 1934. Years of cool events followed. Many of the best musicians held concerts at the Amphitheater including but not limited to; Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, the Rolling Stones, even Elvis Presley, and the Beatles just to name a few.

Elvis Presley walking to the stage on March 28, 1957 at the International Amphitheatre. This is the first time Elvis wore his now legendary gold lame suit.

Elvis Presley performing at the International Amphitheater on March 28, 1957. This was the first time Elvis wore his now legendary gold lame suit.

Click the link below to see live footage of Elvis at the International Amphitheater

Beatles playing at International Amphitheater in 1964

Click the link below to see live footage of the Beatles at the International Amphitheater

The Circus Comes to Town

When the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus arrived in town, they would get off their trains and march for miles on the streets of Chicago to the International Amphitheater. Once there they put on the “Greatest Show on Earth.” Free performances were set aside for residents of Bridgeport, Canaryville, and McKinley Park.

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus march down State Street to the International Amphitheatre

Both Political Parties National Conventions held at International Amphitheatre

Both the Republican (1952 & 1960) and Democratic Party (1956 & 1968) held their National conventions there.

The 1952 Republican Convention nominated Dwight D. Eisenhower for President and Richard M. Nixion for Vice President.

Senator John F. Kennedy at the convention hall at the International Amphitheater during the 1956 Democratic National Convention

World Hockey Association games at International Amphitheater

The International Amphitheatre was also home to the Chicago Cougars Hockey Team of the WHA (1972-1975.) Wayne Gretzky signed his first professional hockey contract with the Chicago Cougars. Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe, and other hockey greats would skate against the Cougars at the International Amphitheater.

Chicago Cougars Professional Hockey Team playing at the International Amphitheater

Early photo of the International Amphitheater. Possibly from the 1930’s

Many different events held at International Amphitheater

The International Amphitheater also had indoor drag racing, the Chicago Auto Shows, and fishing shows. The Chicago Bulls played their first season at the International Amphitheater before moving to the Chicago Stadium. The International Amphitheater also has boxing and wrestling matches. In 1981 Joe Fraizer fought his last boxing match against Floyd Cummings.

This all came to an end. In 1999 the International Amphitheater was demolished. Only part of a brick outer wall on Halsted remains. Nonetheless, it was a cool place with a lot of history.

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