Nashville Municipal Auditorium, text only web site

Municipal Auditorium

Key Dates In The Auditorium's History

1949
The General Assembly passes a bill authorizing the Auditorium. A five million dollar bond issue is approved by Nashville voters.

1954
The Auditorium Commission selects the present site for the Auditorium as part of the Capitol Hill Redevelopment Project.

1959
Construction begins.

1962
On October 7th, the Auditorium opens with a Church of Christ revival meeting as its first event. On October 27th, the Dixie Flyers played their first game at the Auditorium.

1965
Motown Revue and Rolling Stones appear in concert.

1970
On October 28th the Dixie Flyers played their last game at the Auditorium.

1971
Auditorium Manager Floyd Rice and Commission Chairman James Armistead sign 30 year contract with Thermal Transfer Corporation to provide heating and cooling services to the Auditorium. Disney on Parade sells out.

1972
The Rolling Stones return concert sells out in seven hours. Mayor Beverly Briley hosts a dinner honoring the tenth anniversary of the Auditorium.

1977
Mayor Richard Fulton studies a plan to renovate the Auditorium. Chicago, Kansas, and Eagles play the Auditorium.

1978
The Metro Council approves an appropriation of $200,000 to paint the interior and replace seat upholstery in the facility. A proposal to hire an outside management firm is defeated. Eric Clapton, Foghat, Jackson Browne, David Bowie, Willie Nelson, O'Jays, Van Halen, Black Sabbath, Isley Brothers, Commodores, Bruce Springsteen, Foreigner, Jimmy Buffet, Boston, Genesis, Yes, Bob Seger, Billy Joel, and Bob Dylan perform.

1979
Parliment Funkadelics, Styx, Nazareth, Rush, Super Tramp, Village People, Tom Jones, The Cars, Natalie Cole, Rick James, Journey, Teddy Pendergrass, Kiss, REO Speedwagon, AC/DC, Doobie Brothers, Jethro Tull, ZZ Top and Earth, Wind and Fire perform.

1980
Linda Rondstadt, Willie Nelson, Rick James, Journey, Heart, Foghat, Ted Nugent, John Denver, Roberta Flack, James Taylor, Smokey Robinson, Bob Seger, Kansas, Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, and Kool and the Gang perform.

1981
Fan Fair moves to the Fairgrounds after outgrowing the Auditorium. Hockey returns to the facility with the South Stars. Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, Bruce Springsteen, Molly Hatchet, Styx, ZZ Top, Beach Boys, B. J. Thomas, The Jacksons, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, Bob Dylan, Jefferson Starship, Rod Stewart, and Prince perform.

1982
Barkays, Jimmy Buffet, Ozzy Osbourne, 38 Special, Elton John, Kansas, James Taylor, Police, B. B. King, Judas Priest, Prince, John Cougar and Loverboy perform. Auditorium celebrates its 20th anniversary.

1984
Boy George (Culture Club) sells out. Kiss, 38 Special, Van Halen, Bill Cosby, Blue Oyster Cult, Yes, Ted Nugent, Dan Fogelberg, Lionel Richie, Conway Twitty, Cameo, Jefferson Starship, Twisted Sister, Billy Squier, and Rush perform.

1986
Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam moves to Starwood after outgrowing the Auditorium.

1990
The Nashville Knights bring professional hockey back to the Auditorium.

1992
The Auditorium celebrates its 30th anniversary.

1993
Mayor Philip Bredesen supports two resolutions adopted by the Metropolitan Council which call for $1.159 million dollars in repairs and renovations for the Auditorium.

1994
The renovated Auditorium successfully hosts the 1994 U. S. National Gymnastics Championships in August.

1997
The Auditorium hosts Autozone's "Gathering." The three day event, which also features a private Tim McGraw concert, is the largest corporate event ever held at the Auditorium.

1999
Bob Dylan celebrates the 30th anniversary of the recording of "Nashville Skyline" by hosting a concert at the Auditorium. The legendary "Nashville Skyline" album features the Nashville Municipal Auditorium on the album cover.

2001
With the support of Mayor Bill Purcell and the Metropolitan Council, a one million dollar sprinkler and fire alarm system is installed in the Auditorium.

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