Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center


Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center was a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena and convention center in Niagara Falls, New York from 1973 to 2002.

History

The venue was built in 1973 as part of an urban renewal project in the city of Niagara Falls. It was built in the center of a main thoroughfare, Falls Street, and blocked traffic to Niagara Falls State Park. It also eliminated Jefferson Avenue and Erie Avenue, two main thoroughfares.
The building was designed by Johnson/Burgee Architects in collaboration with Jane Davis Doggett. Its arched design was inspired by the rainbows commonly seen over Niagara Falls, according to architect Philip Johnson. Locals jokingly noted its resemblance to a Quonset hut.
The venue was home to the NCAA's Niagara Purple Eagles men's basketball team from 1973-1982 and again from 1988-1996.
Elvis Presley played two shows at the venue in June 1974 and two shows at the venue in July 1975.
Bob Dylan played the venue as part of his Rolling Thunder Revue Tour in November 1975.
The venue was host to Miss USA 1974, Miss USA 1975, and Miss USA 1976.
In 1980, the venue began hosting the city's annual Festival of Lights to commemorate the Christmas season.
The venue hosted the ABC Masters tournament in 1983 and 1987.
World Wrestling Federation presented 22 events at the venue between 1984 and 1997, including two tapings of WWF Wrestling Challenge.
Frank Sinatra played the venue in May 1990.
David Bowie played the venue as part of his Sound+Vision Tour in July 1990.
In March 1992, a spectator was killed during a USHRA Monster Jam show at the venue when the driver of Bad Medicine became incapacitated and veered his truck into the stands. 82-year-old Lester Gilliam pushed a young boy out of harm's way and was then struck by the vehicle.
Phish recorded their live album Niagara Falls at the venue in December 1995.
UFC 12 was scheduled to take place at the venue in February 1997, but mixed martial arts was banned in New York State the day before the event, forcing its relocation to Dothan, Alabama.
Joe Mesi defeated Jorge Luis Gonzalez in a professional boxing card at the venue in April 2001. Mesi would later defeat Bert Cooper at the venue in July 2001.
The venue was closed in 2002 and converted into Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, which remains in operation. The 4.000-seat Niagara Falls Conference Center was opened across the street from the casino in 2004. Niagara Falls, Ontario took over hosting the Festival of Lights in 2004.