The Utica Memorial Auditorium has some major history behind it, and most people know the stories. But we found a few facts you probably didn't know.

 #1 The First Event Was...

The AUD opened its doors in March of 1960. It's first event was the "Greater Utica Industrial Expo," that lasted a few days and saw close to 50,000 people.

#2 Photos of the AUD are on Display in New York City

According to Wikipedia,

Photos and renderings of the Utica Memorial Auditorium are on permanent display at New York's Museum of Modern Art. The museum's collection honors the auditorium as an architectural landmark.

 

#3 It's Building Design was Ahead of Its Time

When the Utica Memorial Auditorium was built, it was one of only three arenas in the entire world built the way it was - with no obstructed views in the arena. As years passed, more and more venues were being built with this feature.

#4 Other Arenas Have Taken After the AUD

Madison Square Garden was actually built modeling the Utica AUD.

#5 The AUD has Been Host to Many Famous Musicians

ZZ Top, Kenny Rogers, and Avenged Sevenfold are just a few artists that played shows at the Utica AUD. Did you also know Elvis Presley was scheduled to play at the AUD? Unfortunately, he died just three days before the show.

 

 


 

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