Photo by Brooks Burris
After 58 years of music, sports, circuses and civic gatherings, the iconic arena has taken its final bow.
On September 20, 2026, the venue hosted its final public farewell, “It’s Goin’ Down,” marking the close of an era. Demolition and environmental remediation of the distinctive circular arena are scheduled to begin in early 2027.
The story began in 1961, when county officials proposed the convention complex as a way to compete with Dallas. The project was approved in 1967, and a consortium of local architectural firms was tapped to design the facility. When it opened in 1968 at a cost of $20 million, its futuristic, dome-shaped arena — often likened to a flying saucer — quickly became a defining landmark.
Over nearly six decades, the iconic venue welcomed some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, U2 and Willie Nelson.
Now, the arena’s future is tied to an ambitious transformation of the convention center. Its demolition is part of a $700 million second phase of expansion and modernization. The former arena site will make way for more flexible meeting rooms, outdoor terraces, additional exhibit space and a new 40,000-square-foot ballroom.
The overall convention center project is expected to be completed around 2030.
For generations, the arena was a place where thousands gathered to see stars, celebrate milestones and share experiences. Its final farewell closes a memorable chapter in the region’s history — but the redevelopment promises to give the site an entirely new role for decades to come.