Five Flags Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Orpheum Theatre and Site
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 405 Main St. Dubuque, Iowa |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | Rapp and Rapp |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000474 |
| Added to NRHP | November 14, 1972 |
The Five Flags Center is a cool building in downtown Dubuque, Iowa. It's called "Five Flags" because five different flags have flown over Dubuque throughout history. These flags represent the countries that once had control or influence over the area.
First, there was the Fleur de Lis of France (from 1673 to 1763). Then came the Royal Flag of Spain (from 1763 to 1803). For a short time in 1780, the Union Jack of Great Britain was seen. In 1803, the French Republic Flag of Napoleon flew briefly. Finally, since 1803, it has been America's Stars and Stripes.
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History of the Five Flags Theater
The story of the Five Flags Center begins with earlier theaters on the same spot. The very first theater was the Athenaeum Theater, built in 1840. It later became a hotel and theater called the City Hotel, and then the Peosta House.
Another theater was built there in the mid-1800s. Sadly, it was destroyed by a big fire in 1910. Before the fire, a local businessman named Harker Brentnal Spensley, Sr., and his partner had bought and updated it.
Building the Majestic Theater
The current Great Five Flags Theater was built in 1910. It was first known as the Majestic Theater. A famous architect named George L. Rapp designed it. He became one of the best theater architects in the country.
In 1920, the theater became a movie house. It was renamed 'Spensley Theater' in 1929. The building has a beautiful Renaissance Revival style with French touches. Later, it was called the RKO Orpheum and continued to show movies.
Saving the Theater
Over time, the theater became old and run-down. In 1969, there were plans to tear it down as part of a city improvement project. But a group of people who cared about the theater started a fundraising effort to save it.
Their efforts became part of the larger Five Flags Center project in 1972. Restoration work began in 1975, and the theater reopened in 1976. Today, it's known as the Five Flags Theater. It's home to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and hosts high school musicals, concerts, and ballet shows.
Five Flags Arena
The Five Flags Arena was built as part of the project to fix up the Five Flags Theater. Construction started in 1976, and the arena opened its doors in 1979. The very first event held there was a concert by the famous entertainer Bob Hope.
Arena Capacity and Use
The arena can hold up to 5,200 people for basketball games. For ice hockey, it can seat about 2,500 fans. One side of the arena has permanent seats. The other three sides have bleachers, which are like long benches.
The arena is used for Loras College basketball games. It also hosts many of Dubuque's biggest concerts. High school graduation ceremonies for Hempstead High School and Senior High School are also held here.
Past and Present Events
The Five Flags Center used to be the main place for big meetings and shows in Dubuque. However, a new center, the Grand River Event Center, opened in 2003. This new center now hosts many of the events that used to be at Five Flags.
The arena was also once home to hockey teams. The Dubuque Fighting Saints (1980-2001) played there from 1980 to 2001. The Dubuque Thunderbirds hockey team played there from 2001 to 2010.
In 2010, Dubuque opened a new ice arena called the Mystique Ice Center. This new arena is now home to the current Dubuque Fighting Saints team.
Since 2004, a company called SMG has managed the arena's operations. Before that, the City of Dubuque handled it. In 2005, the arena was closed for the summer to update its food stands, entrances, and walkways.
