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 place in downtown Dubuque, Iowa. It's a big building used for many different events. The center gets its name from the five flags that have flown over Dubuque throughout history. These flags represent different countries that once had a presence in the area.
First 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 flew. After that, the French Republic Flag of Napoleon was seen in 1803. Finally, America's Stars and Stripes has flown since 1803 and still does today!
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Discover the Five Flags Center!
The Five Flags Center is a busy spot in Dubuque. It has a beautiful theater and a large arena. People come here for concerts, sports, and other fun events. It's a place where history and entertainment meet.
A Look Back: The Theater's Story
The land where the Five Flags Center stands has a long history of entertainment. The very first theater there was the Athenaeum Theater, built in 1840. It later became the City Hotel, which also hosted shows, and then the Peosta House.
Another theater was built in the late 1800s. Sadly, it was destroyed by a big fire in 1910. After the fire, a new and even grander theater was built.
From Majestic to Orpheum: Name Changes
The current Great Five Flags Theater was first built in 1910. It was called the Majestic Theater. A famous architect named George L. Rapp designed it. He became well-known for designing theaters across the country.
In 1920, the Majestic Theater became a movie house. It was renamed the 'Spensley Theater' in 1929. The building had a beautiful Renaissance Revival style, with some French design touches. Later, it was called the RKO Orpheum and continued to show movies.
Saving a Landmark: Community Effort
Over time, the theater started to look old and worn out. In 1969, there were plans to tear it down as part of a city improvement project. But many people in Dubuque loved the theater.
A group of citizens started a campaign to save it. They raised money and worked hard to protect the historic building. Their efforts were successful! The theater became part of the larger Five Flags Center project in 1972.
Restoration work began in 1975. The theater reopened in 1976 as the Five Flags Theater. Today, it is home to the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra. It also hosts high school musicals, concerts, and ballet shows.
The Exciting Five Flags Arena
The Five Flags Arena was built as part of the project to fix up the 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.
Sports and Shows: What Happens Here?
The arena is a versatile space. It can seat up to 5,200 people for basketball games. For ice hockey, it holds about 2,500 fans. One side of the arena has permanent seats. The other three sides use bleachers, which are like long benches.
Many events take place at the arena. High school graduation ceremonies for Hempstead High School and Senior High School are held here. It also hosts most of Dubuque's major concerts.
The Five Flags Center used to be the main convention center in Dubuque. However, a new place called the Grand River Event Center opened in 2003. This new center now hosts many of the larger events.
Hockey History in Dubuque
The arena has a rich history with hockey. It was the home of the Dubuque Fighting Saints (1980-2001) from 1980 to 2001. These were a team in the United States Hockey League. After them, the Dubuque Thunderbirds hockey team played there from 2001 to 2010. They were part of the Central States Hockey League.
Dubuque got a brand new ice arena, the Mystique Ice Center, which opened in 2010. This new center is now home to the current Dubuque Fighting Saints team.
A company called SMG started managing the arena in 2004. Before that, the City of Dubuque handled its operations. In 2005, the arena closed for the summer to get some upgrades. They improved the snack stands, entrances, and hallways.
The Iowa Power, an indoor football team, began playing at the arena in 2025.
