Universal Amphitheatre facts for kids
 |
|
| Former names | Universal Amphitheatre (1972–2005) Gibson Amphitheatre (2005–2013) |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Universal City Plaza Los Angeles, California 91608 |
| Location | Universal City, Universal Studios Hollywood |
| Coordinates | 34°08′17.50″N 118°21′11.64″W / 34.1381944°N 118.3532333°W |
| Owner | Universal Destinations & Experiences |
| Type | Amphitheatre |
| Capacity | 6,251 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1969-1972 |
| Renovated | 1982 |
| Closed | September 6, 2013 |
| Demolished | September 25, 2013 |
The Universal Amphitheatre was a famous concert hall in Los Angeles, California. It was also known as the Gibson Amphitheatre for a while. This special place was inside Universal City, right next to Universal Studios Hollywood.
It first opened in the summer of 1972 as an outdoor stage. Later, in 1982, it was changed into an indoor theater. This made the sound much better for concerts. The amphitheatre closed its doors on September 6, 2013. It was then taken down to make space for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.
Contents
A Famous Stage in Los Angeles
From Stunt Shows to Superstars
The Universal Amphitheatre started as a place for fun daytime shows. Visitors on the Universal Studios Studio Tour could watch exciting western stunt shows. Construction began in 1969. By 1971, the arena was ready for action.
At night, the arena was empty. A clever studio tour guide suggested using it for rock concerts. So, on June 28, 1972, the venue hosted its first concert. It was a Broadway rock musical called Jesus Christ Superstar. The show was a big hit! It ran until the cold weather made it stop.
In its early years, stunt shows happened during the day. At night, the stage came alive with music concerts. The theater became very popular. It was almost always full, with 98% of seats taken. After just one year, the studio made it bigger. It could then hold 5,200 people.
Big Changes and Special Moments
Many famous musicians recorded live albums here. Joni Mitchell recorded Miles of Aisles in August 1974. John Denver recorded An Evening with John Denver later that same year. On September 9, 1978, The Blues Brothers band performed live. They recorded their album, "Briefcase Full of Blues," at the venue.
In 1980, the amphitheatre closed for two years for a big update. Workers added a roof so shows could happen all year round. They also made the sound even better. The seating was expanded again to hold 6,251 people.
On September 15, 1987, a special performance took place. Singer Tony Melendez played the guitar with his feet. He sang "Never be the Same" for Pope John Paul II. This was part of the Pope's visit to Los Angeles.
The Late Night with David Letterman show held its 8th Anniversary special here in 1990. From 1991 to 2002, the venue hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards. In May 1993, Universal added the Universal CityWalk. This area had shops and restaurants around the theater entrance. It was a great place for concert-goers to eat before and after shows.
On July 29 and 30, 1999, pop star Whitney Houston performed her last two North American concerts here. These shows were part of her My Love Is Your Love World Tour.
A New Name for the Venue
The theater was known as the Universal Amphitheatre for many years. Then, in early 2005, its name changed. The Gibson Guitar Corporation bought the "naming rights." This meant the venue was renamed the Gibson Amphitheatre. This was part of a deal between Gibson, Universal, and House of Blues.
Saying Goodbye to the Amphitheatre
On December 6, 2011, a big announcement was made. The Universal Amphitheatre would close. It would be torn down to make room for a new attraction. This new area was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Even though some events were planned until October 2013, the venue officially closed in September 2013. The very last rock concert was by Glenn Danzig on August 30, 2013. The final performance ever at the Gibson Amphitheatre was by Pepe Aguilar on September 6, 2013.
When it closed, it was one of the largest mid-sized venues in California. It was only smaller than the Nokia Theatre and the Shrine Auditorium. These are two other big venues in Los Angeles. The amphitheatre was demolished on September 25, 2013.
See also
In Spanish: Anfiteatro Gibson para niños
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
