The venue was built in 1973 as part of an urban renewal project in the city of Niagara Falls. It was built in the center of a main thoroughfare, Falls Street, and blocked traffic to Niagara Falls State Park. It also eliminated Jefferson Avenue and Erie Avenue, two main thoroughfares.
The building was designed by Johnson/Burgee Architects in collaboration with Jane Davis Doggett. Its arched design was inspired by the rainbows commonly seen over Niagara Falls, according to architect Philip Johnson. Locals jokingly noted its resemblance to a Quonset hut.
Notable events
Music
Elvis Presley played two shows at the venue in June 1974 and two shows at the venue in July 1975.[1]
In March 1992, a spectator was killed during a USHRA Monster Jam show at the venue when the driver of Bad Medicine became incapacitated and veered his truck into the stands. 82-year-old Lester Gilliam pushed a young boy out of harm's way and was then struck by the vehicle.[6]
UFC 12 was scheduled to take place at the venue in February 1997, but mixed martial arts was banned in New York State the day before the event, forcing its relocation to Dothan, Alabama.
The Royal Lipizzan Stallions 30th-anniversary show in 2000.[9]
In 1980, the venue began hosting the city's annual Festival of Lights to commemorate the Christmas season.[10]
Closure
The venue was closed in 2002 and converted into Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, which remains in operation. The 4,000-seat Niagara Falls Conference Center was opened across the street from the casino in 2004.[11]Niagara Falls, Ontario took over hosting the Festival of Lights in 2004.[10]
Niagara Falls Convention Center (NFCC)
NFCC
In 2004, a new Niagara Falls Convention Center (NFCC) opened on Old Falls Street. The Old Falls Street venue has 116,000 square feet for exhibitions and meetings, and a 32,200-square-foot event/exhibit hall.[12]
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