San Jose Civic Auditorium

As a child, the San Jose Civic Auditorium was just about the only venue in the Bay Area other than the county fairgrounds and the old Circle Star Theater. The architecture is beautiful and it is built in the Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival style even after remodeling.

My father would take me to “All Star Wrestling” and Roller Derby matches in the 50’s and 60’s commentated by his good friend Walt Harris. Later, in high school, I saw everything at this venue from boxing matches to the San Jose Symphony.

What I enjoyed about the San Jose Civic Auditorium was the oval second level balcony that surrounds the arena. Looking down on the event gave a special unobstructed perspective, especially for boxing matches. This is not a large venue but can still seat around 3,000 people.

Some of the greats who performed at the San Jose Civic are Barbara Streisand, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the “Who”, and Frank Sinatra. Boxing matches included the greats like Joe Louis and Jack Dempsey. Architecturally this is an elegant, historical venue and a good place to see shows up close and personal compared to large sports arenas.

Nearby is the Tech Interactive and the Montgomery Theater.