Prepare to be amazed by the Grand Olympic Auditorium. It stands as a testament to Los Angeles’ vibrant past. This isn’t just another building. It is a landmark steeped in history and brimming with stories.
The Grand Olympic Auditorium opened its doors on August 5, 1925. This grand opening was a major media event. Celebrities like Jack Dempsey and Rudolph Valentino attended. Imagine the excitement and glamour of that night.
Originally, the Olympic Auditorium seated 10,400 people. Back in the 1930s, it had more gate entries than Chicago Stadium and Madison Square Garden combined. It even had double the ticket sales of its rival, Hollywood Legion Stadium.
The 1932 Summer Olympics leased the Auditorium. It served as the venue for boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting events. At the time, it was the largest indoor venue in the United States.
Boxing history is deeply intertwined with the Olympic Auditorium. Charles Bukowski once wrote that “the action was at the Olympic”. He described starlets hugging front-row seats and cigar smoke filling the air. The atmosphere was electric.
The 1960s and 1970s were a boom period for the Olympic Auditorium. Major boxing and wrestling events occurred every other Friday night. The Los Angeles T-Birds, a roller derby team, also called it home.
Sadly, the arena closed in the mid-1980s. Wrestling promoter Mike Le Bell discontinued his weekly shows due to low attendance. The wrestling scene shifted from Los Angeles to other cities.
But the Olympic Auditorium wasn’t down for long. In the early 1980s, Golden Voice began promoting punk rock concerts. Bands like Public Image Ltd. and Black Flag graced the stage. If you were a punk rocker in Los Angeles, you likely attended a show here.
The Olympic Auditorium reopened in 1993. However, the capacity was reduced to just over 7,300. In the 2000s, it held 7,030 for boxing and wrestling and 4,514 for seated concerts. General admission concerts could host 7,007 people.
The venue hosted large rave parties throughout the early and mid-1990s. These raves often took place outdoors in the back parking lot, as well as inside the auditorium.
ECW held its Heatwave pay-per-view at the Grand Olympic Auditorium on July 16, 2000. It was ECW’s first and only West Coast appearance.
Wrestling legends also competed here. Jim Londos, Lou Thesz, and André the Giant all stepped into the ring. Chris Adams was one of the last big draws before wrestling cards ended in 1982.
Until 2005, the Olympic Auditorium hosted many music concerts and shows. The arena’s box office number, RI-9-5171, is famous, though no longer in use.
Survivor’s music video for “Burning Heart” was shot here in 1985. Bon Jovi filmed the music videos for “You Give Love A Bad Name” and “Livin’ On A Prayer” here in 1986. Janet Jackson’s “Control” music video was also recorded here in 1987.
In 2005, the Glory Church of Jesus Christ purchased the property. Although the name Grand Olympic Auditorium ceased to exist, many locals still refer to it by its former name. In 2007, the arena was given a facelift back to its original brown coat of paint.
The Grand Olympic Auditorium has a rich history. It has been a site for sporting events, music concerts, and even a house of worship. Its walls echo with the sounds of cheering crowds, roaring guitars, and gospel hymns. It remains a landmark in Los Angeles.