INTERNATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE
Back of the Yards
The International Amphitheatre was erected after a fire destroyed the old horse auction barn at the Union Stock Yards in 1934. While the International Livestock Exposition was its centerpiece show, many other major events were staged there, from auto shows to the 1964 Chicago debut of the Beatles. Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
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The Amphitheatre hosted many big shows and sporting events, but its proximity to the Union Stockyards served its original function. Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
After a fire destroyed the old horse auction barn at Chicago’s Union Stockyards in 1934, a huge amphitheater was erected to replace it. The new building hosted the International Livestock Exposition, which showcased the very best horses, cattle, and sheep and put them literally on parade.
For decades, the International Amphitheatre was also the place for car shows, circuses, sporting events, flower shows, political conventions (including the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention) – if it was big, it was in the International Amphitheatre.
It also played host to big stars. Internationally known entertainers, from Elvis to the Beatles to Michael Jackson, all played the International Amphitheatre.
But every star must wane. The International Amphitheatre struggled after the stockyards closed in 1971, and as convention and big event business moved to other, shinier new venues on the lakefront and in Rosemont.
The building was demolished in 1999.
At the Stock Yard Inn, cattlemen and wannabes alike could order a steak with their initials branded on it before taking in a show. Photo Credit: Art Institute of Chicago
The building’s massive size made it ideal for all kinds of events, from flower and auto shows to political conventions to rock concerts. But its later days saw it hosting lesser events. Photo Credit: Chicago History Museum
The original stars of the International Amphitheatre left when the stockyards closed in 1971, and horse and cattle shows were held elsewhere. The Amphitheatre struggled as competition for other types of entertainment and sporting events arose at McCormick Place and in other venues. The building was demolished in 1999. Photo Credit: Public Domain
