Kaiser Convention Center
Encyclopedia
The Kaiser Convention Center is a 5,492-seat multi-purpose arena
in Oakland, California
that opened in 1914. In the 1950's and 1960's the Roller Derby
played there hundreds of times. It was home to the Oakland Skates
roller hockey
team. Originally known as the Oakland Auditorium, it was renamed in honor of Henry J. Kaiser
after a 1984 renovation.
and Lake Merritt
. Parking at the building is very limited, which affects the building's viability as a major event space.
, an American rock band, performed at the Convention Center 34 times, and would typically perform "runs" of shows in which the band would perform several shows over the course of three to four days.
Elvis Presley
performed at the Convention Center on June 3, 1956 and again on October 27, 1957.
Arena
An arena is an enclosed area, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators. The key feature of an arena is that the event space is the...
in Oakland, California
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
that opened in 1914. In the 1950's and 1960's the Roller Derby
Roller derby
Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members roller skating in the same direction around a track. Game play consists of a series of short matchups in which both teams designate a scoring player who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team...
played there hundreds of times. It was home to the Oakland Skates
Oakland Skates
The Oakland Skates were a professional roller hockey team and were a member team in Roller Hockey International from 1993 through 1996. In 1993 the Skates were a finalist for the RHI league championship, named the Murphy Cup, for one of the league founders, Dennis Murphy, losing to the Anaheim...
roller hockey
Roller hockey
Roller Hockey is a form of hockey played on a dry surface using skates with wheels. The term "Roller Hockey" is often used interchangeably to refer to two variant forms chiefly differentiated by the type of skate used. There is traditional "Roller Hockey," played with quad roller skates, and...
team. Originally known as the Oakland Auditorium, it was renamed in honor of Henry J. Kaiser
Henry J. Kaiser
Henry John Kaiser was an American industrialist who became known as the father of modern American shipbuilding. He established the Kaiser Shipyard which built Liberty ships during World War II, after which he formed Kaiser Aluminum and Kaiser Steel. Kaiser organized Kaiser Permanente health care...
after a 1984 renovation.
Location
The building is located next to the Oakland Museum, near Laney CollegeLaney College
Laney College is a community college located in Oakland, California, next to the Lake Merritt BART station and the Kaiser Convention Center. Laney is the largest of the four colleges of the Peralta Community College District which serves northern Alameda County.Laney College originally opened in...
and Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is a large tidal lagoon that lies just east of downtown Oakland, California. It is surrounded by parkland and city neighborhoods. A popular 3.1 mile walking and jogging path runs along its perimeter...
. Parking at the building is very limited, which affects the building's viability as a major event space.
Features
In addition to the medium-sized arena space, the building houses a theater and several event spaces. Some of the event spaces have ornate chandeliers. In 2006, Oakland voters defeated a ballot proposition advocating a library space in the building.Notable events
From 1985-1989, the Grateful DeadGrateful Dead
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, improvisational jazz, psychedelia, and space rock, and for live performances of long...
, an American rock band, performed at the Convention Center 34 times, and would typically perform "runs" of shows in which the band would perform several shows over the course of three to four days.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
performed at the Convention Center on June 3, 1956 and again on October 27, 1957.