Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center

Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center was an indoor multi-purpose venue in Niagara Falls, New York, with a capacity of 10,000 people. It operated from 1973 to 2002.

The venue was built as part of an urban renewal project in the city. It actually was built in the center of a main thoroughfare, Falls Street, and blocked traffic to the falls. It also eliminated Jefferson Avenue and Erie Avenue, two main thoroughfares.

The building was designed by Johnson/Burgee Architects. Its arched design, which detractors say resembles an overly large Quonset hut, was inspired by the rainbows commonly seen at Niagara Falls, according to architect Philip Johnson. It was opened in 1973 to much fanfare.

The facility played host to various sporting events, including boxing, professional wrestling and races while it was active.

It was home of the NCAA's Niagara Purple Eagles men's basketball team from the time it opened for the 1973-74 season through the 1981-82 campaign. The Purple Eagles went back to campus for five years to return again in the 1988-89 season and stay until 1996. Their last game at the Convention Center was a victory over Siena (79-77).

In 1974, 1975 and 1976, the convention center hosted the Miss USA competition.

In 2001, Joe Mesi defeated Jorge Luis Gonzalez and Bert Cooper, in separate professional boxing cards.

The former Convention center served as a world-class entertainment venue, during past Festival of Lights celebrations and throughout the years.

The venue played host to The Rolling Thunder Revue Tour on November 15, 1975, headed by Bob Dylan.

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