If you’re all caught up on our free, daily newsletter, then you probably know that by next year, the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) arena will be demolished.
Currently, the FWCC is undergoing $701 million worth of renovations. With phase one complete, the city is moving into phase two, which includes demolishing the arena and constructing a completely new, modernized version of the building.
Since its opening in 1968, the arena has grown to become Fort Worth’s premier event venue. That is, until Dickies Arena took center stage in 2019.
Over the years, the arena has welcomed some pretty big events — and even bigger names. Elvis, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin are just some of the legends that have taken the stage. But just because the arena will be bulldozed, doesn’t mean our memories have to be.
We know you’ve probably got dozens more memories. That’s why we’re calling on you to remind us. Do you have a favorite memory at the arena? Tell us about it here for a chance at being featured in our newsletter.
Readers’ answers have been edited for brevity.
Oh, the stories these walls could tell.
Photo by UTA Libraries
- “I was the Dance Director for Billy Bob’s Texas for 30 years. Every October, I would be in the arena teaching hundreds how to polka — loved seeing all the laughing faces.” — Wendell N.
- “My wife and I will never forget the concert with Elton John and Leon Russell. Elton John was fantastic. Leon was getting older, but he played the piano and sang his heart out.” — Vaughn R.
- “In the 1970s, the Tarrant County Convention Center (as it was called then) was the largest concert venue in DFW. My two most memorable concerts were Elvis Presley and George Harrison with Billy Preston.” — Rusty B.
- “My very first concert — Lynyrd Skynyrd. I had floor seats with my cousin.” — GG H.
- “Sitting on the sidewalk overnight with a few hundred other cool people waiting to purchase Bee Gees concert tickets.” — Phyllis A.
- “Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart, Tom Jones, Frank, Liza, and Sammy, Pink Floyd, Kenny, and Dolly. So many great memories with dates and friends.” — Tom H.
