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Coordinates: 42°53′12.6″N 78°51′57.9″W / 42.886833°N 78.866083°W / 42.886833; -78.866083
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{{short description|former multipurpose arena in Buffalo, New York}}
{{Short description|Former multipurpose arena in Buffalo, New York}}

{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Broadway Auditorium
| stadium_name = Broadway Auditorium
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| broke_ground = May 5, 1858
| broke_ground = May 5, 1858
| opened = May 19, 1913
| opened = May 19, 1913
| capacity = 12,000<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=13xLAQAAIAAJ&lpg=PA163&ots=1YAbQ4d63s&dq=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20buffalo%20%2247%2C000%22&pg=PA163#v=onepage&q=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20buffalo%20%2247,000%22&f=false</ref>
| capacity = 12,000<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=13xLAQAAIAAJ&q=%22broadway+auditorium%22+buffalo+%2247%2C000%22&pg=PA163|title = Buffalo's Text Book: Adopted by the Department of Education for Use in the Public Schools of Buffalo|last1 = Barry|first1 = John F.|last2 = Elmes|first2 = Robert W.|year = 1924}}</ref>
| record_attendance =
| record_attendance =
| renovated = 1912, 1936, 1948
| renovated = 1912, 1936, 1948
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| operator =
| operator =
| surface =
| surface =
| construction_cost = US$45,000 (1858)<br/>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|45000|1858}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$25,025 (1884)<br/>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|25025|1884}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$64,000 (1912)<br/>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|64000|1912}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$115,000 (1936)<br/>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|115000|1936}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| construction_cost = US$45,000 (1858)<br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|45000|1858}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$25,025 (1884)<br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|25025|1884}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$64,000 (1912)<br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|64000|1912}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$115,000 (1936)<br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|115000|1936}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})<br />US$1,400,000 (1948)<br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|1400000|1948}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect = [[Calvin N. Otis]] (1858)
| architect = [[Calvin N. Otis]] (1858)<br />George J. Metzker (1884)<br />Robert J. Reidpath (1912)
| project_manager =
| project_manager =
| main_contractors = William F. Felton (1912)<br />[[Works Project Administration|WPA]] (1936)
| main_contractors = William F. Felton (1912)<br />[[Works Project Administration|WPA]] (1936)<br />W.F. Hendrich Company (1948)
| former_names = Broadway Arsenal<br />(1858–1883, 1908–1912)<br />Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory<br />(1884–1907)
| former_names = Broadway Arsenal<br />(1858–1883, 1908–1912)<br />Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory<br />(1884–1907)<br />Broadway Auditorium (1913–1940)
| tenants = [[Buffalo Majors]] ([[American Hockey Association (1926–42)|AHA]]) 1931<br />Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL) 1932<br />[[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]) 1936–1939<br />Buffalo Bisons ([[National Basketball League (United States)|NBL]]) 1937–1938
| tenants = [[Buffalo Majors]] ([[American Hockey Association (1926–42)|AHA]]) 1931<br />Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL) 1932<br />[[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]) 1936–1939<br />Buffalo Bisons ([[National Basketball League (United States)|NBL]]) 1937–1938
| dimensions = {{convert|47000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| dimensions = {{convert|47000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}
| acreage = {{Convert|5.3|acre}}
|}}
|}}


'''Broadway Auditorium''' is a former multipurpose arena in [[Buffalo, New York]]. It was part of a complex that first opened as '''Broadway Arsenal''' in 1858 to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the [[New York National Guard]]. The facility was expanded in 1884 with the addition of a [[drill hall]] and administration building to become the '''Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory'''. The [[National Guard Armory|armory]] was decommissioned in 1907, and the City of Buffalo opened the vacant [[drill hall]] as Broadway Auditorium in 1913.
'''Broadway Auditorium''' is a former multipurpose arena in [[Buffalo, New York]]. It was part of a complex that first opened as '''Broadway Arsenal''' in 1858 to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the [[New York National Guard]]. The facility was expanded in 1884 with the addition of a [[drill hall]] and administration building to become the '''Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory'''. The [[National Guard Armory|armory]] was decommissioned in 1907, and the City of Buffalo opened the vacant [[drill hall]] as Broadway Auditorium in 1913.


Broadway Auditorium was home to the [[Buffalo Majors]] ([[American Hockey Association (1926–42)|AHA]]), Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL), [[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]) and Buffalo Bisons ([[National Basketball League (United States)|NBL]]). It hosted notable events including the [[Six Days of Buffalo]] (1910–1940), NBA Tournament (1911), [[United States Bowling Congress|ABC]] National Tournament (1914, 1921, 1925 and 1931), and the 1930 [[boxing]] contest between [[Jimmy Slattery]] and Lou Scozza for the [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]] Light Heavyweight Title. Slattery fought at the venue 73 times in his [[International Boxing Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] career.
Broadway Auditorium was home to the [[Buffalo Majors]] ([[American Hockey Association (1926–42)|AHA]]), Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL), [[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]) and Buffalo Bisons ([[National Basketball League (United States)|NBL]]). It hosted notable events including the [[Six Days of Buffalo]] (1910–1940), NBA Tournament (1911), [[United States Bowling Congress|ABC]] National Tournament (1914, 1921, 1925 and 1931), [[New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championships|NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship]] (1927), and the [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] (1931–1939). [[Jimmy Slattery]] fought at the venue 73 times in his [[International Boxing Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] boxing career, highlighted by his 1930 win over Lou Scozza to become [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]] Light Heavyweight Champion.


After closing in 1940, the building was used as [[barracks]] for the 712th [[Military Police Corps (United States)|Military Police]] Battalion during [[World War II]]. It has served as the '''Broadway Garage''' [[public works]] storage facility for the City of Buffalo since 1948. The former auditorium is recognized as the world's oldest surviving structure that has hosted [[professional ice hockey]], and has been targeted for [[historic preservation]].<ref name=NYT_BBA>{{cite web |url=http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/in-buffalo-hockey-history-survives-barely-in-what-was-the-broadway-auditorium/?scp=1&sq=buffalo&st=cse&_r=1 |title=In Buffalo, Hockey History Survives (Barely) in What Was the Broadway Auditorium |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 15, 2012 |author=Klein, Jeff Z. |accessdate=September 19, 2016}}</ref>
After closing in 1940, the complex was used as [[barracks]] for the 712th [[Military Police Corps (United States)|Military Police]] Battalion during [[World War II]]. The former auditorium began serving as [[public works]] storage facility '''Broadway Garage''' (known [[colloquialism|colloquially]] as '''Broadway Barns''') after the arsenal was demolished in 1948. Following renovations slated to begin in 2024, the building will reopen as a [[sports complex]].


==History==
==History==

===Planning and construction===
===Planning and construction===
Broadway [[Arsenal]] was designed by architect [[Calvin N. Otis]] and constructed in 1858. The $45,000 facility was funded by [[New York State]] to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the [[New York National Guard]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0I7efjujcFQC&q=cornerstone+arsenal+buffalo+1858&pg=PA63|title = New York's Historic Armories: An Illustrated History|isbn = 9780791480991|last1 = Todd|first1 = Nancy L.|date = 14 September 2006| publisher=State University of New York Press }}</ref> The Niagaras of Buffalo, a [[baseball team]] playing in the [[National Association of Base Ball Players]], began using the arsenal grounds as a practice field in 1865.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pELrjlXXKJ4C&dq=niagara%20baseball%20club%20arsenal&pg=PA107|page=107|title=Base Ball Pioneers, 1850-1870 : The Clubs and Players Who Spread the Sport Nationwide|date=10 January 2014|publisher=McFarland|isbn=9780786490011|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>
The 74th Regiment moved to Virginia Street Armory in 1868.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/armories-arsenals/buffalo-armory-virginia-street-1882-1886|title=Buffalo: Virginia Street Armory (1882-1886) :: New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center|website=Museum.dmna.ny.gov|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


New York State funded the facility's conversion to the Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory in 1884, adding a [[drill hall]] and administration building at a cost of $25,025.75.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJ4lAQAAIAAJ&dq=arsenal%20buffalo%201884%20%22drill%20hall%22&pg=RA2-PA449|title=Documents of the Senate of the State of New York : Volume 1|publisher=New York (State). Legislature. Senate|date=1885|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> [[Major (United States)|Major]] George J. Metzker of the 65th Regiment designed and oversaw construction of both the drill hall and administration building. President-elect [[Grover Cleveland]] dedicated the new drill hall during a ceremony on January 13, 1885.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85042132/1885-01-13/ed-1/seq-4/|title=The evening republic. (Buffalo, N.Y.) 1876-1885, January 13, 1885, Image 4|date=13 January 1885|issue=1885/01/13|pages=4|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Nyshistoricnewspapers.org}}</ref>
Broadway [[Arsenal]] was designed by [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-Gothic]] architect [[Calvin N. Otis]] and constructed in 1858. The $45,000 facility was funded by [[New York State]] to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the [[New York National Guard]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=0I7efjujcFQC&lpg=PA63&ots=kQ6vZ1u7Bh&dq=cornerstone%20arsenal%20buffalo%201858&pg=PA63#v=onepage&q=cornerstone%20arsenal%20buffalo%201858&f=false</ref> The Niagaras of Buffalo, a [[baseball team]] playing in the [[National Association of Base Ball Players]], began using the arsenal grounds as a practice field in 1865.<ref>https://www.google.com/books/edition/Base_Ball_Pioneers_1850_1870/pELrjlXXKJ4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=niagara%20baseball%20club%20arsenal&pg=PA107&printsec=frontcover&bsq=niagara%20baseball%20club%20arsenal</ref>
The 74th Regiment moved to Virginia Street Armory in 1868.<ref>https://dmna.ny.gov/historic/armories/BuffaloVirginiaStreet2.html</ref>

New York State funded the facility's conversion to the Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory in 1884, adding a [[drill hall]] and administration building at a cost of $25,025.75.<ref>https://www.google.com/books/edition/Documents_of_the_Senate_of_the_State_of/TJ4lAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=arsenal%20buffalo%201884%20%22drill%20hall%22&pg=RA2-PA449&printsec=frontcover&bsq=arsenal%20buffalo%201884%20%22drill%20hall%22</ref> President-elect [[Grover Cleveland]] dedicated the new drill hall during a ceremony on January 13, 1885.<ref>https://www.nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85042132/1885-01-13/ed-1/seq-4/</ref>


The armory was decommissioned on February 1, 1907 when the 65th Regiment moved to newly built Masten Avenue Armory.<ref name=GBB_BBA>{{cite web |url=http://greaterbuffalo.blogs.com/gbb/2012/02/city-wants-to-demo-old-broadway-arsenalarmoryauditorium-campaign-has-an-alternative.html |title=City wants to demo old Broadway arsenal/armory/auditorium; Campaign has an alternative |website=Greater Buffalo Blog |date=February 17, 2012 |publisher=The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture |accessdate=September 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>https://newspaperarchive.com/wellsville-allegany-county-reporter-feb-01-1907-p-4/</ref>
The armory was decommissioned on February 1, 1907, when the 65th Regiment moved to newly built Masten Avenue Armory.<ref name=GBB_BBA>{{cite web |url=http://greaterbuffalo.blogs.com/gbb/2012/02/city-wants-to-demo-old-broadway-arsenalarmoryauditorium-campaign-has-an-alternative.html |title=City wants to demo old Broadway arsenal/armory/auditorium; Campaign has an alternative |website=Greater Buffalo Blog |date=February 17, 2012 |publisher=The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture & Culture |access-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/wellsville-allegany-county-reporter-feb-01-1907-p-4/|title=Wellsville Allegany County Reporter Archives, Feb 1, 1907, p. 4|date=1 February 1907|website=NewspaperArchive.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


===Opening and reception===
===Opening and reception===


The City of Buffalo acquired the former armory in 1908 and began using the [[drill hall]] for public gatherings. [[Buffalo Common Council]] had rejected a proposal to reopen the facility as [[Hutchinson Central Technical High School|Technical High School]] in favor of using it as a [[convention center|convention hall]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442928560/</ref> The city formally opened the drill hall portion of the complex as Broadway Auditorium on May 19, 1913. Dedication festivities lasted several days, and included a speech by New York Governor [[William Sulzer]] and concert performance by [[tenor]] Charles Morati.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442501045/</ref>
The City of Buffalo acquired the former armory in 1908 and began using the [[drill hall]] for public gatherings. [[Buffalo Common Council]] had rejected a proposal to reopen the facility as [[Hutchinson Central Technical High School|Technical High School]] in favor of using it as a [[convention center|convention hall]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442928560/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on June 14, 1910 · 4|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> The city formally opened the drill hall portion of the complex as Broadway Auditorium on May 19, 1913. Dedication festivities lasted several days, and included a speech by New York Governor [[William Sulzer]] and concert performance by [[tenor]] Charles Morati.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442501045/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on May 18, 1913 · 33|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


A [[soft opening]] had commenced in 1912 while the building underwent $64,000 in renovations, which included the addition of a lighted [[Marquee (structure)|marquee]], [[bleacher]] seating, and a stage that could accommodate [[big band]] orchestras.<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/buffalos-first-armory-is-laden-in-rich-memories-it-later-became-the-citys-first-auditorium/article_2bd1ea8a-72ec-51bf-93e5-44f9957584e3.html</ref> William F. Felton, who had constructed many of the buildings for the [[Pan-American Exposition]], completed the work.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41161321/the-buffalo-times/</ref>
A [[soft opening]] had commenced in 1912 while the building underwent $64,000 in renovations, which included the addition of a lighted [[Marquee (structure)|marquee]], [[bleacher]] seating, and a stage that could accommodate [[big band]] orchestras.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/buffalos-first-armory-is-laden-in-rich-memories-it-later-became-the-citys-first-auditorium/article_2bd1ea8a-72ec-51bf-93e5-44f9957584e3.html|title=BUFFALO'S FIRST ARMORY IS LADEN IN RICH MEMORIES IT LATER BECAME THE CITY'S FIRST AUDITORIUM, NOW A STREETS DEPARTMENT GARAGE|first=MARGE THIELMAN|last=HASTREITER|website=The Buffalo News|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> Robert J. Reidpath designed the building's new roof, which added [[clerestory]] windows for lighting and ventilation. William F. Felton, who had constructed many of the buildings for the [[Pan-American Exposition]], completed the [[masonry]] work.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41161321/the-buffalo-times/|title=Clipped From The Buffalo Times|date=24 November 1912|pages=26|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


===Alterations===
===Alterations===
[[File:Jay-silverheels-01.png|thumb|right|[[Jay Silverheels|Harry Smith]]]]
[[File:Jay-silverheels-01.png|thumb|[[Jay Silverheels|Harry Smith]]]]


The venue was host to the [[Six Days of Buffalo]] series of [[six-day racing]] events between 1910 and 1940.<ref>http://www.memoire-du-cyclisme.eu/piste_6jours/6j_buffalo.php</ref> Champions of the event included future [[United States Bicycling Hall of Fame]] members [[Reggie McNamara]] (1915) and [[Cecil Yates]] (1939 and 1940). Future [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]] members [[Doug Peden]] and [[William Peden]] teamed to win the event in 1937.
The venue was host to the [[Six Days of Buffalo]] series of [[six-day racing]] events between 1910 and 1940.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.memoire-du-cyclisme.eu/piste_6jours/6j_buffalo.php|title=6 jours de Buffalo (Etats-Unis)|website=Memoire-du-cyclisme.eu|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> Champions of the event included future [[United States Bicycling Hall of Fame]] members [[Reggie McNamara]] (1915) and [[Cecil Yates]] (1939 and 1940). Future [[Canada's Sports Hall of Fame]] members [[Doug Peden]] and [[William Peden]] teamed to win the event in 1937.


The building was home to the [[Buffalo Majors]] of the [[American Hockey Association (1926-42)|American Hockey Association]] in 1931. The team featured future [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] member [[Moose Goheen]], and would move to [[Peace Bridge Arena]] the following season.<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/the-buffalo-of-yesteryear-the-broadway-barns-citys-original-hockey-venue/article_b4026945-d11d-5288-bb26-660ee40e48cc.html</ref>
The building was home to the [[Buffalo Majors]] of the [[American Hockey Association (1926-42)|American Hockey Association]] in 1931. The team featured future [[Hockey Hall of Fame]] member [[Moose Goheen]], and would move to [[Peace Bridge Arena]] the following season.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/the-buffalo-of-yesteryear-the-broadway-barns-citys-original-hockey-venue/article_b4026945-d11d-5288-bb26-660ee40e48cc.html|title=The Buffalo of Yesteryear: The Broadway Barns, city's original hockey venue|first=Luke|last=Hammill|website=The Buffalo News|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


The venue was home to the Buffalo Bowmans of the Indoor Professional Lacrosse League in 1932. The Bowmans were the first [[box lacrosse]] team in the United States, and featured future [[Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame]] member [[Jay Silverheels|Harry Smith]]. Smith would later find fame as an actor using the stage name Jay Silverheels.<ref>https://news.wbfo.org/post/heritage-moments-how-jay-silverheels-man-who-played-tonto-got-his-name</ref>
The venue was home to the Buffalo Bowmans of the Indoor Professional Lacrosse League in 1932. The Bowmans were the first [[box lacrosse]] team in the United States, and featured future [[Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame]] member [[Jay Silverheels|Harry Smith]]. Smith would later find fame as an actor, using the [[stage name]] Jay Silverheels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbfo.org/heritage-moments/2016-10-24/heritage-moments-how-jay-silverheels-the-man-who-played-tonto-got-his-name|title=Heritage Moments: How Jay Silverheels, the man who played Tonto, got his name|date=24 October 2016|website=Wbfo.org|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee [[Ross Powless]] recounted during a speech how Smith acquired the nickname "Silverheels" while playing for the Buffalo Bowmans:
Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee [[Ross Powless]] recounted during a speech how Smith acquired the nickname "Silverheels" while playing for the Buffalo Bowmans:


{{Cquote|Judy "Punch" Garlow told me how Harry got the name Silverheels. One time the boys won new white lacrosse shoes for playing good and Harry ran so fast in them new white shoes, all you could see was flashes of white at his heels. I guess they couldn't very well call him Whiteheels, him being [[Mohawk people|Mohawk]] and all, so they called him Silverheels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.wbfo.org/post/heritage-moments-how-jay-silverheels-man-who-played-tonto-got-his-name|title=Heritage Moments: How Jay Silverheels, the man who played Tonto, got his name|publisher=WBFO}}</ref>}}
{{Cquote|Judy "Punch" Garlow told me how Harry got the name Silverheels. One time the boys won new white lacrosse shoes for playing good and Harry ran so fast in them new white shoes, all you could see was flashes of white at his heels. I guess they couldn't very well call him Whiteheels, him being [[Mohawk people|Mohawk]] and all, so they called him Silverheels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.wbfo.org/post/heritage-moments-how-jay-silverheels-man-who-played-tonto-got-his-name|title=Heritage Moments: How Jay Silverheels, the man who played Tonto, got his name|date=24 October 2016|publisher=WBFO}}</ref>}}


Renovations were carried out by the [[Works Progress Administration]] in 1936 to make the venue more suitable as a [[convention hall]]. The $115,000 project included the installation of gallery seating, and a wooden floor that could accommodate [[basketball]].<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/buffalos-first-armory-is-laden-in-rich-memories-it-later-became-the-citys-first-auditorium/article_2bd1ea8a-72ec-51bf-93e5-44f9957584e3.html</ref>
Renovations were carried out by the [[Works Progress Administration]] in 1936 to make the venue more suitable as a [[convention hall]]. The $115,000 project included the installation of gallery seating, and a wooden floor that could accommodate [[basketball]].<ref name="auto2"/>


The [[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] men's basketball team of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] called the venue home from 1936 to 1939.<ref>https://admin.xosn.com/pdf7/132270.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=20500</ref>
The [[Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball|Canisius Golden Griffins]] men's basketball team of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] called the venue home from 1936 to 1939.<ref>[https://admin.xosn.com/pdf7/132270.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=20500] {{dead link|date=December 2021}}</ref>


The venue was home to the Buffalo Bisons of the [[National Basketball League (United States)|National Basketball League]] for the [[1937–38 National Basketball League (United States) season|1937–1938 season]]. The team featured future [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] member [[Al Cervi]].<ref>https://www.statscrew.com/basketball/stats/t-BFB/y-1937</ref>
The venue was home to the Buffalo Bisons of the [[National Basketball League (United States)|National Basketball League]] for the [[1937–38 National Basketball League (United States) season|1937–1938 season]]. The team featured future [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] member [[Al Cervi]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.statscrew.com/basketball/stats/t-BFB/y-1937|title=1937 Buffalo Bisons basketball Statistics|website=Statscrew.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


===Closing and future===
===Closing===
[[File:Colored Musicians Club - 20191001.jpg|thumb|right|[[Colored Musicians Club]]]]
[[File:Michigan Avenue African American Heritage Corridor Memorial Arch, Buffalo, New York - 20191001 - 01.jpg|thumb|Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor]]


In 1940, the venue was rendered obsolete by the newly built [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium]].
In 1940, the venue was rendered obsolete by the newly built [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium]].


The vacant complex was recommissioned in support of [[World War II]] as [[barracks]] for the 712th [[Military Police Corps (United States)|Military Police]] Battalion.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/38698297/</ref><ref>https://ecommons.library.cornell.edu/bitstream/1813/27412/1/045_25.pdf</ref> This came after a 1941 proposal for converting the auditorium to [[Defense Homes Corporation]] housing for [[Solvay Process Company|Semet-Solvay Company]] workers was rejected by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politicians and local business leaders, as the housing would not have maintained [[racial segregation]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=adEZAAAAIAAJ&lpg=RA1-PA109&ots=uAKjk5o4by&dq=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20colored%20housing%20defense&pg=RA1-PA109#v=onepage&q=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20colored%20housing%20defense&f=false</ref>
The vacant complex was recommissioned in support of [[World War II]] as [[barracks]] for the 712th [[Military Police Corps (United States)|Military Police]] Battalion.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/38698297/|title=Times Herald from Olean, New York on December 21, 1942 · Page 3|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ecommons.library.cornell.edu/bitstream/1813/27412/1/045_25.pdf|title=Cornell Alumni News|date=April 22, 1943|website=Ecommons.library.cornell.edu|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> This came after a 1941 proposal for converting the auditorium to [[Defense Homes Corporation]] housing for [[Solvay Process Company|Semet-Solvay Company]] workers was rejected by [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] politicians and local business leaders, as the housing would not have maintained [[racial segregation]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=adEZAAAAIAAJ&q=%22broadway+auditorium%22+colored+housing+defense&pg=RA1-PA109|title=Opportunity|date=17 December 1969|publisher=National Urban League|access-date=17 December 2021|via=Google Books}}</ref>


The original arsenal building was heavily damaged by an accidental fire on August 30, 1948 while undergoing renovations.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/50045112/</ref> The arsenal was then demolished so that [[garage doors]] could be added to the auditorium for accommodation of [[public works]] vehicles.<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/buffalos-first-armory-is-laden-in-rich-memories-it-later-became-the-citys-first-auditorium/article_2bd1ea8a-72ec-51bf-93e5-44f9957584e3.html</ref> The arsenal's only surviving feature remains its original concrete [[Portal (architecture)|portal]] that connected it to the rear of the auditorium.<ref>https://greaterbuffalo.blogs.com/gbb/2012/02/city-wants-to-demo-old-broadway-arsenalarmoryauditorium-campaign-has-an-alternative.html</ref> The architecture that made up the exterior of the auditorium was encapsuled behind yellow colored [[brick]]. The renovated building was renamed Broadway Garage and remains used for [[public works]] storage by the City of Buffalo to this day.
An accidental fire heavily damaged the original arsenal building on August 30, 1948, while it was undergoing renovations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/50045112/|title=The Kane Republican from Kane, Pennsylvania on August 31, 1948 · Page 5|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> The arsenal was then demolished so that [[garage doors]] could be added to the auditorium for accommodation of [[public works]] vehicles.<ref name="auto2"/> The only surviving feature of the arsenal remains its original concrete [[Portal (architecture)|portal]] that connected it to the rear of the auditorium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greaterbuffalo.blogs.com/gbb/2012/02/city-wants-to-demo-old-broadway-arsenalarmoryauditorium-campaign-has-an-alternative.html|title=City wants to demo old Broadway arsenal/armory/auditorium; Campaign has an alternative|website=Greaterbuffalo.blogs.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> Architecture that made up the exterior of the auditorium, including its original [[façade]], was encapsulated behind yellow colored [[brick]] as part of the $1,400,000 project. The building was renamed Broadway Garage in 1948 when the City of Buffalo began using it for [[public works]] storage.


===Reopening===
Competing interests have discussed either demolishing or restoring the facility in recent years.<ref name=WKBW_BBA>{{cite web |url=http://www.wkbw.com/news/whats-next-for-the-historic-broadway-barns |title=What's next for the historic Broadway Barns? |website=WKBW.com |date=April 15, 2015 |author=Bove, Matt |accessdate=September 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220064409/http://www.wkbw.com/news/whats-next-for-the-historic-broadway-barns |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The building was nearly [[Condemned property|condemned]] by the [[New York State Department of Labor]] in 2001.<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/city-vows-to-address-safety-issues-at-garage/article_cb6e51d4-6aae-50cf-b543-564f3cd7c6b6.html</ref> Nearby landmarks in the Willert Park neighborhood including the [[Colored Musicians Club]], [[Michigan Street Baptist Church]] and [[Rev. J. Edward Nash Sr. House]] have already been incorporated into the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor and added to the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Buffalo, New York|National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>https://www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/the-anchors</ref>
Competing interests often discussed either demolishing or restoring the facility.<ref name=WKBW_BBA>{{cite web |url=http://www.wkbw.com/news/whats-next-for-the-historic-broadway-barns |title=What's next for the historic Broadway Barns? |website=WKBW.com |date=April 15, 2015 |author=Bove, Matt |access-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220064409/http://www.wkbw.com/news/whats-next-for-the-historic-broadway-barns |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The building was nearly [[Condemned property|condemned]] by the [[New York State Department of Labor]] in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/city-vows-to-address-safety-issues-at-garage/article_cb6e51d4-6aae-50cf-b543-564f3cd7c6b6.html|title=CITY VOWS TO ADDRESS SAFETY ISSUES AT GARAGE|first=Brian|last=Meyer|website=The Buffalo News|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> In 2022, the City of Buffalo placed the 5.3 acre property out to bid for private redevelopment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fink |first=James |date=May 2, 2022 |title=City putting Broadway Barns, animal shelter, LaSalle acreage out to bid |url=https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local/city-putting-broadway-barns-animal-shelter-lasalle-acreage-out-to-bid-buffalo-business-first/71-166f9b8c-33f4-4cc1-b978-3d86154c85c6 |access-date=2022-05-02 |website=wgrz.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


It was announced in 2023 that the former auditorium would be renovated into a year-round [[sports complex]], with a [[cultural center]] and [[affordable housing]] constructed on the former arsenal grounds.<ref name="Buffalo News 2023">{{cite web | title=Silo City developer wins Broadway Barns project | website=Buffalo News | date=May 24, 2023 | url=https://buffalonews.com/business/local/silo-city-developer-wins-broadway-barns-project-anthony-ceroy-danielle-shainbrown-nicole-komen/article_cb658b02-f8d1-11ed-802d-7b52ee32b033.html | access-date=May 27, 2023}}</ref>
==Notable events==


The former auditorium is recognized as the world's oldest surviving structure that has hosted [[professional ice hockey]], and has been targeted for [[historic preservation]].<ref name=NYT_BBA>{{cite news|url=http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/in-buffalo-hockey-history-survives-barely-in-what-was-the-broadway-auditorium/?scp=1&sq=buffalo&st=cse&_r=1 |title=In Buffalo, Hockey History Survives (Barely) in What Was the Broadway Auditorium |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=February 15, 2012 |author=Klein, Jeff Z. |access-date=September 19, 2016}}</ref> Preservation Buffalo Niagara has a pending application with the City of Buffalo for the site to be declared a local landmark within the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.<ref name="Preservation Buffalo Niagara 2023">{{cite web | title=Broadway Barns up for Local Landmarking | website=Preservation Buffalo Niagara | date=April 13, 2023 | url=https://preservationbuffaloniagara.org/blog-post/broadway-barns-application-submitted-for-a-local-landmark-status/ | access-date=May 27, 2023}}</ref> Nearby landmarks in the Willert Park neighborhood including the [[Colored Musicians Club]], [[Michigan Street Baptist Church]] and [[Rev. J. Edward Nash Sr. House]] are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Buffalo, New York|National Register of Historic Places]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.michiganstreetbuffalo.org/the-anchors|title=THE ANCHORS|website=Michiganstreetbuffalo.org|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>

==Notable events==
===Bowling===
===Bowling===
[[File:1910fuhrmanns.jpg|thumb|[[Louis P. Fuhrmann]]]]
[[File:American Bowling Congress, Bowling Tournament, Milwaukee, Wis LCCN2007663973.tif|thumb|right|[[United States Bowling Congress|ABC]] National Tournament, 1905]]


The venue hosted the 5th Annual National Bowling Association Tournament in March 1911, which was won by Joseph West who defeated 1,451 other competitors.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/50073634/</ref><ref>https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85026837/1911-03-04/ed-1/seq-4/</ref><ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=f3pQAQAAMAAJ&lpg=PA376&ots=GlJa9eo2MR&dq=%22joseph%20west%22%20%22national%20bowling%20association%22&pg=PA376#v=onepage&q=%22joseph%20west%22%20%22national%20bowling%20association%22&f=false</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/135582902/</ref> Mayor [[Louis P. Fuhrmann]] rolled the Ceremonial First Ball to open the event.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/78235718/</ref>
The venue hosted the 5th Annual National Bowling Association Tournament in March 1911, which was won by Joseph West who defeated 1,451 other competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/50073634/|title=The Washington Herald from Washington, District of Columbia on March 2, 1911 · Page 9|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/lccn/sn85026837/1911-03-04/ed-1/seq-4/|title=The New Rochelle pioneer. (New Rochelle [N.Y.]) 1860-1920, March 04, 1911, Image 4|date=4 March 1911|issue=1911/03/04|pages=4|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Nyshistoricnewspapers.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f3pQAQAAMAAJ&q=%22joseph+west%22+%22national+bowling+association%22&pg=PA376|title=The Chicago Daily News Almanac and Year Book for|last1=Plumbe|first1=George Edward|last2=Langland|first2=James|last3=Pike|first3=Claude Othello|year=1913}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/135582902/|title=Democrat and Chronicle from Rochester, New York on March 18, 1911 · Page 23|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> Mayor [[Louis P. Fuhrmann]] rolled the Ceremonial First Ball to open the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/78235718/|title=The Washington Herald from Washington, District of Columbia on February 26, 1911 · Page 2|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


The venue hosted the 14th Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1914, which was won by Larry Sutton who defeated 450 other competitors.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442530724/</ref><ref>http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/RegularSingleschampions.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.bowl.com/Open_Championships/Open_Championships_Home/Past_Results_and_History/</ref>
The venue hosted the 14th Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1914, which was won by Larry Sutton who defeated 450 other competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442530724/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on March 8, 1914 · 58|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/RegularSingleschampions.pdf|title=Regular Singles|website=Usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bowl.com/Templates/Interior.aspx?id=12884907691|title=BOWL.com &#124; Past Results and History|website=Bowl.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


The venue hosted the 21st Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1921, which was won by Fred Smith who defeated 940 other competitors.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/409783400/</ref><ref>http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/RegularSingleschampions.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.bowl.com/Open_Championships/Open_Championships_Home/Past_Results_and_History/</ref>
The venue hosted the 21st Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1921, which was won by Fred Smith who defeated 940 other competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/409783400/|title=Buffalo Courier from Buffalo, New York on March 9, 1921 · 10|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto"/>


The venue hosted the 25th Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1925, which was won by Al Green who defeated 2,200 other competitors.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/410651374/</ref><ref>http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/RegularSingleschampions.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.bowl.com/Open_Championships/Open_Championships_Home/Past_Results_and_History/</ref>
The venue hosted the 25th Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1925, which was won by Al Green who defeated 2,200 other competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/410651374/|title=Buffalo Courier from Buffalo, New York on March 6, 1925 · 11|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto"/>


The venue hosted the 31st Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1931, which was won by Walter Lachowski who defeated 2.639 other competitors.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/35900331/</ref><ref>http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/RegularSingleschampions.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.bowl.com/Open_Championships/Open_Championships_Home/Past_Results_and_History/</ref>
The venue hosted the 31st Annual [[United States Bowling Congress|American Bowling Congress]] National Tournament in March 1931, which was won by Walter Lachowski who defeated 2.639 other competitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/35900331/|title=Times Herald from Olean, New York on April 8, 1931 · Page 11|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto"/>


===Boxing===
===Boxing===
[[File:Jimmy Slattery 2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jimmy Slattery]]]]
[[File:Jimmy Slattery 2.jpg|thumb|[[Jimmy Slattery]]]]


[[List of WBA world champions|NBA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jack Dempsey]] defeated Jimmy Darcy in a 4-round [[boxing]] exhibition at the venue on July 24, 1922 to win the inaugural [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC Heavyweight Title]].<ref>https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey_vs._Jimmy_Darcy</ref>
[[List of WBA world champions|NBA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Jack Dempsey]] defeated Jimmy Darcy in a 4-round [[boxing]] exhibition at the venue on July 24, 1922, to win the inaugural [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC Heavyweight Title]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Dempsey_vs._Jimmy_Darcy|title=Jack Dempsey vs. Jimmy Darcy - BoxRec|website=Boxrec.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Rocky Kansas]] defeated [[Jimmy Goodrich]] at the venue on December 7, 1925, lasting 15 rounds to become World Lightweight Champion by [[unanimous decision]] before a crowd of 12,000.<ref>http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/oldtimer/kansas.html</ref>
[[Rocky Kansas]] defeated [[Jimmy Goodrich]] at the venue on December 7, 1925, lasting 15 rounds to become World Lightweight Champion by [[unanimous decision]] before a crowd of 12,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/oldtimer/kansas.html|title=Rocky Kansas|website=Ibhof.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[George Godfrey (boxer, born 1897)|George Godfrey]] defeated [[Larry Gains]] by [[corner stoppage]] at the venue on November 8, 1926 to win the vacant [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=z-n5DwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA177&ots=nDvd1hUmej&dq=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%201926%20%22larry%20gains%22%20%22george%20godfrey%22colored&pg=PA177#v=onepage&q=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%201926%20%22larry%20gains%22%20%22george%20godfrey%22colored&f=false</ref><ref>https://boxrec.com/en/event/58631</ref>
[[George Godfrey (boxer, born 1897)|George Godfrey]] defeated [[Larry Gains]] by [[corner stoppage]] at the venue on November 8, 1926, to win the vacant [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z-n5DwAAQBAJ&q=%22broadway+auditorium%22+1926+%22larry+gains%22+%22george+godfrey%22colored&pg=PA177|title = The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937|isbn = 9781476639871|last1 = Baker|first1 = Mark Allen|date = 25 August 2020| publisher=McFarland }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/58631|title=BoxRec: Event|website=Boxrec.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Jimmy Slattery]] defeated Lou Scozza by [[majority decision]] during a February 10, 1930 [[boxing]] card at the venue, lasting 15 rounds to win the vacant [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]] Light Heavyweight Title. The contest drew 11,000 fans and is considered Buffalo's Greatest Fight of the 20th Century.<ref>https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/member/lou-scozza/</ref>
[[Jimmy Slattery]] defeated Lou Scozza by [[majority decision]] during a February 10, 1930 [[boxing]] card at the venue, lasting 15 rounds to win the vacant [[New York State Athletic Commission|NYSAC]] Light Heavyweight Title. The contest drew 11,000 fans and is considered Buffalo's Greatest Fight of the 20th Century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/member/lou-scozza/|title=LOU SCOZZA |website=Buffalosportshalloffame.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


Future World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]] defeated Young Stanley Ketchel by knockout in a [[boxing]] exhibition at the venue on January 11, 1937.<ref>https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Joe_Louis_vs._Young_Stanley_Ketchel</ref>
Future World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]] defeated Young Stanley Ketchel by knockout in a [[boxing]] exhibition at the venue on January 11, 1937.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Joe_Louis_vs._Young_Stanley_Ketchel|title=Joe Louis vs. Young Stanley Ketchel - BoxRec|website=Boxrec.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Bob Pastor]] defeated Charley Eagle by [[unanimous decision]] in the venue's final event on June 28, 1940. The bout had been scheduled for [[War Memorial Stadium (Buffalo, New York)|Civic Stadium]], but was moved to the auditorium due to cold weather.<ref>https://boxrec.com/en/event/57698</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/114120644/</ref>
[[Bob Pastor]] defeated Charley Eagle by [[unanimous decision]] in the venue's final event on June 28, 1940. The bout had been scheduled for [[War Memorial Stadium (Buffalo, New York)|Civic Stadium]], but was moved to the auditorium due to cold weather.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/57698|title=BoxRec: Event|website=Boxrec.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/114120644/|title=Poughkeepsie Eagle-News from Poughkeepsie, New York on June 27, 1940 · Page 10|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


===Concerts===
===Concerts===
[[File:Ella Fitzgerald (Gottlieb 02871).jpg|thumb|right|[[Ella Fitzgerald]]]]
[[File:Ella Fitzgerald (Gottlieb 02871).jpg|thumb|[[Ella Fitzgerald]]]]


The venue featured concerts by acts including [[Artie Shaw]],<ref>https://kipdf.com/artie-shaw_5ab734af1723dd329c646715.html</ref> [[Cab Calloway]],<ref>https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/cab-calloway-and-his-orchestra/1940/broadway-auditorium-buffalo-ny-63feb2bf.html</ref> [[Count Basie]],<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/may-7-1940-count-basie-glenn-miller-playing-in-buffalo/article_6d9460b3-24de-50a4-b248-e25a593fca87.html</ref> [[Ella Fitzgerald]],<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=W13y4UwnHIcC&lpg=PA46&ots=oLjnY-ENhS&dq=%22ella%20fitzgerald%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PA46#v=onepage&q=%22ella%20fitzgerald%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&f=false</ref> [[Enrico Caruso]],<ref>https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/enrico-caruso/1919/broadway-auditorium-buffalo-ny-1bfe15b4.html</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20978422/nina-morgana-1919/</ref> [[Jimmie Lunceford]],<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/40857392/</ref> [[John Philip Sousa]],<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21735026/frist-american-production/</ref><ref>https://archive.org/stream/variety28-1912-11/variety28-1912-11_djvu.txt</ref> [[Mamie Smith]],<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27417128/the-buffalo-times/</ref> [[Nina Morgana]],<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20978422/nina-morgana-1919/</ref> [[Paul Whiteman]]<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494358667/</ref> and [[Sistine Chapel Choir]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=gNtFAQAAMAAJ&lpg=RA6-PA24&ots=VvPVzK3oSC&dq=%22new%20york%20philharmonic%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20buffalo&pg=RA6-PA24#v=onepage&q=%22new%20york%20philharmonic%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20buffalo&f=false</ref>
The venue featured concerts by acts including [[Artie Shaw]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kipdf.com/artie-shaw_5ab734af1723dd329c646715.html|title=ARTIE SHAW|website=Kipdf.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> [[Cab Calloway]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/cab-calloway-and-his-orchestra/1940/broadway-auditorium-buffalo-ny-63feb2bf.html|title=Cab Calloway and His Orchestra Setlist at Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> [[Count Basie]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/may-7-1940-count-basie-glenn-miller-playing-in-buffalo/article_6d9460b3-24de-50a4-b248-e25a593fca87.html|title=May 7, 1940: Count Basie, Glenn Miller playing in Buffalo|first=Steve|last=Cichon|website=The Buffalo News|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> [[Ella Fitzgerald]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W13y4UwnHIcC&q=%22ella+fitzgerald%22+%22broadway+auditorium%22&pg=PA46|title = Ella Fitzgerald: The Chick Webb Years & Beyond|isbn = 9780810848818|last1 = Fritts|first1 = Ron|last2 = Vail|first2 = Ken|year = 2003| publisher=Scarecrow Press }}</ref> [[Enrico Caruso]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/enrico-caruso/1919/broadway-auditorium-buffalo-ny-1bfe15b4.html|title=Enrico Caruso Setlist at Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo|website=Setlist.fm|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20978422/nina-morgana-1919/|title=Nina Morgana 1919|date=5 April 1919|pages=10|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Jimmie Lunceford]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/40857392/|title=The Pittsburgh Courier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 11, 1939 · Page 21|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> [[John Philip Sousa]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21735026/frist-american-production/|title=Frist american production?|date=3 November 1912|pages=40|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/variety28-1912-11|title=Variety (November 1912)|date=17 December 1912|publisher=New York, NY: Variety Publishing Company|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Archive.org}}</ref> [[Mamie Smith]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27417128/the-buffalo-times/|title=Clipped From The Buffalo Times|date=27 April 1922|pages=15|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref> [[Nina Morgana]],<ref name="auto4"/> [[Paul Whiteman]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494358667/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on May 15, 1924 · 12|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> and [[Sistine Chapel Choir]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gNtFAQAAMAAJ&q=%22new+york+philharmonic%22+%22broadway+auditorium%22+buffalo&pg=RA6-PA24|title = Musical America|year = 1919}}</ref>


Free concerts featuring local acts such as the [[Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra]] were regularly held on Sundays.
Free concerts featuring local acts such as the [[Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra]] were regularly held on Sundays.


The venue was host to the annual Lew Horschel [[barn dance|Barn Dance]], a themed gala to benefit local charities that transformed the auditorium into a rural village.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441647526/</ref> Horschel was the resident [[concessionaire]] for Broadway Auditorium and other local entities including [[Erie County Fair]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=wMTFAwAAQBAJ&lpg=PA55&ots=aIP2zBJN3S&dq=%22lew%20horschel%22%20%22erie%20county%20fair%22&pg=PA55#v=onepage&q=%22lew%20horschel%22%20%22erie%20county%20fair%22&f=false</ref><ref>https://www.google.com/books/edition/State_of_New_York_Supreme_Court/3DW_uSIdrQcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22lew%20horschel%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PP3&printsec=frontcover&bsq=%22lew%20horschel%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22</ref>
The venue was host to the annual Lew Horschel [[barn dance|Barn Dance]], a themed gala to benefit local charities that transformed the auditorium into a rural village.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441647526/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 2, 1921 · 60|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> Horschel was the resident [[concessionaire]] for Broadway Auditorium and other local entities including [[Erie County Fair]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMTFAwAAQBAJ&q=%22lew+horschel%22+%22erie+county+fair%22&pg=PA55|title=Erie County Fair|year=2014|publisher=Arcadia |isbn=9781467122061}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3DW_uSIdrQcC&dq=%22lew%20horschel%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PP3|title=State of New York Supreme Court|pages=8/9|website=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>


===Hockey===
===High school===
The inaugural Interscholastic Indoor Championship, a multisport competition between local high schools, was staged at the venue on March 28, 1919.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25392760/the-buffalo-enquirer/|title=Clipped From The Buffalo Enquirer|date=22 March 1919|pages=12|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref> ''Buffalo Enquirer'' sponsored the event, and [[Hutchinson Central Technical High School|Hutchinson High School]] was awarded the Enquirer Cup for their victory.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/409668631/|title=Buffalo Courier from Buffalo, New York on March 29, 1922 · 11|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


The venue was host to the [[New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championships|NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship]] on March 26, 1927, that saw [[Yonkers Middle High School]] defeat [[Elmira Free Academy]] 26–24 to win the state title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/276345169/|title=Star-Gazette from Elmira, New York on March 28, 1927 · 7|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>
The [[Buffalo Majors]] won their inaugural game at the venue on January 25, 1931 by defeating the Duluth Hornets 3-2 in [[Overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] before 7,000 fans. It was the first professional hockey game played in the city, and Mayor [[Charles E. Roesch]] dropped the [[ceremonial first puck]].<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/local/history/the-buffalo-of-yesteryear-the-broadway-barns-citys-original-hockey-venue/article_b4026945-d11d-5288-bb26-660ee40e48cc.html</ref>

===Hockey===
The [[Buffalo Majors]] won their inaugural game at the venue on January 25, 1931, by defeating the Duluth Hornets 3–2 in [[Overtime (ice hockey)|overtime]] before 7,000 fans. It was the first professional hockey game played in the city, and Mayor [[Charles E. Roesch]] dropped the [[ceremonial first puck]].<ref name="auto1"/>


===Political===
===Political===
[[File:Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Harris & Ewing bw photo portrait, 1919.jpg|thumb|right|[[Woodrow Wilson]]]]
[[File:Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Harris & Ewing bw photo portrait, 1919.jpg|thumb|[[Woodrow Wilson]]]]


[[Adolph von Steinwehr]] [[Lying in state|laid in state]] within the arsenal after he died while visiting Buffalo in 1877.<ref>https://loyolanotredamelib.org/php/report05/articles/pdfs/Report45Pohlsanderpp81-100.pdf</ref>
[[Adolph von Steinwehr]] [[Lying in state|lay in state]] within the arsenal after he died while visiting Buffalo in 1877.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loyolanotredamelib.org/php/report05/articles/pdfs/Report45Pohlsanderpp81-100.pdf|title=ADOLPH VON STEINWEHR : A NEGLECTED CIVIL WAR GENERAL|website=Loyolanotredamelib.org|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


Governor [[Charles Evans Hughes]] spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on October 22, 1908 as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1908 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441798133/</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34636980/buffalo-morning-express-and-illustrated/</ref>
Governor [[Charles Evans Hughes]] spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on October 22, 1908, as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1908 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441798133/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 23, 1908 · 6|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34636980/buffalo-morning-express-and-illustrated/|title=Clipped From Buffalo Morning Express and Illustrated Buffalo Express|date=23 October 1908|pages=1|access-date=17 December 2021|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


[[William Howard Taft]] spoke at the venue on October 30, 1908 as part of his campaign for the [[1908 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/84197081/</ref>
[[William Howard Taft]] spoke at the venue on October 30, 1908, as part of his campaign for the [[1908 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/84197081/|title=The Salem News from Salem, Ohio on October 31, 1908 · Page 3|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Theodore Roosevelt]] spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on November 1, 1910 in support of the gubernatorial candidacy of [[Henry L. Stimson]] for the [[1910 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442940967/</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/469248001/</ref>
[[Theodore Roosevelt]] spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on November 1, 1910, in support of the gubernatorial candidacy of [[Henry L. Stimson]] for the [[1910 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442940967/|title=The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on November 2, 1910 · 6|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/469248001/|title=New-York Tribune from New York, New York on November 2, 1910 · 3|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Woodrow Wilson]] spoke at the venue on September 2, 1912 as part of his campaign for the [[1912 United States presidential election]].<ref>http://ampoleagle.com/poles-frank-discussion-with-candidate-woodrow-wilson-shows-value-of-dialog-p10250-147.htm</ref>
[[Woodrow Wilson]] spoke at the venue on September 2, 1912, as part of his campaign for the [[1912 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ampoleagle.com/poles-frank-discussion-with-candidate-woodrow-wilson-shows-value-of-dialog-p10250-147.htm|title=Poles frank discussion with candidate Woodrow Wilson shows value of dialogue|website=Ampoleagle.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Eugene V. Debs]] spoke before a crowd of 6,000 at the venue on October 22, 1912 as part of his campaign for the [[1912 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24005241/the-buffalo-times/</ref>
[[Eugene V. Debs]] spoke before a crowd of 6,000 at the venue on October 22, 1912, as part of his campaign for the [[1912 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24005241/the-buffalo-times/|title = Clipped from the Buffalo Times|newspaper = The Buffalo Times|date = 23 October 1912|page = 5}}</ref>


[[Charles Seymour Whitman]] spoke at the venue on October 24, 1914 as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the [[1914 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/25/archives/whitman-pounds-bensel-at-buffalo-accuses-state-engineer-of.html</ref>
[[Charles Seymour Whitman]] spoke at the venue on October 24, 1914, as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the [[1914 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/25/archives/whitman-pounds-bensel-at-buffalo-accuses-state-engineer-of.html|title = WHITMAN POUNDS BENSEL AT BUFFALO; Accuses State Engineer of Furthering Tammany Canal Graft of $367,268. BIG AUDITORIUM CROWDED Candidate Admits Importance of Making Eric Republican ;- Answers "Anti-Catholic" Questions|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 25 October 1914}}</ref>


Governor [[Martin H. Glynn]] spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on October 27, 1914 as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1914 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/326287574/</ref><ref>https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/28/archives/gov-glynn-sums-up-in-campaign-plea-appeals-to-buffalo-audiences-on.html</ref>
Governor [[Martin H. Glynn]] spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on October 27, 1914, as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1914 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/326287574/|title = The Buffalo Enquirer from Buffalo, New York on October 28, 1914 · 1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/10/28/archives/gov-glynn-sums-up-in-campaign-plea-appeals-to-buffalo-audiences-on.html|title = GOV. GLYNN SUMS UP IN CAMPAIGN PLEA; Appeals to Buffalo Audiences on His Record as a Business Executive. IS PROUD OF HIS VETOES Ends His Up-State Swing ;- Justice Bissell's Harmony Supper Calls Democratic Leaders Together|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 28 October 1914}}</ref>


Governor [[Charles Seymour Whitman]] spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the Buffalo Industrial Show on September 22, 1915.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/14439634/the-buffalo-commercial/</ref>
Governor [[Charles Seymour Whitman]] spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the Buffalo Industrial Show on September 22, 1915.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/14439634/the-buffalo-commercial/|title = Clipped from the Buffalo Commercial|newspaper = The Buffalo Commercial|date = 22 September 1915|page = 7}}</ref>


[[Charles Evans Hughes]] spoke before a crowd of 10,000 at the venue on September 30, 1916 as part of his campaign for the [[1916 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441519891/</ref>
Charles Evans Hughes spoke before a crowd of 10,000 at the venue on September 30, 1916, as part of his campaign for the [[1916 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441519891/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 1, 1916 · 21|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


[[File:William Joseph Donovan cph.3b17495.jpg|thumb|right|[[William J. Donovan]]]]
[[File:William Joseph Donovan cph.3b17495.jpg|thumb|[[William J. Donovan]]]]
President Woodrow Wilson spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on November 1, 1916, as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1916 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-times-nov-02-1916-p-1/|title=New York Times Newspaper Archives, Nov 2, 1916, p. 1|website=Newspaperarchive.com|date=2 November 1916}}</ref>


President Woodrow Wilson spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the 37th-annual [[American Federation of Labor]] convention on November 12, 1917.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95tHAQAAIAAJ&q=%22woodrow+wilson%22+%22broadway+auditorium%22&pg=PA2|title = Report of the Proceedings of the Annual Convention of the American Federation of Labor|last1 = Labor|first1 = American Federation of|page=2|year = 1917|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441520455/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on November 13, 1917 · 12|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
President [[Woodrow Wilson]] spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on November 1, 1916 as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1916 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://newspaperarchive.com/new-york-times-nov-02-1916-p-1/</ref>


[[James M. Cox]] spoke before a crowd of 12,000 at the venue on October 18, 1920, as part of his campaign for the [[1920 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441382371/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 19, 1920 · 1|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
President [[Woodrow Wilson]] spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the 37th-annual [[American Federation of Labor]] convention on November 12, 1917.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=95tHAQAAIAAJ&lpg=PA1&ots=viz_RuVYB9&dq=%22woodrow%20wilson%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PA2#v=onepage&q=%22woodrow%20wilson%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&f=false</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441520455/</ref>


[[James M. Cox]] spoke before a crowd of 12,000 at the venue on October 18, 1920 as part of his campaign for the [[1920 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441382371/</ref>
[[Warren G. Harding]] spoke at the venue on October 21, 1920, as part of his campaign for the [[1920 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E3QoAAAAMAAJ&q=warren+harding+%22broadway+auditorium%22&pg=PA326|title = Publications of the Buffalo Historical Society|page=326|year = 1921|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>


Governor [[Al Smith]] spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on October 23, 1920, as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1920 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/10/24/archives/gov-smith-outlines-program-if-elected-tells-buffalo-audiences-he.html|title = GOV. SMITH OUTLINES PROGRAM IF ELECTED; Tells Buffalo Audiences He Will Push Social Welfare and Economy Measures|newspaper =[[The New York Times]]|date = 24 October 1920}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441384286/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 24, 1920 · 39|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
[[Warren G. Harding]] spoke at the venue on October 21, 1920 as part of his campaign for the [[1920 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=E3QoAAAAMAAJ&lpg=PA326&ots=FEFksDx3R0&dq=warren%20harding%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PA326#v=onepage&q=warren%20harding%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&f=false</ref>


Governor [[Al Smith]] spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on October 23, 1920 as part of his reelection campaign for the [[1920 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/1920/10/24/archives/gov-smith-outlines-program-if-elected-tells-buffalo-audiences-he.html</ref><ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/441384286/</ref>
[[Éamon de Valera]] spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on December 22, 1920, as part of his tour of America.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4mWNAwAAQBAJ&q=%22broadway+auditorium%22+campaign+buffalo&pg=PT88|title = De Valera in America: The Rebel President's 1919 Campaign|isbn = 9781847175090|last1 = Hannigan|first1 = Dave|date = 4 October 2012| publisher=The O'Brien Press }}</ref>


[[John W. Davis]] spoke before a crowd of 7,500 at the venue on October 8, 1924, as part of his campaign for the [[1924 United States presidential election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494425350/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 9, 1924 · 1|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zCMzAQAAIAAJ&q=%22john+w.+davis%22+%22broadway+auditorium%22&pg=PA33|title = Address of the President and Report of the Director Submitted at the Annual Meeting|year = 1925|page=33|website=Books.google.com}}</ref>
[[Éamon de Valera]] spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on December 22, 1920 as part of his tour of America.<ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=4mWNAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT88&lpg=PT88&dq=%22broadway+auditorium%22+campaign+buffalo&source=bl&ots=pStD7kIet3&sig=ACfU3U37X1E9GsWwcLK06zizqz6CKZW4AA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjX1fei54fvAhUWXc0KHVBsBxo4FBDoATAJegQIAxAD#v=onepage&q=%22broadway%20auditorium%22%20campaign%20buffalo&f=false</ref>


[[John W. Davis]] spoke before a crowd of 7,500 at the venue on October 8, 1924 as part of his campaign for the [[1924 United States presidential election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494425350/</ref><ref>https://books.google.com/books?id=zCMzAQAAIAAJ&lpg=PA33&ots=0Br4WKMtEZ&dq=%22john%20w.%20davis%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&pg=PA33#v=onepage&q=%22john%20w.%20davis%22%20%22broadway%20auditorium%22&f=false</ref>
[[Theodore Roosevelt Jr.]] spoke at the venue on October 15, 1924, as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the [[1924 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45111205/tv/|title = TV|newspaper = The Buffalo Enquirer|date = 16 October 1924|page = 3}}</ref>


[[Theodore Roosevelt Jr.]] spoke at the venue on October 15, 1924 as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the [[1924 New York state election]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45111205/tv/</ref>
[[William J. Donovan]] accepted the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nomination for governor at the venue on May 9, 1932, to launch his campaign for the [[1932 New York state election]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://buffalonews.com/news/bitter-race-for-governor-by-buffalos-wild-bill-donovan/article_b17c2404-fea4-5ced-8fec-f7ad1b6ea564.html|title = Bitter Race for Governor by Buffalo's 'Wild Bill' Donovan|website=Buffalonews.com}}</ref>

[[William J. Donovan]] accepted the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nomination for governor at the venue on May 9, 1932 to launch his campaign for the [[1932 New York state election]].<ref>https://buffalonews.com/news/bitter-race-for-governor-by-buffalos-wild-bill-donovan/article_b17c2404-fea4-5ced-8fec-f7ad1b6ea564.html</ref>


===Professional wrestling===
===Professional wrestling===
[[Tom Jenkins (wrestler)|Tom Jenkins]] defeated [[Dan McLeod (wrestler)|Dan McLeod]] at the venue on April 3, 1903, to capture the [[American Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442387081/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on April 3, 1903 · 10|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-title-change-history-gotch-vs-hackenschmidt-inoki-vs-hansen|title = On This Day in Pro Wrestling Title Change History: Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt, Inoki vs. Hansen, Guerrero vs. Jericho|website=F4wonline.com|date = 3 April 2015}}</ref>


[[Tom Jenkins (wrestler)|Tom Jenkins]] defeated [[Dan McLeod (wrestler)|Dan McLeod]] at the venue on April 3, 1903 to capture the [[American Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/442387081/</ref><ref>https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/day-pro-wrestling-title-change-history-gotch-vs-hackenschmidt-inoki-vs-hansen</ref>
[[Steve Casey]] defeated [[Ed Don George]] at the venue on November 3, 1939, to capture the [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Boston version)|AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] before a crowd of 4,906.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=91941|title=Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database|website=Wrestlingdata.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>

[[Steve Casey]] defeated [[Ed Don George]] at the venue on November 3, 1939 to capture the [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Boston version)|AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] before a crowd of 4,906.<ref>https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=91941</ref>


===Tennis===
===Tennis===
[[File:Suzanne lenglen 1920.jpg|thumb|right|[[Suzanne Lenglen]]]]
[[File:Suzanne lenglen 1920.jpg|thumb|[[Suzanne Lenglen]]]]


[[Suzanne Lenglen]] defeated [[Mary Browne]] by scores of 6–2, 6–2 and [[Vincent Richards]] defeated [[Paul Féret]] by scores of 6–4, 6–4 at the venue on October 26, 1926 as part of the [[Suzanne Lenglen#United States tour (1926–27)|Suzanne Lenglen North American Tour]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494752039/</ref>
[[Suzanne Lenglen]] defeated [[Mary Browne]] by scores of 6–2, 6–2 and [[Vincent Richards]] defeated [[Paul Féret]] by scores of 6–4, 6–4 at the venue on October 26, 1926, as part of the [[Suzanne Lenglen#United States tour (1926–27)|Suzanne Lenglen North American Tour]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/494752039/|title = The Buffalo Times from Buffalo, New York on October 27, 1926 · 30|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>


[[Bill Tilden]] defeated [[Karel Koželuh]] at the venue in 1931 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 6–3, 6–4.
[[Bill Tilden]] defeated [[Karel Koželuh]] at the venue in 1931 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 6–3, 6–4.


[[Bill Tilden]] defeated [[Hans Nüsslein]] at the venue on February 26, 1932 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–4.<ref>https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-herald-feb-27-1932-p-18/</ref>
Bill Tilden defeated [[Hans Nüsslein]] at the venue on February 26, 1932, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-herald-feb-27-1932-p-18/|title = Syracuse Herald Newspaper Archives, Feb 27, 1932, p. 18|date = 27 February 1932|website=Newspaperarchive.com}}</ref>


[[Ellsworth Vines]] defeated [[Bill Tilden]] at the venue on April 1, 1934 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–10, 6–3, 11–9.
[[Ellsworth Vines]] defeated [[Bill Tilden]] at the venue on April 1, 1934, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–10, 6–3, 11–9.


[[Ellsworth Vines]] defeated [[Lester Stoefen]] by scores of 8–6, 8–6 and [[Bill Tilden]] tied [[George Lott]] with scores of 7–9, 6–3 at the venue on January 23, 1935 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour. The match between Tilden and Lott was ended prematurely so both competitors could catch their [[train]].<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/40169825/</ref>
Ellsworth Vines defeated [[Lester Stoefen]] by scores of 8–6, 8–6 and [[Bill Tilden]] tied [[George Lott]] with scores of 7–9, 6–3 at the venue on January 23, 1935, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour. The match between Tilden and Lott was ended prematurely so both competitors could catch their [[train]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/40169825/|title=Middletown Times Herald from Middletown, New York on January 23, 1935 · Page 5|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Fred Perry]] defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on January 20, 1937 before a crowd of 8,167 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–8, 6–2. Perry led the series 4 matches to 3 at the end of the night.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/422605664/</ref><ref>https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-evening-sentinel-jan-21-1937-p-4/</ref>
[[Fred Perry]] defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on January 20, 1937, before a crowd of 8,167 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–8, 6–2. Perry led the series 4 matches to 3 at the end of the night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/422605664/|title = The Morning Chronicle from Manhattan, Kansas on January 22, 1937 · 3|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/centralia-evening-sentinel-jan-21-1937-p-4/|title=Centralia Evening Sentinel Archives, Jan 21, 1937, p. 4|date=21 January 1937|website=Newspaperarchive.com}}</ref>


[[Fred Perry]] defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on April 27, 1938 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–2, 1–6, 8–6. Vines led the series 35 matches to 27 at the end of the night.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/38693461/</ref>
Fred Perry defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on April 27, 1938, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–2, 1–6, 8–6. Vines led the series 35 matches to 27 at the end of the night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/38693461/|title=Times Herald from Olean, New York on April 21, 1938 · Page 23|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Don Budge]] defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on January 20, 1939 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 1–6, 6–4. Budge led the series 9 matches to 4 at the end of the night.
[[Don Budge]] defeated [[Ellsworth Vines]] at the venue on January 20, 1939, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 1–6, 6–4. Budge led the series 9 matches to 4 at the end of the night.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/56354989/|title=Dunkirk Evening Observer from Dunkirk, New York on January 9, 1939 · Page 12|website=Newspapers.com|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>


[[Don Budge]] defeated [[Fred Perry]] at the venue on May 1, 1939 as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–1, 2–6, 6–2. Budge led the series 21 matches to 8 at the end of the night.
Don Budge defeated [[Fred Perry]] at the venue on May 1, 1939, as part of their [[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]] tennis tour by scores of 6–1, 2–6, 6–2. Budge led the series 21 matches to 8 at the end of the night.
{{-}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[https://boxrec.com/en/venue/39265 Broadway Auditorium] at [[BoxRec]]
*[http://www.preservationready.org/Buildings/201Broadway/ Broadway Auditorium] at Preservation-Ready Sites
*[https://boxrec.com/en/location/39265 Broadway Auditorium] at [[BoxRec]]
*[https://www.preservationready.org/Buildings/201Broadway/ Broadway Auditorium] at Preservation-Ready Sites


{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sta|et}}}}
{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sta|et}}}}
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| title = Host of the <br />[[Six Days of Buffalo]]
| title = Host of the <br />[[Six Days of Buffalo]]
| years = 1910 – 1940
| years = 1910 – 1940
| before = Inaugural
| after = [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium]]
}}
{{succession box
| title = Host of the <br />NBA Tournament
| years = 1911
| before = Garage Building
| after = Paterson Auditorium
}}
{{succession box
| title = Host of the<br />[[United States Bowling Congress|ABC]] National Tournament
| years = 1914<br />1921<br />1925<br />1931
| before = Terminal Auditorium<br />Peoria Coliseum<br />Second Regiment Armory<br />[[Public Auditorium|Public Hall]]
| after = Peoria Coliseum<br />Terminal Auditorium<br />Armory<br />[[Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum|State Fair Coliseum]]
}}
{{succession box
| title = Host of the<br />[[New York State Public High School Athletic Association Boys Basketball Championships|NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship]]
| years = 1927
| before = [[Syracuse University]]
| after = [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute]]
}}
{{succession box
| title = Host of the<br />[[Tennis Pro Tours#World Championship Series|World Championship Series]]
| years = 1931 – 1939
| before = Inaugural
| before = Inaugural
| after = [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium]]
| after = [[Buffalo Memorial Auditorium]]
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[[Category:Boxing venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Boxing venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Canisius Golden Griffins]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bisons (NBL)]]
[[Category:Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball]]
[[Category:Convention centers in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Defunct basketball venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct basketball venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct boxing venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct boxing venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct indoor arenas in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Defunct indoor lacrosse venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct indoor lacrosse venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct sports venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Defunct sports venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Former music venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Former music venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Ice hockey venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:National Basketball League (United States) venues]]
[[Category:National Basketball League (United States) venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1913]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1913]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Buffalo, New York]]
[[Category:Velodromes in the United States]]
[[Category:Tennis venues in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Velodromes in New York (state)]]

Latest revision as of 17:34, 30 April 2024

Broadway Auditorium
Exterior of the venue, circa 1914
Map
Former namesBroadway Arsenal
(1858–1883, 1908–1912)
Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory
(1884–1907)
Broadway Auditorium (1913–1940)
Address201 Broadway
LocationBuffalo, New York
Coordinates42°53′12.6″N 78°51′57.9″W / 42.886833°N 78.866083°W / 42.886833; -78.866083
Public transitTram interchange Lafayette Square
OwnerCity of Buffalo
Capacity12,000[1]
Field size47,000 sq ft (4,400 m2)
Acreage5.3 acres (2.1 ha)
Construction
Broke groundMay 5, 1858
OpenedMay 19, 1913
Renovated1912, 1936, 1948
Expanded1884
ClosedJune 28, 1940
Construction costUS$45,000 (1858)
($1.58 million in 2023 dollars[2])
US$25,025 (1884)
($848,626 in 2023 dollars[2])
US$64,000 (1912)
($2.02 million in 2023 dollars[2])
US$115,000 (1936)
($2.53 million in 2023 dollars[2])
US$1,400,000 (1948)
($17.8 million in 2023 dollars[2])
ArchitectCalvin N. Otis (1858)
George J. Metzker (1884)
Robert J. Reidpath (1912)
Main contractorsWilliam F. Felton (1912)
WPA (1936)
W.F. Hendrich Company (1948)
Tenants
Buffalo Majors (AHA) 1931
Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL) 1932
Canisius Golden Griffins (NCAA) 1936–1939
Buffalo Bisons (NBL) 1937–1938

Broadway Auditorium is a former multipurpose arena in Buffalo, New York. It was part of a complex that first opened as Broadway Arsenal in 1858 to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the New York National Guard. The facility was expanded in 1884 with the addition of a drill hall and administration building to become the Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory. The armory was decommissioned in 1907, and the City of Buffalo opened the vacant drill hall as Broadway Auditorium in 1913.

Broadway Auditorium was home to the Buffalo Majors (AHA), Buffalo Bowmans (IPLL), Canisius Golden Griffins (NCAA) and Buffalo Bisons (NBL). It hosted notable events including the Six Days of Buffalo (1910–1940), NBA Tournament (1911), ABC National Tournament (1914, 1921, 1925 and 1931), NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship (1927), and the World Championship Series (1931–1939). Jimmy Slattery fought at the venue 73 times in his Hall of Fame boxing career, highlighted by his 1930 win over Lou Scozza to become NYSAC Light Heavyweight Champion.

After closing in 1940, the complex was used as barracks for the 712th Military Police Battalion during World War II. The former auditorium began serving as public works storage facility Broadway Garage (known colloquially as Broadway Barns) after the arsenal was demolished in 1948. Following renovations slated to begin in 2024, the building will reopen as a sports complex.

History

[edit]

Planning and construction

[edit]

Broadway Arsenal was designed by architect Calvin N. Otis and constructed in 1858. The $45,000 facility was funded by New York State to accommodate the 65th and 74th Regiments of the New York National Guard.[3] The Niagaras of Buffalo, a baseball team playing in the National Association of Base Ball Players, began using the arsenal grounds as a practice field in 1865.[4] The 74th Regiment moved to Virginia Street Armory in 1868.[5]

New York State funded the facility's conversion to the Sixty-Fifth Regiment Armory in 1884, adding a drill hall and administration building at a cost of $25,025.75.[6] Major George J. Metzker of the 65th Regiment designed and oversaw construction of both the drill hall and administration building. President-elect Grover Cleveland dedicated the new drill hall during a ceremony on January 13, 1885.[7]

The armory was decommissioned on February 1, 1907, when the 65th Regiment moved to newly built Masten Avenue Armory.[8][9]

Opening and reception

[edit]

The City of Buffalo acquired the former armory in 1908 and began using the drill hall for public gatherings. Buffalo Common Council had rejected a proposal to reopen the facility as Technical High School in favor of using it as a convention hall.[10] The city formally opened the drill hall portion of the complex as Broadway Auditorium on May 19, 1913. Dedication festivities lasted several days, and included a speech by New York Governor William Sulzer and concert performance by tenor Charles Morati.[11]

A soft opening had commenced in 1912 while the building underwent $64,000 in renovations, which included the addition of a lighted marquee, bleacher seating, and a stage that could accommodate big band orchestras.[12] Robert J. Reidpath designed the building's new roof, which added clerestory windows for lighting and ventilation. William F. Felton, who had constructed many of the buildings for the Pan-American Exposition, completed the masonry work.[13]

Alterations

[edit]
Harry Smith

The venue was host to the Six Days of Buffalo series of six-day racing events between 1910 and 1940.[14] Champions of the event included future United States Bicycling Hall of Fame members Reggie McNamara (1915) and Cecil Yates (1939 and 1940). Future Canada's Sports Hall of Fame members Doug Peden and William Peden teamed to win the event in 1937.

The building was home to the Buffalo Majors of the American Hockey Association in 1931. The team featured future Hockey Hall of Fame member Moose Goheen, and would move to Peace Bridge Arena the following season.[15]

The venue was home to the Buffalo Bowmans of the Indoor Professional Lacrosse League in 1932. The Bowmans were the first box lacrosse team in the United States, and featured future Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Harry Smith. Smith would later find fame as an actor, using the stage name Jay Silverheels.[16]

Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee Ross Powless recounted during a speech how Smith acquired the nickname "Silverheels" while playing for the Buffalo Bowmans:

Judy "Punch" Garlow told me how Harry got the name Silverheels. One time the boys won new white lacrosse shoes for playing good and Harry ran so fast in them new white shoes, all you could see was flashes of white at his heels. I guess they couldn't very well call him Whiteheels, him being Mohawk and all, so they called him Silverheels.[17]

Renovations were carried out by the Works Progress Administration in 1936 to make the venue more suitable as a convention hall. The $115,000 project included the installation of gallery seating, and a wooden floor that could accommodate basketball.[12]

The Canisius Golden Griffins men's basketball team of the NCAA called the venue home from 1936 to 1939.[18]

The venue was home to the Buffalo Bisons of the National Basketball League for the 1937–1938 season. The team featured future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member Al Cervi.[19]

Closing

[edit]
Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor

In 1940, the venue was rendered obsolete by the newly built Buffalo Memorial Auditorium.

The vacant complex was recommissioned in support of World War II as barracks for the 712th Military Police Battalion.[20][21] This came after a 1941 proposal for converting the auditorium to Defense Homes Corporation housing for Semet-Solvay Company workers was rejected by Republican politicians and local business leaders, as the housing would not have maintained racial segregation.[22]

An accidental fire heavily damaged the original arsenal building on August 30, 1948, while it was undergoing renovations.[23] The arsenal was then demolished so that garage doors could be added to the auditorium for accommodation of public works vehicles.[12] The only surviving feature of the arsenal remains its original concrete portal that connected it to the rear of the auditorium.[24] Architecture that made up the exterior of the auditorium, including its original façade, was encapsulated behind yellow colored brick as part of the $1,400,000 project. The building was renamed Broadway Garage in 1948 when the City of Buffalo began using it for public works storage.

Reopening

[edit]

Competing interests often discussed either demolishing or restoring the facility.[25] The building was nearly condemned by the New York State Department of Labor in 2001.[26] In 2022, the City of Buffalo placed the 5.3 acre property out to bid for private redevelopment.[27]

It was announced in 2023 that the former auditorium would be renovated into a year-round sports complex, with a cultural center and affordable housing constructed on the former arsenal grounds.[28]

The former auditorium is recognized as the world's oldest surviving structure that has hosted professional ice hockey, and has been targeted for historic preservation.[29] Preservation Buffalo Niagara has a pending application with the City of Buffalo for the site to be declared a local landmark within the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.[30] Nearby landmarks in the Willert Park neighborhood including the Colored Musicians Club, Michigan Street Baptist Church and Rev. J. Edward Nash Sr. House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[31]

Notable events

[edit]

Bowling

[edit]
Louis P. Fuhrmann

The venue hosted the 5th Annual National Bowling Association Tournament in March 1911, which was won by Joseph West who defeated 1,451 other competitors.[32][33][34][35] Mayor Louis P. Fuhrmann rolled the Ceremonial First Ball to open the event.[36]

The venue hosted the 14th Annual American Bowling Congress National Tournament in March 1914, which was won by Larry Sutton who defeated 450 other competitors.[37][38][39]

The venue hosted the 21st Annual American Bowling Congress National Tournament in March 1921, which was won by Fred Smith who defeated 940 other competitors.[40][38][39]

The venue hosted the 25th Annual American Bowling Congress National Tournament in March 1925, which was won by Al Green who defeated 2,200 other competitors.[41][38][39]

The venue hosted the 31st Annual American Bowling Congress National Tournament in March 1931, which was won by Walter Lachowski who defeated 2.639 other competitors.[42][38][39]

Boxing

[edit]
Jimmy Slattery

NBA World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey defeated Jimmy Darcy in a 4-round boxing exhibition at the venue on July 24, 1922, to win the inaugural NYSAC Heavyweight Title.[43]

Rocky Kansas defeated Jimmy Goodrich at the venue on December 7, 1925, lasting 15 rounds to become World Lightweight Champion by unanimous decision before a crowd of 12,000.[44]

George Godfrey defeated Larry Gains by corner stoppage at the venue on November 8, 1926, to win the vacant World Colored Heavyweight Championship.[45][46]

Jimmy Slattery defeated Lou Scozza by majority decision during a February 10, 1930 boxing card at the venue, lasting 15 rounds to win the vacant NYSAC Light Heavyweight Title. The contest drew 11,000 fans and is considered Buffalo's Greatest Fight of the 20th Century.[47]

Future World Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis defeated Young Stanley Ketchel by knockout in a boxing exhibition at the venue on January 11, 1937.[48]

Bob Pastor defeated Charley Eagle by unanimous decision in the venue's final event on June 28, 1940. The bout had been scheduled for Civic Stadium, but was moved to the auditorium due to cold weather.[49][50]

Concerts

[edit]
Ella Fitzgerald

The venue featured concerts by acts including Artie Shaw,[51] Cab Calloway,[52] Count Basie,[53] Ella Fitzgerald,[54] Enrico Caruso,[55][56] Jimmie Lunceford,[57] John Philip Sousa,[58][59] Mamie Smith,[60] Nina Morgana,[56] Paul Whiteman[61] and Sistine Chapel Choir.[62]

Free concerts featuring local acts such as the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra were regularly held on Sundays.

The venue was host to the annual Lew Horschel Barn Dance, a themed gala to benefit local charities that transformed the auditorium into a rural village.[63] Horschel was the resident concessionaire for Broadway Auditorium and other local entities including Erie County Fair.[64][65]

High school

[edit]

The inaugural Interscholastic Indoor Championship, a multisport competition between local high schools, was staged at the venue on March 28, 1919.[66] Buffalo Enquirer sponsored the event, and Hutchinson High School was awarded the Enquirer Cup for their victory.[67]

The venue was host to the NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship on March 26, 1927, that saw Yonkers Middle High School defeat Elmira Free Academy 26–24 to win the state title.[68]

Hockey

[edit]

The Buffalo Majors won their inaugural game at the venue on January 25, 1931, by defeating the Duluth Hornets 3–2 in overtime before 7,000 fans. It was the first professional hockey game played in the city, and Mayor Charles E. Roesch dropped the ceremonial first puck.[15]

Political

[edit]
Woodrow Wilson

Adolph von Steinwehr lay in state within the arsenal after he died while visiting Buffalo in 1877.[69]

Governor Charles Evans Hughes spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on October 22, 1908, as part of his reelection campaign for the 1908 New York state election.[70][71]

William Howard Taft spoke at the venue on October 30, 1908, as part of his campaign for the 1908 United States presidential election.[72]

Theodore Roosevelt spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on November 1, 1910, in support of the gubernatorial candidacy of Henry L. Stimson for the 1910 New York state election.[73][74]

Woodrow Wilson spoke at the venue on September 2, 1912, as part of his campaign for the 1912 United States presidential election.[75]

Eugene V. Debs spoke before a crowd of 6,000 at the venue on October 22, 1912, as part of his campaign for the 1912 United States presidential election.[76]

Charles Seymour Whitman spoke at the venue on October 24, 1914, as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the 1914 New York state election.[77]

Governor Martin H. Glynn spoke before a crowd of 7,000 at the venue on October 27, 1914, as part of his reelection campaign for the 1914 New York state election.[78][79]

Governor Charles Seymour Whitman spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the Buffalo Industrial Show on September 22, 1915.[80]

Charles Evans Hughes spoke before a crowd of 10,000 at the venue on September 30, 1916, as part of his campaign for the 1916 United States presidential election.[81]

William J. Donovan

President Woodrow Wilson spoke before a crowd of 13,000 at the venue on November 1, 1916, as part of his reelection campaign for the 1916 United States presidential election.[82]

President Woodrow Wilson spoke at the venue as an invited guest of the 37th-annual American Federation of Labor convention on November 12, 1917.[83][84]

James M. Cox spoke before a crowd of 12,000 at the venue on October 18, 1920, as part of his campaign for the 1920 United States presidential election.[85]

Warren G. Harding spoke at the venue on October 21, 1920, as part of his campaign for the 1920 United States presidential election.[86]

Governor Al Smith spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on October 23, 1920, as part of his reelection campaign for the 1920 New York state election.[87][88]

Éamon de Valera spoke before a crowd of 8,000 at the venue on December 22, 1920, as part of his tour of America.[89]

John W. Davis spoke before a crowd of 7,500 at the venue on October 8, 1924, as part of his campaign for the 1924 United States presidential election.[90][91]

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. spoke at the venue on October 15, 1924, as part of his gubernatorial campaign for the 1924 New York state election.[92]

William J. Donovan accepted the Republican nomination for governor at the venue on May 9, 1932, to launch his campaign for the 1932 New York state election.[93]

Professional wrestling

[edit]

Tom Jenkins defeated Dan McLeod at the venue on April 3, 1903, to capture the American Heavyweight Championship.[94][95]

Steve Casey defeated Ed Don George at the venue on November 3, 1939, to capture the AWA World Heavyweight Championship before a crowd of 4,906.[96]

Tennis

[edit]
Suzanne Lenglen

Suzanne Lenglen defeated Mary Browne by scores of 6–2, 6–2 and Vincent Richards defeated Paul Féret by scores of 6–4, 6–4 at the venue on October 26, 1926, as part of the Suzanne Lenglen North American Tour.[97]

Bill Tilden defeated Karel Koželuh at the venue in 1931 as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 6–3, 6–4.

Bill Tilden defeated Hans Nüsslein at the venue on February 26, 1932, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–4.[98]

Ellsworth Vines defeated Bill Tilden at the venue on April 1, 1934, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 8–10, 6–3, 11–9.

Ellsworth Vines defeated Lester Stoefen by scores of 8–6, 8–6 and Bill Tilden tied George Lott with scores of 7–9, 6–3 at the venue on January 23, 1935, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour. The match between Tilden and Lott was ended prematurely so both competitors could catch their train.[99]

Fred Perry defeated Ellsworth Vines at the venue on January 20, 1937, before a crowd of 8,167 as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 6–4, 6–8, 6–2. Perry led the series 4 matches to 3 at the end of the night.[100][101]

Fred Perry defeated Ellsworth Vines at the venue on April 27, 1938, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 6–2, 1–6, 8–6. Vines led the series 35 matches to 27 at the end of the night.[102]

Don Budge defeated Ellsworth Vines at the venue on January 20, 1939, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 8–6, 1–6, 6–4. Budge led the series 9 matches to 4 at the end of the night.[103]

Don Budge defeated Fred Perry at the venue on May 1, 1939, as part of their World Championship Series tennis tour by scores of 6–1, 2–6, 6–2. Budge led the series 21 matches to 8 at the end of the night.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Barry, John F.; Elmes, Robert W. (1924). "Buffalo's Text Book: Adopted by the Department of Education for Use in the Public Schools of Buffalo".
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[edit]
Events and tenants
Preceded by
Inaugural
Host of the
Six Days of Buffalo

1910 – 1940
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Garage Building
Host of the
NBA Tournament

1911
Succeeded by
Paterson Auditorium
Preceded by
Terminal Auditorium
Peoria Coliseum
Second Regiment Armory
Public Hall
Host of the
ABC National Tournament

1914
1921
1925
1931
Succeeded by
Peoria Coliseum
Terminal Auditorium
Armory
State Fair Coliseum
Preceded by Host of the
NYSPHSAA Basketball Championship

1927
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
Host of the
World Championship Series

1931 – 1939
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
Home of the
Buffalo Majors

1931
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
Home of the
Buffalo Bowmans

1932
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Elmwood Music Hall
Home of the
Canisius Golden Griffins

1936 – 1939
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
Home of the
Buffalo Bisons

1937 – 1938
Succeeded by