Reflecting on decades of memories as Mobile Civic Center hosts final performance
Sheffield School of Dance writes its name in history as dancers perform the last show ever in the Civic Center
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile Civic Center, built in 1964, is more than a circular, brick building. This is a piece of history.
Big names like Elvis Presley, Elton John, Prince and even Journey have taken the stage here.
The Civic Center was home to a hockey team, the Mobile Mysticks, and even the Mobile Wizards arena football team.
For years, Mardi Gras organizations have hosted balls in this building, celebrating the tradition in the place that started it all.
Now, the Sheffield School of Dance will be able to write its name is the history book as dancers performed the last show ever on July 18.
As the weeks go by, demolition day gets closer and for some Mobilians, they are looking back on some of their fondest memories.
“Oh, I have such great memories of the Civic Center and all of the concerts that I attended,” said Madeline Culpepper, a Mobilian who grew up attending concerts. “The Charlie Daniels Band, which was one of my favorites. Later on, I attended Elton John who was absolutely fabulous. In the 90s, the Hell Freezes Over Tour by The Eagles, which was the best concert.”
Others look back on their time on stage.
“It was so much fun,” said former dancer at Sheffield School of Dance Morgan Hurston. “Not only the actual recital, but the day before we would have our dress rehearsals. And also, just get to hangout and bond together outside of our dance space.”
According to Mobile Chief of Staff James Barber, the city is in the process of accepting a big for demolition, with the lowest one coming in at $4.4 million.
However, not all of the Civic Center is going to be demolished.
“The main thing with the Civic Center are the murals that are there. But those will be taken out and then returned and placed in the new arena.”
As the doors to the Civic Center close, people like Culpepper hold tight to her memories, but are excited for the future.
“I’m looking forward to having wonderful new adventures and wonderful new concerts in Mobile,” Culpepper said. “And to see what’s in store for us.”
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