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By Jessica Graves 0125034_LOBI JanFeb25 - 1/24/2025 - 7:09:08 AM - FB 4 - Front - Black 0125034_LOBI JanFeb25 - 1/24/2025 - 7:09:08 AM - FB 4 - Front - Yellow 0125034_LOBI JanFeb25 - 1/24/2025 - 7:09:08 AM - FB 4 - Front - Magenta 0125034_LOBI JanFeb25 - 1/24/2025 - 7:09:08
an encore

worth waiting for

WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM TURNS 75

In Fort Lauderdale, where the skyline shifts as quickly “This project was about more than restoring a building,”
as the tide, few landmarks endure the test of time. Yet, Caldwell explained. “It was about preserving a legacy.
for 75 years, the War Memorial Auditorium has stood The War Memorial Auditorium is a monument to the
firm, a witness to the city’s growth and evolution. sacrifices made by so many for our freedoms, and we
Nestled in Holiday Park, she has seen Fort Lauderdale felt a deep responsibility to honor that history while
transform from a quiet town into a bustling cultural also creating something vibrant and meaningful for
hub. And now, after a $65 million restoration led by the the community today.”
Florida Panthers, the old girl is ready for her next act.
While she’s been outfitted with cutting-edge amenities,
When the War Memorial Auditorium opened in 1950, the War Memorial Auditorium remains deeply rooted
Fort Lauderdale was a sleepy town of 36,000 residents. in her original mission. Her memorials—including the
Against the backdrop of post-war America—where bronze soldier statue and the U.S. Merchant Marine
Walt Disney’s Cinderella charmed audiences and the monument—have been carefully restored, ensuring
first modern credit card hinted at new possibilities— that her role as a tribute to veterans remains at her core.
the War Memorial Auditorium rose in Holiday Park as
a tribute to Broward County’s military veterans. The project, executed in four phases, began with
transforming the hockey operations space for the
From its inception, the auditorium was alive with Panthers. Then came the public opening of the Baptist
activity and energy, hosting performances by legends Health IcePlex, featuring two NHL regulation-sized
like Buddy Holly and Luciano Pavarotti, boxing matches rinks—one for the Panthers and one for community
with Sugar Ray Robinson, and even Christmas pageants use. The Federal, a full-service restaurant and bar with
complete with camels wandering nearby Holiday Park. a patio overlooking Holiday Park opened next. Finally,
Over the decades, it welcomed beauty pageants (of the historic concert hall restored in partnership with
the human and canine variety) and political rallies for Live Nation as a 3,400-capacity venue, will be ready
presidents like Nixon and Reagan. for a new era of entertainment.

But like any long-serving city servant, time began On January 21, 2025, Grammy-winning artist Melissa
to take its toll. By the early 2000s, the auditorium’s Etheridge will welcome audiences back to the
paint was peeling and her roof sagging as its facilities Auditorium with the first public concert in over two
struggled to keep pace with modern demands. decades. Her performance will kick off an exciting
lineup that includes acts like Wallows on February 24
Enter the Florida Panthers. In 2023, under the and The Driver Era on March 7. Plans to feature artists
leadership of Army veteran and owner Vincent J. Viola spanning genres from EDM, Latin, and Rock to Pop
and team president Matt Caldwell, a decorated officer and Country aim to appeal to the diverse musical
from Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Panthers unveiled tastes of all South Floridians.
an ambitious restoration plan.
For more information visit: ftlwarmemorial.com
Tickets are available through SeatGeek.com or at
the auditorium’s box office.
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