Civic Theatre 60th Anniversary

Civic Theatre & Plaza Upgrades

Get a sneak peek below of recently completed improvements as well as renderings of additional updates in progress.  These and more to be officially revealed at our FREE open house event on September 26 from 4:30-6:30 PM.

Civic Theatre History

The San Diego Civic Theatre is the region’s largest and greatest attended performing arts venue.

• The San Diego Civic Theatre opened in 1965, designed by visionary Lloyd Ruocco, one of San Diego’s most influential architects.
• The 2,967 seat Civic Theatre was proposed early in 1962 as a part of a project to catalyze Downtown development to include a new City Hall, a convention center (now the San Diego Concourse), and a parking garage. Spearheaded by Mayor Charles C. Dail, the construction was quickly followed by office buildings, hotels, and other businesses.
• The January 12, 1965 opening performance featured the San Diego Symphony with soloists Dorothy Kirsten and Brian Sullivan.
   
• Since opening, the Civic Theatre stage has been graced by notable and legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Renee Fleming, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jerry Seinfeld, Conan O’Brien, Luther Vandross, Jerry Lewis, Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Robin Williams, David Byrne and Bruce Springsteen, plus hosted movie world premieres, including Cowboys & Aliens and Top Gun: Maverick.
   
• Today, the Civic Theatre is the region’s largest and most attended performing arts center and is home to cultural gems San Diego Opera and Broadway San Diego, while also hosting presentations by La Jolla Music Society, Goldenvoice, Live Nation, Nederlander Concerts, AEG Presents and other local, national and international groups.