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Civic Theatre History

1960s exterior of the San Diego Civic Theatre with its vertical façade panels and a classic white car parked along the street.

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, AEG Nederlander Concerts, AEG Presents and other local, national and international groups.

1965 Union Tribune article "The Civic Theatre: On A Note Of Triumph"
1960s Civic Theater interior with guests filling all balcony levels that circle the chandelier.
1960s musical cast performing on a multi-level scaffold set on the Civic Theatre stage.
2025 exterior of the Civic Theater viewed from the plaza, featuring newly painted black and gold building blades.

The San Diego Civic Theatre is managed, along with the historic Balboa Theatre, by San Diego Theatres, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the region through exceptional performing arts and education experiences.