San Jose Civic

San Jose Civic Auditorium

The San Jose Civic Auditorium, known as the San Jose Civic, is a sports arena and concert venue located in downtown San Jose, California. The 3,000-seat venue is owned by the City of San Jose, is managed by Team San Jose, and is booked by Nederlander Concerts.

The San Jose Civic was created through a joint venture between San Jose residents, Federal Government and local property owners Mr. and Mrs. T.S. Montgomery, who donated the City of San Jose the property where the Civic sits today.

Many of the most popular entertainers and public figures have appeared at the venue creating memorable historic events since its opening in 1936. Celebrated artists such as Duke Ellington, Buddy Holly, The Grateful Dead, The Who, Bob Dylan, Barbra Streisand, Cream and The Rolling Stones have graced the venue's stage. Richard Nixon made national headlines during an anti-war demonstration at the San Jose Civic. And the venue has presented major sporting events including boxing matches with champions such as Jack Dempsey and Joe Lewis.

Some of the more recent performers who have appeared at the San Jose Civic include My Chemical Romance (04/02/08), Blue October & Switchfoot (08/01/09), Polo Polo (08/14/09), Gary Allan (09/09/09) and Crosby, Stills & Nash (09/18/09), Steely Dan (10/20 & 21/09), Dashboard Confessional (11/13/09), Jaguares (11/20/09), Michael McDonald (12/12/09) and Guy Fieri (12/16/09).

Under Mayor Chuck Reed and San Jose City Council's leadership, a $13 million renovation of the venue, approved in 2007, is underway. A state-of-the-art sound and video system has been installed, the building's floor has been refurbished, an exterior lighting system has been activated, and the loading dock has been upgraded. Key improvements in process include a top-line interior lighting system, seating upgrades to replace the decades-old plastic molded chairs, more restrooms and a new concessions program.