Canidrome (Shanghai)

[1] The clubhouse and racetrack became a multi-purpose entertainment venue, but became a place for political rallies after the founding of the People's Republic of China and a mass execution facility.

The original Canidrome grandstand was demolished as part of the reconstruction of the precinct to become a park incorporating various cultural venues.

After the new government purchased the race track in 1952 and converted it into an arts and entertainment facility, the precinct's name was changed to the Shanghai Cultural Plaza.

[4] It was largely financed by Henry E. Morris, Jr., proprietor of the North China Daily News.

[6] The outbreak of the Pacific War and the occupation of the French Concession by the Japanese in December 1941 led to the Canidrome ceasing operation.

[7] On December 1, 1945, football teams drawn from the United States Army and Navy played a game at the Canidrome, billed as the China Bowl.

Players included All-American fullback Bill Daley and Purdue guard Frank Ruggieri.

Among the arrested were former Kuomintang officials, school-teachers, Christian churchmen, non-communist union leaders, property owners, newspaper workers, factory managers, and students.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that Shanghai high-school students marched beside the prisoners on their way to execution beating gongs and drums, and chanting: "Kill nice!

At the time 10,000 people gathered and demanded the death of the accused in a unanimous roar.

[14] After banning greyhound racing and other forms of gambling, the Communist government purchased the grounds in 1952 and re-constructed the Canidrome.

Additional buildings gradually turned the entire race-course into an indoor venue.

Beginning from the 1980s, the Shanghai Municipal Government began discussing the redevelopment of the Cultural Plaza precinct.