The venue was built for approximately $12 million, and opened on June 14, 1991, with a performance by Steve Winwood.

[2] Shortly after opening, the amphitheater became the site of the infamous Riverport Riot, July 2, 1991, during a Guns N' Roses concert, during their Use Your Illusion Tour.

[4] SFX corporate successor Live Nation Entertainment continues to own and operate the venue.

[citation needed] Guns and Roses Riot - On July 2, 1991 concert at the then-brand new Riverport Amphitheatre (now known as Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre) in nearby Maryland Heights, Mo., erupted into a violent and bloody riot, injuring 65 people — including 25 police officers — and resulting in dozens of arrests and hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.

On July 23, 2010, Kings of Leon abruptly ended their set, after only three songs, allegedly being pelted with feces by pigeons while onstage.