[5][2] The arena replaced Dexter Park, a horse-racing track that had stood on the site for over 50 years until its destruction by fire on April 18, 1934.

In an era before air conditioning and space for the press and broadcast media were commonplace, the International Amphitheatre was among the first arenas to be equipped with these innovations.

The Stock Yards closed in 1971, but the Amphitheatre remained open,[5] hosting rock concerts, college basketball and IHSA playoff games, circuses, religious gatherings, and other events.

[5] In the late 1970s, developer Harry Chaddick proposed replacing the arena with a large shopping center, but these plans were killed after Mayor Michael Bilandic revoked his support for the project after residents and politicians of the Canaryville and Bridgeport neighborhoods complained that such a development would attract both intense vehicular traffic and draw over the residents from nearby Chicago Housing Authority projects.

[5][6] A greater $5 million renovation was planned at the time of its reopening, and it was intended that Loyola basketball would remain tenants of the venue for at least five years.

It was eventually sold to promoters Cardenas & Fernandez and then the City of Chicago, which had no more success at attracting events than its previous owner.

On March 13–14, 1976, the Midwest Regional of the North American Soccer League's 1976 Indoor tournament was hosted by the Chicago Sting at the Amphitheater.

[12] The Loyola Ramblers basketball team were tenants of the venue during their 1987–88 and 1988–89 seasons,[5][7] but faced poor attendance at the aging facility.

[7] Notable performers who held shows at the venue included Dale Evans and Roy Rogers, Evel Knievel, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Santana, Ike & Tina Turner, Grateful Dead, Van Halen, Aerosmith, UFO, Selena and The Jackson 5.

[5][13] The Amphitheatre is noted for being the site of one of Elvis Presley’s most notable concerts, on March 28, 1957, with the singer wearing his now legendary gold lamé suit for the first time.