It was built as an outdoor venue, opening in the summer of 1972 with a production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

The amphitheater closed on September 6, 2013 and was demolished for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood.

[2] Because it was empty at night, a young studio tour guide suggested that the arena be used to hold rock concerts.

On June 28, 1972, the venue hosted its first concert, a production of the Broadway rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

[4] During its early years, the stunt show was performed during the day while at night the venue hosted concerts.

The Universal Amphitheatre hosted the Late Night with David Letterman 8th Anniversary special in 1990.