Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Located just west of Downtown Shreveport, lies one of Shreveports most treasured buildings. Built in the 1920s, it is noted for its intricate brickwork and lavish interior. It has been coined the finest example of Art Deco construction in the State of Louisiana. Designed by noted architect, Samuel Weiner, the building was dedicated to the Soldiers of the Great War on Veterans' Day, then known as Armistice Day, November 11, 1929. In its early years, the auditorium hosted to the military by serving as barracks for the troops, and housing the early aircraft warning system, more commonly known as Radar.
The auditorium arena is 6,300 sq. ft., with a 54 ft. high proscenium arch. The seating capacity is 3,007. Since its inception, the Auditorium has hosted almost every kind of public event including concerts, theatrical productions, sporting events, proms and balls, ice skating shows, conventions, and even the circus.
On April 3, 1948, a new program named, The Louisiana Hayride, began a weekly showcase of talented singers, songwriters and performers. Little did anyone realize the impact that would be made from the stage of Shreveports Municipal Auditorium. The Louisiana Hayride became known as The Cradle of the Stars, because so many of the acts that went on to international stardom began their careers on this program. Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, are just a few of the acts that went on to stardom after breaking in on The Louisiana Hayride. But, the most prominent performer to begin his career on the stage made his performance debut October 16th, 1954. That is when the world was introduced to Elvis Presley!
Elvis was signed to a contract to perform every Saturday night on the Hayride for $18 dollars a show! Colonel Tom Parker "discovered" this phenomenal talent and bought his contract out for $10,000 dollars after 18 months, but without a doubt, it is on the stage of Shreveports Municipal Auditorium that Elvis developed the techniques that launched his career into stardom. The audiences averaged around 2,000 per show and for a while, The Hayride was nationally broadcast on CBS radio and became a staple of Armed Forces Radio programming. Although the weekly programming ended in 1960, the Hayride was regularly scheduled through the 60s.
Take a journey through entertainment history with a tour of the historic Municipal Auditorium and the Stage of Stars Museum. Stand on the stage where Elvis performed and have your photo taken. Sit awhile and imagine some of the numerous performers that played on the Stage of Stars Museum which honors people and events that shaped the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium past and present.
DAILY TOURS ...
Wed. - Sat. 11am to 4pm
Sun. - 1pm to 4 pm.
Group Tours (15 or more) by appointment only.
Standard Tour and Museum Entrance:
Adults and Children: $5.00 Admission
(318) 220-9434