Yesterday (Friday, September 8th) the much-loved Pershing Auditorium was demolished and reduced to rubble. Founded in 1957, this was once a great part of Lincoln City before eventually becoming abandoned. Now demolished, it will be replaced by affordable housing.

Today, footage was uploaded onto Youtube which showed the controlled demolition taking place. Just like that, the Pershing Auditorium was no more. For many Lincoln residents, this demolition isn’t just physical but also represents the end of an era.

Icons like Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers, Garth Brooks, and the Oak Ridge Boys all delivered electrifying performances at this venue. The White Lotus Group from Omaha is in the process of planning a versatile structure that will include affordable apartments, retail spaces, and green areas.

Recently, the mural on the western side of the auditorium was disassembled, with plans for its reconstruction at Wyuka Cemetery. This artwork, conceived by artists Leonard Thiessen and Bill J. Hammon, portrays a diverse array of subjects, including sports, circus acts, and historical moments.

The Pershing Auditorium, also known as the Pershing Center, has a rich history as a sports arena. It has hosted numerous state high school basketball and volleyball tournaments, as well as national roller skating championships. With this said, it truly is the end of an era.