[1] On December 31, 1907, the Hippodrome also known as the "Hipp" opened as the world's second largest stage with seating for 3,548 people and two balconies.The Hippodrome had many interesting features, such as a pool in front of the stage in the central area that would splash water on the orchestra as horses trotted past.[2] Famous early twentieth-century performers played at the Hippodrome: Enrico Caruso, Sarah Bernhardt, W. C. Fields, Will Rogers, Al Jolson, and John McCormack.In 1931, there was a remodel that included expanded seating for more than 4,000 people, as well as air conditioning that used water from Lake Erie.Danny Vegh’s Billiards, Downtown Health Club, and Table Tennis Venter occupied the basement level from 1965 to 1980.
Poster from a 1908 production of
Aida
at the Hippodrome Theater
