Memorial Auditorium

A rich history of live entertainment. Burlington Memorial Auditorium, located on Front Street along Mississippi River, was opened to the public in May of 1939. Built by the Works Progress Administration and first used as a U.S. Naval Reserve Training Center, and by the supply company of the 136th Medical Regiment of the Iowa National Guard. This building was the home to a naval training unit for Corsairs. There were six navy planes allocated to this unit for 205 flight officers. This was also home for a Navy Training Electronics Unit. $ 6,000,000 was invested to train 200 enlisted reserves. They were trained in radio, radar and electronic repair. It is a unique, historic venue for live concerts, musicals, and sporting events, with a 6,000-square-foot flat-floor arena, a theatrical stage with full-grid professional lighting and sound and 1,200 permanent seats in the upper and lower balconies. The lower level has a complete kitchen and three banquet rooms for weddings, parties, meetings, etc.

The Burlington Memorial Auditorium is owned by The City of Burlington, IA and currently managed by American Music Festival (AMF). As an entertainment spot over the last 80 years, it has featured entertainers like Al Hirt, Bradford Marsalis, Doc Severinsen (Band Leader for Tonight Show with Jonny Carson), the Russian Ballet, Texas Tenors, Pentatonix and many others.