Rabobank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center, Bakersfield (must see)

The Rabobank Theater and Convention Center is a performing arts theater and convention facilities located in Bakersfield, California.

The Civic Auditorium was originally constructed in 1962, to attract the convention trade to the city. The first show at the auditorium was the Ice Capades, which was on November 20, 1962. The structure was one of Bakersfield's first buildings constructed in a definitively modern style. The facility would feature one of the largest stages in the world. In addition to housing the communities’ musical groups, such as the Bakersfield Symphony, it also contained a scenery loft and an orchestra pit, to facility Broadway musicals and ballets.

By 1976, Bakersfield began plans for the facilities first major expansion. The plan would include construction a convention center. It would also include the construction of a hotel directly adjacent and connected to the theater.The name was also changed to the Bakersfield Convention Center.

In 1998, the facility was again modified. The parking lot, located east of the facility, was removed for the construction of the 10,000-seat sports arena. The combined complex was renamed the Centennial Garden and Convention Center. Incorporated in the design of the sports complex was a connection to the exhibit hall. This unique feature allows for the convention center to be used as a staging ground or warm-up facility for events being held in the arena. The entire complex was renamed seven years later, Theater and Convention Center.