The FTL War Memorial has a story that makes you appreciate it even before you step inside. Built in 1950 to honor veterans--including Fort Lauderdale native Alexander "Sandy" Nininger (October 20, 1918 - January 12, 1942), a West Point graduate from the Class of 1941. Nininger was a Second Lieutenant in the US Army assigned to lead a unit of the Philippine Scouts. He was killed in action in the Battle of Bataan and he became the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II. The venue has long been a meaningful part of this community. Located next to the Florida Panthers' practice facility in Holiday Park, the auditorium has hosted an impressive range of events over the decades. In its early years, it welcomed U.S. presidents like Richard Nixon, renowned ballet companies, and legendary performers such as Buddy Holly and Otis Redding. In more recent years, it transitioned to gun shows, wrestling matches, flea markets, and smaller concerts, and eventually fell into disrepair. That all changed with a major restoration led by the Florida Panthers organization, which privately funded a $65 million renovation along with the development of the Baptist Health IcePlex. The goal was to revitalize the west side of Holiday Park and create a more family-friendly destination--and they delivered. The renovation beautifully preserves the building's classic Art Deco façade while introducing modern upgrades throughout. Inside, the marble lobby floor features the original in-ground commemorative plaque, restored and inscribed with the words: "a living memorial to those whose valor perpetuates our liberty." A bronze statue of a soldier--donated in the 1970s by American Gold Star Mothers in memory of those lost in the Vietnam War--is now prominently displayed in a dedicated niche above the entrance to the event space. Today, the 44,000-square-foot venue has been transformed into a modern music and event space through a partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale. It's now part of a growing multi-use district and regularly hosts concerts, shows, and community events. I recently attended an Indie Craft Bazaar here and had a great experience. There's plenty of free parking in the fields across from the complex, which is a huge plus. Inside, you'll find multiple bars and concession areas. The space itself is open, stylish, and highly adaptable. It's not a traditional theater with fixed seating--instead, it has a flexible layout that can accommodate around 3,400 people. It works just as well for concerts, comedy shows, and DJs as it does for weddings and graduations. Despite all the modern upgrades, the venue still honors its roots. The restored plaques, statues, and memorial elements serve as reminders of its original purpose, giving the space a sense of history and meaning that sets it apart from newer venues. Overall, it's a thoughtful blend of past and present--and a great addition to Fort Lauderdale's event scene. read more

See all

War memorial auditorium has been here for a very long time, I actually graduated high school from there. Now it's all open inside and it's mainly used for concerts and events. It's really nice inside and they keep it nice and cool , only problem is you have to stand. read more

War Memorial Auditorium was the main event space when I was growing up in Fort Lauderdale. My High School Graduation was held at War Memorial! I graduated in 1966 telling you how old I am and how long it has been here. I'm glad to say my team Florida Panthers Hockey have a great partnership with the auditorium! If I still lived in Fort Lauderdale I'd be spending a lot of time here for hockey events, concerts and more. My dear deceased friend Aggie even had her quilt in a quilt show here. I love this place!! read more

See all

I was recently here here for a concert and honestly I have to say from the beginning to the end there was nothing I could think of to complain about. Sure the drinks were a little pricey but honestly that's what you're assuming is going to be the cost, about $16 for a premium drink, at a concert venue. The drink I got was special to the headlining band and I could definitely taste the alcohol in it! The staff was insanely friendly and when doors opened it was crazy how fast they were getting people into the venue! The venue itself is two floors, there are some seating area sections on the second floor but they cost more money than the regular ga ticket prices for this show. The air conditioner was cranking and the bathrooms were super clean! Someone even spilled a drink a little bit near us and in between songs they actually had the custodians come out and wipe it up to make sure nobody slipped and fell during the concert! Honestly I have to say this might be one of my favorite new general admission venues in Fort lauderdale! read more

See all

I went to the Shaboozey concert at War Memorial Auditorium last week. It's a nice venue cause it's not huge, but big enough to have good energy. A big bonus for me is that it's only a 10-minute walk, so no dealing with waiting on Ubers. The lines moved quickly both to get in and at the bar. Drinks were definitely on the pricey side ($23 for a Surfside!), but it was a double, so I'll give them that. I had mezzanine seats since I don't do the floor crowds, and they were great. Overall, I had a blast and would def come back for another concert here. read more

War Memorial Auditorium - Shaboozey - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

See all

My first time seeing a concert here was a good one. This venue is on the smaller side but can still pack in a nice crowd if it's filled out. The main area is GA so it's standing room only but there's seats on the second floor & they're located on either side. Massive plus that the air conditioning was cranking all night. There's multiple bars so the lines to get drinks weren't long. I was also surprised to see the pricing for drinks was pretty fair. I thought the stage setup was at the perfect height for watching a long show. The sound system most definitely worked! Although it was one of the louder shows I've been to in a while, the audio was clear & didn't distort all night. Security was attentive. Parking is probably the worst thing about this place. It's pretty annoying to deal with because the lots are small but there were employees directing traffic to get the end of show crowd flowing. Overall, I only know this venue after renovations have been done & I don't see a single thing wrong with the building/location. In fact, I'm hoping to see another band I like here soon because I really enjoyed it this time around. read more

War Memorial Auditorium - Ice Nine Kills (9/6/25) - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Attended several gun shows at this auditorium which is a popular yearly event and public parking is across the street in a gravel lot. Today, I went to the box office to find tickets for the upcoming WWE event on Saturday September 27th 2025. The ticketing section was closed although staff advised the center will open again tomorrow 9am - 11am for ticket purchases. Also, online purchases through Seat Geek is open and both options cost an additional fee which I hate. The auditorium hosts several musical concerts and entertainment shows yearly including a permanent home to the new Florida Panthers Skating Academy. read more

See all

Love the new revamp of War Memorial! I have been to 2 totally different style events, and both were great. The venue is well maintained and has an elevated feeling. There are 3 large bars serving up tasty libations and the prices are actually decent! The staff is nice and welcoming. My only possible issue with the way the parking is handled for bigger concert events. For those, ride share would probably be best. read more

See all

Says on the web site clear bags are allowed but it's only small clear bags. All the seating was on the second level. Some places to sit on the first floor. Drinks won't too expensive. read more

See all

The renovations are nice. I like the intimacy of the venue. The balcony seats are a good option. The prices for drinks are typical of concerts. Parking is free. I would have given it 5 stars if the entry process was smoother. It took 1/2 hr to get in, because they took so long to have each person go through the metal detectors. I had to put my phone down and walk through a second time. TSA is faster. Hopefully, this will improve. read more

War Memorial Auditorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

I have been to the War Memorial Auditorium a few times. I went for a private VIP tour of the auditorium recently and found out it was remodeled. The space is beautiful with a second story seating and viewing area. I think the layout if perfect. I recently went for the Shaboozey concert that was packed with concert goers and there was enough room to walk around and the lines for the bar moved fast. The staff is exceptional and willing to help. Bathrooms were clean and we had a great time at the War Memorial Auditorium. read more

I enjoy the venue. It's small enough to feel intimate and lively. Sounds is good. Lighting is good. Parking is also not bad for the capacity it has. read more

Standing as a tribute to military heroes on the western end of Fort Lauderdale's 93-acre Holiday Park, the historic War Memorial Auditorium first opened in 1950 as a popular music and entertainment venue, drawing U.S. Presidents and celebrity icons from Buddy Holly to World Boxing Champion Héctor Camacho and others . read more

The newly renovated war memorial auditorium is a dream! There is ample seating and very easy to navigate where you need to go. It's nice and cold which as a Floridian we absolutely love! 95% of the time it's hot as balls outside! I went over for a concert on this occasion, and it did not disappoint. The drinks were reasonably priced, and although most of their finger foods contained gluten, there were some chips and other things that I could eat. The atmosphere was gorgeous. The seats were comfortable and they offered barstool seating which was a little different from normal seats. Definitely enjoyed being able to sit there. Can't wait to go back to my next show here. read more

See all

I actually love this place and the show was awesome, but I had a really upsetting experience with the security team that I need to share. My friend accidentally walked into an area without realizing there was no exit. Instead of calmly pointing him back, the assistant manager came at him with attitude and even told him he needed to 'respect her,' even though he didn't do anything wrong. It felt rude and totally unprofessional. We walked away to avoid any issues, but she still decided to call the cops on him for no reason. When the on-location cop arrived, he was rude too, even though the situation was clearly nothing serious. The way they both spoke to him and escalated things felt racist and extremely unprofessional. It turned a great night into something uncomfortable and unnecessary. What a waste of 400 dollars. I do want to say the actual manager was nice and tried to help, but the assistant manager and security handled the situation terribly. No one should ever be treated like that. I hope the venue takes this seriously, because I really do love the place -- it was just the security team that completely. Botton line. The security team is racist against minority even though they are themselves. Go figure. This is the signs of time. read more

Horrible venue. No lights or sidewalk from parking to venue. They oversell it over caoaxity. Rude old lady Kathy with wrinkles and hair made up like a 10 year old. F- read more

Went to the wallows concert here was told via Instagram to get tickets. I could not lineup before 9 AM when I was there people were already lined up at 7 AM. Was also told to park in the wrong area. Lines were a mess number 90 through 100. We're coming in with number 60. read more

We were here recently to attend the Veg Fest. I can't believe how many times I drove past this area and had no idea the War Memorial was here. There is a huge field for parking although at the Veg Fest they charged $6 per car. There is a war memorial to marines out front. The front doors open to a large open space. There are bathrooms there, but I did not use them. The space can be used for different events inside, and I could see many stacked chairs so one can assume other types of events perhaps for veterans may take place here. There isn't too much more to add about the space. The Veg Fest itself was quite disappointing. Between the ticket prices, parking, and lack of sampling, it turned out to be much less than we anticipated. We thought the Veg Fest would be more knowledge based, and we would have the chance to learn more about Vegan products and recipes aside from the documentaries we had seen. We also thought there would be more sampling and fun for the kids. It was not any of the above. The venue was all vendors selling products, clothes, etc. We probably weren't even there an hour. The second piece has nothing to do with the War Memorial itself as this was not hosted by the War Memorial itself. read more

When I lived in the Fort Lauderdale area, I drove past the Auditorium a bunch of times but I never attended an event or show there. That changed this weekend with the Suncoast Gun Show. Built in the 50's and updated more recently, there is a seating capacity for 2100 rock and roll fans or 20,000 square feet of exhibition space. Think concert or seminar or graduation or a boxing ring or a lecture. Or a spot for people to get together to sell machinery of death. I mean, guns. Move along. Heck, Jerry Lee Lewis played here. How cool is that?!? Easily accessible at the corner of Federal Highway and Sunrise Blvd in a neighborhood called Sears Town. Parking ain't always free, which is a big shame. Free wifi! read more

War Memorial Auditorium - Suncoast Gun Show - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

See all

Located in and basically being a part of Fort Lauderdale's Holiday Park, the War Memorial Auditorium is a seriously aging but large indoor facility providing room for graduations, gun shows, shows of the orchid society and various community group events. The location of it is ideal, being within Holiday Park as event parking on the large lawns is easily arranged as well as easy to set up. The auditorium facility, however, seriously shows its age. But for organizations or event too small or ill fitted to deal with the heavy security of the huge Broward County Convention Center, it fills an important part of the local community. If the fold away seating of the auditorium is used instead of just the open space of facility, it really shows its age with its cramped, uncomfortable seats. read more

War Memorial Auditorium - Front of War Memorial Auditorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

See all

My daughter recently had her recital there and let's just say that I have been in better auditoriums. But let's not be all negative. :) Pros: 1. Plenty-o-parking. There was a huge turn out and parking spaces were not an issue at all. 2. Pretty easy to find. 3. Can see pretty good from any seat. Now comes the negative portion of the review: Cons: 1. Parking area is grassy and it does flood....some places more than others. 2.There is a shopping center a block away that has a Jamba Juice, Winn-Dixie and a cute café called Urban Brew. 3. The auditorium is pretty old and outdated as is their sound system and acoustics. The music sounded terrible! I wanted to gives this place a much better review, but just couldn't. I hope our dance studio finds a better place for next year's recital. read more

I was here this week for a show that was perfectly suited for the space. It had the perfect amount of seating for the audience, parking was close to the entrance, and even served food and drinks. I had never been here before but I will tell you I would come back if I knew a show would be hosted here. I really do think that the ladies who sell drinks ABSOLUTELY NEED AN iSQUARE! The old machine they have to charge guests for the drinks are extremely slow and as a result make them appear slow when they are not. The food is hidden in the back, I didn't even know they were selling food until I was on my way out. Regardless, the lobby was nice and the ticket lady was very cute! Inside the auditorium, the seats were comfy and the view was good from anywhere you sat. It is an older venue, but it's got charm and the location is swell. read more

I went here for a graduation the other day, and boy is this place outdated. The seats are small and move all over the place. The graduation itself went well, but I wish they held it elsewhere. I hope the money they collected from parking will go towards a parking lot, rather than the grass they currently have. read more

This building is an older venue, but a classic none the less. Shows, graduations, festivals, bar mitzvah, weddings, you name it they will rent you the auditorium. Love all their hardworking staff! read more

This is the worst auditorium. It is old and need of a serious renovation. Half the seats are located off to the right of the stage. This made it horrible watching my younger brother's graduation. I can only imagine how horrible it would be trying to watch a production here. Yikes! read more

Went there last night for a business seminar. Parking was on the grass and a little confusing how to get into the parking area. Needed to be careful crossing the street to the building-had to wait for traffic to cease. Building is old-needs updating. The auditorium is stage centered and typical cement convention flooring. Atmosphere is dark and hallow feeling. Small section was set up for the presenters. Sound was terrible-got a lot of noise from exhibitor booths and was destracted from the presentation. Chairs were worn, stained and showed their age. It is too bad since this has the potential to be a great place for exhibits and other business events. Centrally located, easy to find, not difficult to gain enterance into the building. With some updates this could be a addition to the City of Fort Lauderdale. I would definitely look somewhere else to hold an event. read more

old and cafeteria food, but good shows and activities, they charge for parking but if you know where to go you shouldn't have a problem finding a free spot. read more