1961: State lawmakers pass enabling legislation for a city-county civic auditorium, a project that had been discussed off and on since the 1920s. A year later the bill is declared unconstitutional. Legislators pass a constitutional version in 1963.
1962: Over the objections of Mayor J. Bracken Lee, voters pass a $17 million bond issue to pay for construction.1964: In June, a downtown location is chosen.
1965: In March, a name is chosen. "Salt Palace" beat outs out suggestions like "Bonneville Coliseum" and "Deseret Coliseum."
1966: A lawsuit forces bidding of construction contract a second time after it had already been awarded.
1967: Ground is broken in March. During excavation, the remains of three people are uncovered in what experts think is a pioneer-era family burial plot.
1969: In June, like some troubled movie production, the Salt Palace is done, three months behind schedule and $2.2 million over budget. It takes the next 15 years to work out bugs that include poor sound systems, a leaky roof and fire-code problems. After a long public debate, the managing board reverses a beer-sales ban.
1970: After some arrests for drug and alcohol offenses during concerts by Brazilian rocker Carlos Santana and the popular band "War," serious consideration is given to banning "hard rock" performers. The ban never materializes.
1971: Utah Stars win ABA championship. The first expansion project begins.
1975: Scandal I - County Attorney's office claims Salt Palace managers were deliberately issuing misleading financial reports. An audit turns up no missing funds, but does cite poor cash-handling procedures.
1979: New Orleans Jazz move to the Salt Palace, becoming the Utah Jazz.
1983: Salt Palace II opens behind schedule and, at $22 million, over budget. The public is most offended, however, by the hideous off-blue finish on the expansion. The temporary coating is quickly painted over.
1984: Central Hockey League folds, threatening to drag the Golden Eagles into history along with it. The International Hockey League eventually allows the Golden Eagles to join. The Jazz win their first Midwest championship.
1986: First serious talk of a new Jazz-owned arena surfaces.
1987: Scandal II - Salt Palace director resigns and later pleads guilty to stealing hockey tickets and returning them for cash refunds. Following an audit, seven other employees are fired and charged with various misdemeanors.
1988: As lost convention bookings mount, officials set up a task force to study the feasibility of a new arena and convention facilities. Jazz owner Larry Miller eventually decides to build a $45 million arena. The palace's convention facilities by now are deemed cramped and gauche.
1989: A new panel is set up to explore remodeling the arena to provide better convention space.
1991: Three teens are fatally crushed during AC/DC concert. Jazz play their last game at the Salt Palace, ready to take up residence at the new Delta Center, where the Golden Eagles will also play their games.
1992: Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City, in tandem with the state and the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, commit $60 million to replace the Salt Palace with a new complex designed primarily to host conventions.
1993: The Salt Lake Philharmonic plays its last Salt Palace show. In November, plans are announced for demolition to start before the end of the year.