The CFG Bank Arena , once known as the Baltimore Civic Center , opened its doors in 1962 and quickly became a hub for all things arts and culture . At first , it was known for more theatrical events such as circus performances and ice-skating shows , but it didn ’ t take long for the venue to attract bigname musical acts . In fact , it is one of the few remaining indoor venues in which The Beatles performed . Today , after a $ 250-million renovation , the arena boasts new comfort seating with fully unobstructed views , a new stage with more floor space and state-of-theart acoustics .
Over the years , the Civic Center hosted a wide variety of artists across genres , from rock-and-roll legends KISS ( who will play their third-to-last show ever at the arena on Nov . 29 , 2023 ) and The Ramones to R & B icons Aretha Franklin and James Brown . It has the distinction of being one of the last places to host Elvis before he died . Other legendary acts to perform at the Civic Center include Led Zeppelin , The Who , Pink Floyd and Bruce Springsteen , who was also the first artist to perform in the arena after its reopening in early 2023 .
With its sleek and captivating design , the modern arena commands attention — a true symbol of Baltimore ’ s tenacity and unwavering spirit . In addition to live music ,
it also hosts comedy shows , theater troupes and sporting events , such as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association ’ s Basketball Tournament in February , making it a versatile locale for visitors looking to experience all sorts of entertainment options in one trip . And getting there is a breeze — located in the heart of downtown Baltimore , CFG Bank Arena is easily accessible by car or public transportation and within walking distance of several hotels and restaurants . One must-try option is Lexington Market , a Baltimore food hall more than 200 years old that recently underwent a transformation of its own .
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Lexington Market occasionally has live music on its new outdoor plaza .
Below : AFRAM , held annually in Druid Hill Park , is one of the East Coast ’ s largest African American festivals .
The newly renovated CFG Bank Arena is ready to host the world ’ s biggest artists in downtown Baltimore .
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