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Mcelroy Auditorium Tickets

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About Mcelroy Auditorium

Welcome to The Hippodrome, the historic multipurpose arena at the National Cattle Congress grounds in Waterloo, Iowa. Formerly known as McElroy Auditorium, this venue has hosted legendary events since the 1960s. Today, The Hippodrome seats up to 5,155 permanently, with capacity expanding to about 7,000 depending on configuration, making it a versatile home for concerts, livestock shows, rodeos, conventions, and sports. Secure your seats with us—we’ve got you covered for easy, straightforward ticket purchasing.

Address: 257 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701. The Hippodrome is conveniently located just off Highway 218, offering straightforward access and event-day parking.

Beyond the arena floor, The Hippodrome offers on-site parking and simple transit options. Nearby lodging includes NCC-listed options such as Days Inn by Wyndham Waterloo, with lodging details available on request. For dining and convenience, there are several nearby restaurants and hotels that partner with local affiliates. When planning a visit, rely on our connections to maximize comfort and value while you enjoy world-class performances and community events.

Notable acts and events have defined The Hippodrome's history—from the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Johnny Cash to Kiss and Garth Brooks, alongside decades of local and regional sports. The venue has also hosted the Waterloo Hawks and Waterloo Black Hawks in its early years, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the community’s cultural and athletic life.

  • Seating: multiple configurations to accommodate concerts, livestock shows, rodeos, conventions, and sports, with capacity variations per event.
  • Parking: On-site parking described as plentiful.
  • Transit: Easy access from Highway 218, with straightforward ingress and egress for event day traffic.
  • Nearby hotels: Days Inn by Wyndham Waterloo and other partner properties; details available on request.
  • Nearby dining: Local and chain restaurants around the NCC grounds and downtown Waterloo offer quick access before or after events.
  • Seating configurations: Flexible to suit different event types; check event page for exact arrangement and capacity.

For a seamless experience, contact us to secure your seats and receive up-to-date venue information, event schedules, and partner recommendations. The Hippodrome remains a cornerstone of the Waterloo entertainment and event landscape, hosting big-name acts and community gatherings.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 257 Ansborough Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701 (The Hippodrome on National Cattle Congress grounds).
  • Former name: McElroy Auditorium (circa 1965–2018); renamed The Hippodrome in 2018.
  • Current name: The Hippodrome; Capacity: 5,155 permanent seats; up to 7,000 total depending on configuration.
  • Seating/chart specifics: 234 box seats, 5,200 permanent seats, and 1,800 floor seating with chairs; arena floor is ~20,000 sq ft with a 4,000 sq ft lobby.
  • Venue type: multipurpose indoor arena used for concerts, livestock shows, rodeos, conventions, and sports (home to various teams in the past).
  • Parking: on-site parking; described as plentiful.
  • Transit/access: located just off Highway 218, with easy access in and out.
  • Nearby hotels: lodging options listed by NCC include Days Inn by Wyndham Waterloo (rates start around $30/night; contact provided for vendor parking).
  • Notable events hosted: historic concerts and acts (e.g., Glenn Miller Orchestra, Johnny Cash, Kiss, Garth Brooks, The Beach Boys, etc.); also served as home to Waterloo Hawks (NBL/NBA/NPBL) and Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL).
  • Renaming/demolition status: the venue was renamed back to The Hippodrome in 2018 (formerly McElroy Auditorium).