Built in 1913, it was originally known as the Oakland Civic Auditorium. In 1984, following a $15 million refurbishment to reflect its historic and fabled past, the Oakland Auditorium was reborn as the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center.

In 1956 Elvis Presley played one of his first ever West Coast gigs here and many other famous and local musicians have dropped in over the past 90 or so years including The Grateful Dead, Van Halen, Little Feat and White Zombie.

On November 13, 1992 during their Dehumanizer tour Black Sabbath played here, it was Ronnie James Dio's last gig here as their vocalist. On November 14th, they appeared at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa with Rob Halford singing.