Historical Background

auditorium with thunderclouds

The SBVC Auditorium has been the architectural gem of the campus for more than 80 years. Former President Richard M. Nixon and former First Lady Hillary Clinton participated in U.S. Senate campaigns in 1950 and 1996 inside the 569-seat venue. Famed comedian Bob Hope, joined by actress Dorothy Lamour and comedian Jerry Colonna, staged a live broadcast of his show here in 1947.

When SBVC opened its doors in 1926, the Auditorium was about a decade away from being built. Construction began in 1936, but it took three years to complete due to a skilled labor shortage and federal restrictions. The Works Progress Administration project cost $168,000. The auditorium underwent a major renovation and restoration from 2004 to 2006, retrofitting the visual icon and adding new seats, paint and lighting.

Reservations

For information about reserving the SBVC Auditorium for a special event, call (909) 384-8906 or email info@valleycollege.edu.