The Sam Houston Coliseum was opened in 1937. Originally built as a rodeo arena and convention center it served as the main venue for large concerts in the 60's and 70's. It's seating capacity was listed at 9,217 but floor seating for concerts probably increased it to over 10,000. It did not have the greatest acoustics and you were screwed if your seat happened to be behind on of the many concrete columns in the building but it was the largest venue in town until the Summit was built 1n 1975. All of the greatest 60's rock bands played at the Coliseum. The Beatles only Houston appearance was here August 19, 1965. The first concert I saw there was The Doors on July 10, 1968. Cream, Hendrix, Grand Funk, Jethro Tull, The Who and Queen were just some of the great concerts at the Coliseum.