It was a big day back on December 17, 1959 when Sports O Rama opened on Route 11 in Mattydale, NY. We first remember that fine business as the newest roller skating and archery range in Central New York, But soon area disc jockeys WOLF's Bob Dell and Andy Andrews starred bring national, regional and local recording artists in for major music and sporting events. Though the years its name would change (Dance & Skate and others) and later be vacant for many years. The property and building would be sold to Dunkin Donuts and scheduled for demolition in August 2015. The end to another fame Rock & Roll and entertainment venue that bought us many great memories though the years.
I've listed below the many national recording artists I remembered who performed at Sports O Rama. Followed by local and famous celeb's who graced the Sports O Rama stage-floor.
Gene Pitney, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee & The Shadows, Buddy Know & Rhythm Orchids, 4 Seasons, Brian Hyland, Duane Eddy, Dion, The Searchers, Dovells, Bobby Lewis, Bobby Vinton, Ral Donner, Regents (Barbara Ann), Jean Thomas (Moon River), Little Peggy March, Hot Toddys, Ersel Hickey, Dick & Dee Dee, Troy Shondell (This Time), Bobby Comstock, Ronnie Dio & The Prophets, The McCoy (Rick Derringer- Hang On Sloopy), The Seeds (Pushin To Hard), Outsiders (Time Won't Let Me), Shadows of Knight, ? and the Mysterians (96 Tears), Ron Cochran, Restrictions, Charlie Spivak Orchestra, Candi Scott, Jac-Lin Combo.
Local CNY artists included- The Sabers (Ron Lauback), Keystones (Hal Robinson), Eternals (Tom Rozzano, Freddy Simmons), The Vikings, Paul and the Velvets, Bel Larks, Little Linda, Duke Dixon & Singbillies, Jimmy Ashby & Trebletones, Eddie Williamson Orchestra and many-many more.
Other famous names include
Ernie Davis (SU Heisman Trophy Winner, Willie Moscone (World Billard & Trick Shot Champion), Frankie Frisch (National Baseball Hall of Famer), Coach Ben S.(Syracuse University Football Coach).
It's now just a great memory- Sports O Rama..you be missed, but always remembered in our rock & roll hearts....
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