Elvis in Dayton in Oct. 1976.
Bob Heis
Elvis Presley played his final Dayton concert on Oct. 26, 1976.
After the show was announced in late September of that year, fans headed to the University of Dayton Arena early to camp out overnight and be first in line when tickets went on sale at 7 a.m. the following Friday morning.
“I love his wiggle, his body, his voice, his magic, his everything. You name it, honey, he’s got it and I love it,” said Lorainne Shedden, 25, who was first in a line of about 30 “early birds” already waiting for tickets.
Elvis fans Lorainne Shedden, left, Blanch Allsup, Florence Guth and Pat Shrader, camp out for concert tickets at UD Arena in 1976.
DAYTON DAILY NEWS ARCHIVES
Blanche Allsup, 27, who was seven months pregnant, was second in line. “I will name my baby Elvis if it is a boy and Elveteen if it is a girl,” she said.
Tickets were priced at $7.50, $10, and $12.50, plus a 50-cent handling charge, with a limit of 10 tickets per order on a first-come, first-served basis.
Elvis in Dayton in Oct. 1976.
Altogether, 13,750 fans jammed into UD Arena to hear “The King” perform his greatest hits, including Dayton Daily News reporter Vince Staten.
Gospel singers J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet opened the show to the explosion of a thousand flashcubes. Next came comedian Jackie Kahane, followed by the Sweet Inspirations before intermission.
Presley’s Las Vegas announcer teased the crowd, announcing that Elvis was coming soon while urging fans to purchase souvenirs such as posters, buttons, and even Elvis alarm clocks.
At 9:39 p.m., the house lights came down, signaling the final approach of the big moment. Out of the darkness came the opening strains of the “2001” movie theme, sending screams through the lower arena.
And then he hit the spotlight.
Elvis Presley made his last area performance at the University of Dayton Arena Oct. 26, 1976.
DAYTON DAILY NEWS ARCHIVE
Elvis appeared with his signature jet-black hair, the collar turned up on a white jumpsuit, featuring an orange and gold sunburst on the back and front. The crowd went wild as the opening strains of “C.C. Rider” were drowned out by screams. Every time he shook his knee or moved, the arena erupted.
A woman broke through to his feet and pleaded for a kiss. He bent down slowly onto both knees and granted her wish. As he started the next song, he took off his scarf — the first of over 30 — and tossed it into the crowd.
Elvis in Dayton in Oct. 1976.
Bob Heis
During the ballad “You Gave Me a Mountain,” fans swamped the front of the stage. Next came “Help Me,” “All Shook Up,” “Teddy Bear,” and “And I Love You So.”
Elvis closed with “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” singing at the stage’s edge while reaching out to touch the outstretched hands of fans. Then, as suddenly as he had appeared, Elvis had left the building.