| Amphidrome | |
|---|---|
The 1907 addition can be prominently seen in this postcard (circa 1907-09). The rest of the stadium is off to the left. |
|
| Built | 1902 |
| Michigan State Historic Site | |
| Designated | ~2006 |
The Houghton Warehouse Company, operated by James R. Dee, built and owned the Amphidrome. Construction of the Amphidrome finished in December 1902.
The first hockey game was played on December 29, 1902, in which the Portage Lakes Hockey Club defeated the University of Toronto, 13-2. The game was attended by over 5000 spectators. For the 1903-04 season, the Portage Lakes became the first hockey team whose players were all paid. James Dee and John "Doc" Gibson formed the International Hockey League later that year, in which the Portage Lakes competed. These events marked the beginning of professional hockey.
In 1907, an addition was constructed on the western end of the Amphidrome. Styled like a castle, it was used as a community ballroom and armory.
Read more about this topic: Dee Stadium