Several Fort Worth-area residents submitted letters to the editor expressing nostalgia for the Fort Worth Convention Center as it prepares to close. The facility, originally opened as the Tarrant County Convention Center in 1975, hosted numerous high-profile musical acts over its decades of operation.
Jim and Katie Hargrove recalled attending a Led Zeppelin performance in March 1975 that they dressed up for in formal attire. They noted that while they wore white tuxedos and hats, they were the only attendees in such clothing at the event.
The couple also listed other artists they saw at the venue, including Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney, ZZ Top, Neil Diamond, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Grand Funk Railroad.
Riff Wright from Aledo wrote to highlight a different type of entertainment held at the arena: a show by stunt performer Evel Knievel. Wright stated that their father took them to the event and described the experience as creating lasting positive memories before offering condolences for the center's closure.
Beyond reflections on the venue, other letters addressed political topics related to the upcoming U.S. Senate race in Texas. Anita Sheppard of Fort Worth praised Ken Paxton, citing his tenure as Texas attorney general as evidence of his work ethic and suitability for the Senate seat. She referenced a previous column by Ryan Rusak regarding opponent James Talarico.
