Opening Night in South Florida: Elvis Presley Live at the Sportatorium, Feb 12th, 1977

Step into the sweltering heat of Sportatorium on February 12, 1977, as Elvis Presley makes his triumphant return to South Florida after a seven-year absence. The scene at the Hollywood Sportatorium was nothing short of a frenzy. Over 14,700 fans—ranging from five to seventy-five years old—packed the arena so tightly that police struggled to maintain order as fights broke out over autographed scarves and front-row views. This night is famous for the "Presidential-level" security used by the Presley camp. To ensure Elvis could enter the building safely, a helicopter was used as a diversion, landing near the arena to draw away the thousands of fans waiting outside. Meanwhile, "The King" arrived quietly on a red-white-and-blue chartered Greyhound bus. Upon seeing a nearby house on fire as he arrived, Elvis famously joked with his bodyguards, "Sure is a warm reception!" On stage, Elvis was in high spirits, grinning at the "pandemonium" and delivering a setlist that showcased his vocal maturity. From a soul-stirring "Unchained Melody" to a powerful "My Way" (for which he read the lyrics from sheets of paper), and the rockin' "Polk Salad Annie," Elvis proved that his aura was indestructible. Despite the chaos of disappearing seats and the blinding light of thousands of flashbulbs, the 1977 Hollywood performance remains a testament to the unparalleled loyalty and lust of the Elvis faithful. Tracklist: 01 Also Sprach Zarathustra 00:00 02 See See Rider 01:09 03 I Got A Woman / Amen 05:00 04 Love Me 10:36 05 If You Love Me (Let Me Know) 12:58 06 You Gave Me A Mountain 15:50 07 Jailhouse Rock 19:03 08 O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) 21:00 09 It's Now Or Never 22:00 10 All Shook Up 24:31 11 Teddy Bear 25:34 12 Don't Be Cruel 26:22 13 My Boy (one-liner) / My Way 27:50 14 Little Sister 31:36 15 Help Me 34:05 16 Polk Salad Annie 36:50 17 Band Introductions * 40:19 18 Early Morning Rain / introducing James Burton 41:40 19 What'd I Say 42:43 20 Johnny B. Goode 43:31 21 Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 44:24 22 Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 45:48 23 Piano Solo (Tony Brown) 47:18 24 Love Letters 48:38 25 Elvis introduces Charlie Hodge, Joe Guercio / School Day 51:16 26 Hurt (with reprise) 52:35 27 Hound Dog 55:13 28 Funny How Time Slips Away / Wooden Heart (excerpt) 56:48 29 Unchained Melody 1:00:07 30 Can't Help Falling In Love 1:02:39 This video is dedicated to ‪@PotateWeckstrom‬ for the great suggestion! #javitcb #elvis #elvispresley