Splitting Headaches & MBEI Independent Media Circle of Hope present:
18TH & GRAND: THE OLYMPIC AUDITORIUM STORY
18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story, the closing film for the Slamdance Film Festival 2021 and nominated for an Emmy in 2023, tells the story of Los Angeles through the history of a historic fight arena. Featuring the distinctive voices of wrestlers, boxers, musicians and skaters, 18th & Grand captures a disappearing culture that helped shape the city.
From the dangerous combat of boxing to the dramatic theatricality of wrestling, roller derby, and music--from rhythm & blues to hardcore punk--the gritty punch palace at the corner of 18th Street and Grand Avenue was the most raucous show in town, drawing movie stars, mobsters, and everyday people.
For decades, the Olympic was run by Aileen Eaton, a pioneering show business promoter and star maker who thrived in the male dominated fight world. Eaton’s remarkable reign forms the backbone of the film, a forgotten heroine who left a major mark in sports and popular culture.
From Gorgeous George to Andre the Giant to Muhammad Ali, she promoted the biggest stars and built the careers of world champions from across the city and all over the world, making the Olympic a world-famous destination for decades.
The film was also the subject of an award-winning exhibition at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles that ran from August 2023 through May 2024, 18th & Grand: The Olympic Auditorium Story is built for a championship run.
SELECT PRESS QUOTES
“A raw, often surprising perspective on a local L.A. landmark.”
Variety
“In 18th and Grand writer and director Stephen DeBro explores the city’s history through the lens of a venue that could only exist in Los Angeles.”
Hyperallergic
“Brilliant!”
Film Threat
“A great film that highlights not just a place but the whole city.”
Unseen Films
“An enlightening, exciting documentary that creates an indelible image of one of the only female boxing promoters, Aileen Eaton — who transformed Olympic Auditorium into one of the
city’s greatest successes.”
Local News Matters Bay Area
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$15 (Pricing subject to change w/ addition of special engagement content, TBD/TBA.) (Additional details forthcoming.)
No advance ticket sales. Day of show only. Exception to group ticket sales. (Contact -
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Doors at 6pm
Event at 7pm
Sponsorship information:
MBEI (Michigan Black Expo, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) BIPOC non-profit tax-deductible charity organization. MBEI EIN #, Tax ID 38-3297241
To make a donation to Splitting Headaches a tertiary education platform at MBEI Independent Media Circle of Hope send a check or money order to
Attn: Splitting Headaches
C/o: Michigan Black Expo, Inc.
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Grand Rapids MI 49503-4243
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