The Hordern Pavilion is a building located in Moore Park, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on the grounds of the old Sydney Showground. "The Hordern", as it is affectionally known by Sydneysiders, has been an architecturally and socially significant Sydney landmark since its construction in 1924. Now best known as a dance party and rock concert venue, the Hordern Pavilion was originally constructed to meet the increasing demands for exhibition space at the Royal Easter Show.
The Pavilion was named in honour of the enterprising retail Hordern family, Anthony Hordern and Sons, and Sir Samuel Hordern, who was the president of the Royal Agricultural Society from 1915 to 1941. The building is designed in the Inter-War Academic Classical Style with rendered masonry featuring classical detailing inside and out, including fluted Doric columns, a parapet and an imposing vaulted roof with lantern tower. It cost £45,000 to originally build.
The pavilion has also been the site of championship boxing over the years with, among others, former World Champion Jeff Fenech fighting at the venue.
Frank Zappa's FZ:OZ was recorded at the venue, on 20 January 1976.
English rock band Coldplay recorded their live album, Live 2003, at the venue, on 21-22 July 2003.
On 22 October 2006, the venue played host to The Gigantour, featuring performances by Megadeth, Soulfly, Arch Enemy and Caliban.[1]
On 26 January 2011, singer Jimmy Buffett fell from the stage at the pavilion and was taken to a nearby hospital.
On 10 March 2011, American singer-songwriter Ke$ha brought her Get Sleazy Tour to the pavilion. It was one of her first performances in Australia.
On 27 January 2012, American rock band My Chemical Romance will play a show as part of the Big Day Out side shows.