The Lyric Theatre was opened on May 23, 1905 on the northwest corner of Ninth and Broadway, after a one day delay due to a large thunderstorm, by local theatre businessman, W. W. Bell and his partners Mr. Hodkins and Mr. Ballard. Opening acts included the Musical Harts with their $1000 set of chimes, a one-act comedy, 'A Judicious Investment,' Pierrotts Mystification and bicycle diving. It was one of the first open-air theatres in southeast Kansas. In 1907, Bell bought out the other men and enlarged the seating area and stage and renamed it the Airdome. The Airdome closed in 1916.

Lyric Opening Ad
- Pittsburg Daily Headlight, May 20, 1905