Phoenix's 1976: A Year of Highs and Lows

1976 was a year of big moments in Phoenix. The Phoenix Suns made their first NBA Finals appearance, but lost to the Boston Celtics. It was a close game, with the Suns losing by just seven points in the final match. This wasn't the only time the Suns would break hearts, as they also lost in the Finals in 1993 and 2021. Around the same time, a fire destroyed the historic Castle Hot Springs Resort. The resort, which opened in 1896, was a popular spot for relaxation and luxury. After the fire, the resort changed hands many times before finally reopening in 2019. Today, it's a reminder of Phoenix's past. That same year, Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson filmed parts of "A Star is Born" at Arizona State University. The movie was a hit, and Streisand even won an Oscar for her work on it. The 1976 version is still loved by many, especially those who saw it filmed live.But 1976 also brought tragedy. Investigative reporter Don Bolles was killed in a car bombing. He had been looking into land fraud and corruption. The case was solved, but it left a mark on Arizona's history. Artist Ted DeGrazia made headlines too, but for a different reason. He burned some of his million-dollar paintings to protest tax laws. DeGrazia's art is still celebrated today, and many of his works can be seen at the Gallery in the Sun Museum. Lastly, Dwayne Evans, a 17-year-old from Phoenix, won a bronze medal in the Olympics. He competed in the 200-meter race and later won gold in the World Cup. Evans is remembered as one of the youngest Olympic runners from Arizona. 1976 was a year of change and growth for Phoenix. From sports to art and tragedy, it was a year that shaped the city's future.