It's April 8th, and on this day in 1973, Elvis Presley flew to San Francisco to attend the California Karate Championships at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium. Elvis, a black belt in karate under his instructor Ed Parker, was expected to perform a demonstration of brick-breaking before the championship matches. However, a publicity stunt that featured Elvis's name prominently on the event’s marquee and in promotions led to a conflict with his contract at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel. The hotel had restrictions on Elvis making personal appearances within 300 miles of the venue in the 30 days prior to his scheduled performances. As a result, Elvis was prohibited from participating in the demonstration. Disappointed fans, who had gathered to see Elvis in action, instead saw him in the audience, a silent observer of the competition.
