1798

The first indoor fronton was
built in Marquena, Spain.

1898

Cesta punta was introduced in
Cuba.

1904

The first Jai Alai fronton in America was built in St. Louis, MO during the 1904 World's Fair. It opened on May 15. However, after only two months, the Jai Alai operations ended and the fronton later became the Winter Garden skating rink.

1924

The first fronton in Miami was built as part of the Hialeah complex.

1925

The New Orleans fronton was built.

1926

On September 18, the original Miami fronton was destroyed by a hurricane.

Jai Alai was first played professionally at the Miami fronton.

1927

Jai Alai began in Chicago at the Rainbo Fronton ( Rainbo Gardens).

1934

Wagering on Jai Alai was legalized.

1938

Jai Alai was introduced at the Hippodrome in New York, NY, but play only took one short season.

1947

Fronton Palacio in Tijuana, Mexico opened.

1953

Dania Jai Alai and Tampa Jai Alai opened.

1955

West Palm Beach Jai Alai opened.

1959

Daytona Jai Alai opened.

1962

Orlando Jai Alai opened.

1968

The use of helmets was mandated.

A players strike led to the blacklisting of many players.

1971

Melbourne Jai Alai in Florida opened.

1973

Ocala Jai Alai in Florida opened.

1974

Fort Pierce Jai Alai opened.

1976

Hartford Jai Alai and Bridgeport Jai Alai, both in Connecticut, opened.

Newport Jai Alai in Rhode Island opens.

1977

Milford Jai Alai opened.

1978

Big Bend Jai Alai in Florida opened.

1992 to 2003

Many of the major Jai Alai frontons in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Florida closed down.

2004

In April 4, the ground-breaking ceremony for Hamilton Jai Alai was held. It is the first new fronton in 22 years.