The Coors Motor Spectacular Tractor Pull on January 30, 1988, was the first nonathletic event to be held in Thompson-Boling Arena after two scheduled rock concerts cancelled their dates. Earth, Wind and Fire cancelled because of low-ticket sales; Yes cancelled because their lead guitarist became ill.
Fifty truckloads of dirt were used to construct the dirt track necessary for the tractor pull. The track was 35 feet wide, 200 feet long, and 18 inches deep. Costs for getting the dirt in and out were between $10,000 and $12,000. A total of 10,300 people attended the event. The highlight of the show was the monster truck competition.
The first musical act to perform in the arena was Def Leppard on Friday, February 5, 1988.