CHICAGO, IL, March 20, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Forty years after one of the most infamous moments in television history, author William Elliott Hazelgrove will recreate the opening of Al Capone's vault at the site of the former Lexington Hotel in Chicago—this time revealing what that moment truly meant.

On April 21, 2026, Hazelgrove, author of Capone's Vault, will stage a live, on-location vault opening at the exact site where Geraldo Rivera hosted the nationally televised event in 1986 that drew millions of viewers—and ended with an empty vault.

But according to Hazelgrove, the vault was never truly empty.

"Forty years ago, America watched that vault open and saw nothing," said Hazelgrove. "But they were looking for the wrong thing. That night didn't reveal Capone's secrets—it created reality television."

EVENT DETAILS

Location: Site of the former Lexington Hotel (Chicago, IL)
Date: April 21, 2026
Morning Media Availability: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Official Timed Opening: 7:00 PM CST (exactly 40 years after the original broadcast)

Hazelgrove will unveil a recreated vault installation on-site, featuring a vintage-style safe. The event includes:

VISUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MEDIA
A dramatic vault opening sequence designed for broadcast

A two-stage reveal, including a pivoting vault cover and interior safe

A camera-ready visual moment ideal for live or recorded segments

On-site interviews with Hazelgrove and invited historical commentators

Media will be able to capture the vault opening during the morning window, with the official reenactment occurring at 7:00 PM CST, marking the exact anniversary of the original live television event.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT & COMMENTARY

Hazelgrove will be joined (pending confirmation) by individuals connected to the history and legacy of Al Capone and the original broadcast, offering insight into:

The cultural impact of the 1986 Capone's Vault special

The origins of modern reality television

The enduring mystery surrounding Capone's hidden wealth

A DEFINING MOMENT IN TELEVISION

When Geraldo Rivera opened Capone's vault live on television in 1986, an estimated 30 million viewers tuned in—only to find it empty. The broadcast became one of the most talked-about moments in television history.

Hazelgrove argues that while the vault yielded no treasure, it marked the beginning of a new era.

"That night changed television forever. It proved audiences would watch anything unfold live—especially the unknown. That's the DNA of reality TV."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Hazelgrove is the national bestselling author of numerous works of history and narrative nonfiction, including Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America. His latest book, Capone's Vault, explores the story behind the infamous broadcast and its lasting cultural impact. His previous book Al Capone and the 1933 Worlds Fair covered Chicagos effort to put on a Worlds Fair and to prosecute Al Capone.

MEDIA INVITATION

Media outlets are invited to attend and cover this unique anniversary event. The visual nature of the vault opening provides a compelling opportunity for live shots, feature segments, and historical retrospectives.

# # #