The Daily News posted this article today with a timeline of Lincoln Center in honor of its 50th Anniversary.  See how City Opera fits in with Lincoln Center's history:

1966: New York City Opera presents the premiere of "Julius Caesar," the first Handel opera mounted at Lincoln Center. It's the production that makes soprano Beverly Sills a star.

Sept. 15, 2001: Four days after the attacks of Sept. 11, New York City Opera opens new productions of "The Mikado" and "The Flying Dutchman," at the request of Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The shows were supposed to premiere on that fateful Tuesday. The Saturday event becomes the first show to be held at a major New York arts venue since the tragedy.

2005: New York City Opera battles its elitist image by starting the "Opera for All" festival, with seats for just $25. It also adds free lunchtime concerts in Bryant Park.

Read more at http://www.nydailynews.com