History Of Evansville Kept in Coliseum
Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Coliseum, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum; whatever you want to call it, the historical downtown Evansville building has had many names over the years. What many have forgotten is that the Evansville Coliseum holds more history than most realize. The neoclassical architecture began in 1916 as a way to honor veterans of the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. According to Indiana Landmarks, the intention was to honor “the soldiers and sailors of this country who lost their lives on the field of battle and for whose heroism the country has yet to make material recognition.”
Coliseum Faces Ongoing Need For Community Support
The history of the building is incredible, having hosted the likes of Ray Charles, JFK, Katharine Hepburn, and Randy Savage, to name a few. The ongoing preservation project was set to complete phase 1 of the improvements in March of 2025, which upgraded basic electrical and HVAC needs, among other general safety improvements. The next phase of the process will focus on accessibility and the historic entrance foyer. According to Indiana Landmarks:
“Today, thanks to a $6 million project shepherded by Vanderburgh County and funded with money from the American Rescue Plan Act, the aging coliseum is on its way to reclaiming status as a community icon.”
Here’s a look inside the renovations from our partners at Eyewitness News:…