: A HISTORIC EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILYEvansville, Indiana – November 14, 2023 – Vanderburgh County and the committee leading the Veteran’s Coliseum restoration initiative have announced the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum Preservation Open House, a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the venue’s rich history while looking forward to an exciting future.
This event will take place on December 10, from 2 PM to 5 PM, at the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum, commonly referred to as the Veteran’s Coliseum, located at 300 Court Street, Evansville, IN 47708.
The Veteran’s Coliseum, a cornerstone of our community’s heritage, has played a vital role in our city’s history for decades. To honor its legacy and ensure its preservation for generations to come, guests will be invited to view historic architecture and artifacts, tour backstage and explore lower corridors. Attendees will also be among the first to see and hear about the proposed renovations that will revitalize the Coliseum and learn how they can help to ensure it remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.
Admission is free of charge, and this event is designed for the whole family to enjoy. Light refreshments will be served, and Santa Claus will be in attendance, ready to spread holiday cheer and greet children of all ages.
“We’re excited to open the doors of the Veterans Coliseum to our community for this special open house,” said Vanderburgh County Council President Jill Anne Hahn. “This event is not only an opportunity to celebrate our history but also to look forward to a promising future for this iconic venue. We encourage everyone to join us on December 10 and learn how they can become a part of its continued legacy.”
For more information visit exploreevansville.com/events.
What: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Coliseum Preservation Open House
When: Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 2 PM – 5 PM
Where: Veteran’s Coliseum, 300 Court Street, Evansville, IN 47708
Admission Information: Admission is free; voluntary donations will be accepted
About the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum
The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum (“Veteran’s Coliseumâ€), constructed in 1916-1917, was originally conceived to address two critical community needs: providing a venue for conventions, entertainment, exhibits, and public gatherings, and serving as a memorial to local veterans of the Civil and Spanish-American wars. In 1971, it was rededicated as a monument honoring veterans from all wars and received recognition in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Unfortunately, major capital investment in the Coliseum has been scarce for over 90 years, with only limited renovations in 1931, such as the addition of murals in the auditorium. Compounded by the challenges brought on by the recent pandemic, efforts are now underway to raise funds and secure support for much-needed renovations to ensure the preservation of this historic landmark for future generations.
About Explore Evansville
Explore Evansville is the official sales and marketing agency for tourism in Evansville, Indiana and Vanderburgh County. Explore Evansville is dedicated to marketing and supporting local hotels and attractions and enhancing the area’s economy by selling the region as a premier destination for conventions, meetings, sports events, leisure, and business. Additionally, Explore Evansville operates the Evansville Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, multi-use sports facility, home to Deaconess Sports Park and Goebel Soccer Complex.
