 EVANSVILLE, IN – January 8, 2024 – The Vanderburgh County Commissioners are proud to initiate infrastructure improvements to the Soldiers and Sailors Coliseum (Veterans Memorial Coliseum, The Coliseum, Evansville Coliseum) and invite the public to contribute to the preservation efforts.Â
A symbol honoring the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum has been a landmark in our community for many years. Infrastructure improvements aimed at conserving it will soon begin. The Board of Commissioners will open bids at their meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. in Civic Center Room 301 for the first phase focused on interior stabilization. The kickstart of these crucial improvements will be funded by $6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.Â
As the Commissioners begin this restoration, the public is invited to help in honoring the legacy of the Coliseum and its historical documentation. Individuals are encouraged to share their memories including pictures and videos of concert and event memorabilia as well as personal snapshots and videos taken of themselves, friends, and family at the Coliseum by submitting
 them to commissioners@vanderburghgov.org. These contributions will aid in preserving the collective memories and experiences of this beloved landmark.Â
The Commissioners also extend an invitation to the public to join the Coliseum’s renovation journey by subscribing to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum YouTube channel, where updates will be shared. A special thank you goes out to Dr. Mark Royer for creating the first video showcasing drone footage capturing the building’s exterior.Â
About the Veterans Memorial Coliseum: Built between 1916 and 1917, the Coliseum was conceived to address two vital community purposes: commemorating local veterans of the Civil and Spanish-American wars and simultaneously offering a venue for conventions, entertainment, and public gatherings. Its significance expanded in 1971, when it was rededicated as a monument honoring veterans from all wars, leading to its esteemed recognition from the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Once considered a premier event location in Evansville, the Coliseum played host to numerous iconic entertainment performances, leaving an indelible mark on the collective memories and history of our community.Â
