VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVES FUNDING FOR SOLDIERS & SAILORS MEMORIAL COLISEUM STUDYÂ
Evansville, IN – November 10, 2021 – As part of an ongoing effort to restore and revitalize the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Coliseum, the Vanderburgh County Council yesterday approved $30,000 towards the creation of a formal facility assessment and development opportunities study. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum, often referred to as the Veterans Coliseum, was completed in 1917 and designed to serve as a civic structure and memorial to the local veterans of all wars. Since 1971, the County-owned venue has been leased and managed by the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County. In 1979, the Coliseum was accepted into the National Register of Historic Places.Â
In April of 2021, a diverse committee of community leaders was formed to study the current lease agreement, assess the condition of the building, and propose future uses for its operation. Additionally, local arts organizations, tourism leaders, and outside event promoters have been engaged to outline opportunities for driving additional revenue and leisure travelers to the community through activities at the Coliseum.Â
“As a venue, the Coliseum’s size and flexible space are unique to the Evansville market. The renovation and revitalization of this storied building would directly respond to and support initiatives like Talent 2025 and Visit Evansville’s Master Tourism Plan, by creating an anchor in the NoCo District of Downtown and attracting a new brand of resident and arts and entertainment seekers. But, at the end of the day, it is critical we preserve and protect the interests of the Veterans Council, and ensure the historical and military character of the facility remains intact, which is why a formal architectural study is necessary at this point to move forward,†said Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave.Â
“We are thrilled the County is taking this next step,†said Alexis Berggren, Old National Events Plaza General Manager. “The Coliseum is a tremendous community asset that, if appropriately restored, could enrich the ways we sell and market our destination. Whether an ancillary event space for the largest conventions or a venue for smaller, more intimate entertainment performances, a revitalized Coliseum will bring something ‘new’ to the city that meeting planners, arts organizations, and promoters will be very excited about.â€Â
With funding approved, the selection of an architectural firm and related work can begin immediately. The public will be invited to view and comment on concepts and renderings as they are completed and made available. Follow the Vanderburgh County Commissioners page for future updates.Â
About Vanderburgh CountyÂ
Vanderburgh County is the smallest but most populated county in southwestern Indiana. Located on the Ohio River, Vanderburgh County forms the core of the Evansville metropolitan area and is a thriving community that serves as the commercial, medical, educational, and cultural hub for the Indiana/Kentucky/Illinois tri-state region. The County Commissioners serve as the executive leaders of county government and champion a variety of initiatives on behalf of the area’s citizenryÂ
