Study to look at future of historic Evansville venue

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The Vanderburgh County Council approved funding to begin an assessment and development opportunities study regarding the historic Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Coliseum in Evansville. The study will not only give an idea of the more than century-old facility’s condition, but also propose potential future uses for its operation.

The venue, known locally as the Veterans Coliseum, was built in 1917 and has been leased and managed by the Veteran’s Council of Vanderburgh County since 1971. The county says in addition to the study, local arts organizations, tourism leaders and outside event promoters have been tapped to outline potential opportunities for driving additional revenue through events at the coliseum.

“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,” said Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave. “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.”

With the $30,000 in funding approved by the council, the county says an architectural firm will be selected and work on the study will begin immediately. The public will also have an opportunity to view and provide feedback on any concepts and renderings as they become available.

The county did not provide an estimated time frame for the study’s completion.