Pepsi Coliseum
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| The Barn | |
|---|---|
| Former names | Indiana State Fair Coliseum |
| Location | 1202 E. 38th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 |
| Coordinates | 39°49′39″N 86°8′6″W / 39.8275°N 86.135°WCoordinates: 39°49′39″N 86°8′6″W / 39.8275°N 86.135°W |
| Opened | 1939 |
| Owner | State of Indiana |
| Capacity | 8,200 |
| Tenants | |
| Indianapolis Capitals (AHL) (1939-1952) Indiana Pacers (ABA) (1967-1974) Indianapolis Checkers (IHL) (1979-1987) Indianapolis Ice (IHL) (1988-2003) Indianapolis Ice (CHL) (2003-2004) Indiana Ice (USHL) (2004-present) |
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The Pepsi Coliseum is an 8,200-seat multi-purpose arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was formerly known as the Indiana State Fair Coliseum. The current arena was built in 1939, replacing a previous coliseum that was built in 1907. The coliseum is located at the Indiana State Fair fairgrounds, and is used for the state fair as well as year round for various sporting events, and other events.
On October 31, 1963, during a Holiday on Ice show, a propane leak at a concession stand caused an explosion which killed 74 people.[1] A memorial plaque was dedicated 40 years later in the building, but it has since been removed. Another plaque honoring the explosion victims currently hangs inside the building's entrance.
The arena was once home to the Indiana Pacers of the ABA (American Basketball Association), from 1967 to 1974. They moved into Market Square Arena in 1974, and in 1976, the Indiana Pacers became a franchise within the NBA (National Basketball Association).
The Indianapolis Checkers (IHL) played at the Pepsi Coliseum winning back to back Adams Cup Championships in 1982 and 1983. As of 2005[update], it is home to the Indiana Ice Ice hockey team. As of 1982, the Pepsi Coliseum has been home to the 2004, 2005, and now 2009 Indiana State Champion high school hockey team, the North Central Panthers.
During the winter months, public ice skating is offered at the Pepsi Coliseum for a small fee. The Pepsi Coliseum also hosts Budweiser Fight Night Boxing, Indianapolis Boat, Sport & Travel Show, The Hoosier Horse Fair, high school and college commencement ceremonies, and many concerts featuring national acts.
The Pacers scheduled their first pre-season game of the 2008-2009 season at the Pepsi Coliseum for October 8, 2008 when they hosted the New Orleans Hornets.[2] 7,439 people watched the Pacers lose to the Hornets 105 to 71. The Pacers wore uniforms based on the 1967 to 1971 uniform design. Former ABA-Pacers George McGinnis, Darnell Hillman, Bob Netolicky, Don Buse, Jerry Harkness, Steve Green, Tom Thacker, Bill Newton, and Wayne Pack, attended the game and were recognized during a half-time ceremony.[3]
The design of Lucas Oil Stadium, the current home for the Indianapolis Colts, was inspired by the Pepsi Coliseum.
[edit] Concerts/shows held in the coliseum
- The Beatles 1964
- Tennessee Ernie Ford August 1964
- Perry Como August 1966
- The Cowsills August 24, 1968
- Rowan and Martin Show August 24, 1968
- Arthur Godfrey (With The Horse Show) August 1968
- Lawrence Welk August 1968
- Nancy Sinatra And Lee Hazlewood September 1, 1968
- The King Family August 1969
- The Jimi Hendrix Experience May,1969
- The Association With The Ventures August 29, 1969
- Anita Bryant (With The Horse Show) August 1969
- Glen Campbell With Jerry Reed And Jerry Lee Lewis August 1969
- Johnny Cash With June Carter And The Carter Family August 1970
- The Guess Who August 1970
- Buck Owens And The Stars Of Hee Haw (The Hager Twins) September 5, 1970
- Paul Revere & The Raiders With Art Linkletter August 26, 1970
- The Who (Special Guest The Rolling Stones) September 3rd 1970
- Neil Diamond May 9, 1971
- Red Skelton August 21, 1971
- Roy Rogers And Dale Evans With The Rodeo August 1978
[edit] References
- ^ Drabek, Thomas (1995-05-18). "Diaster in Aisle 13 Revisted". http://www.library.ca.gov/CRB/96/05/over_4.html. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ "Pacers to play New Orleans in Pepsi Coliseum". Indianapolis Star. 2008-08-20. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/SPORTS04/80820089/1088. Retrieved 2008-10-07.
- ^ Brunner, Conrad (2008-10-08). "A night to remember, a game to forget". National Basketball Association. http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700022315. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
[edit] External links
| Preceded by first arena |
Home of the Indiana Pacers 1967 – 1974 |
Succeeded by Market Square Arena |
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