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| Coleman Coliseum | |
|---|---|
| Name | Coleman Coliseum |
| Caption | Exterior in 2014 |
| Location | Tuscaloosa, Alabama |
| Opened | 1968 |
| Owner | University of Alabama |
| Operator | University of Alabama |
| Capacity | 15,383 |
Coleman Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Opened in 1968, it serves as the home court for the Alabama Crimson Tide basketball and hosts a range of athletic, cultural, and political events. The venue has hosted NCAA tournaments, musical tours, and civic gatherings, linking it to regional and national institutions.
Construction began after approval by the University of Alabama Board of Trustees and state legislators during the 1960s, contemporaneous with campus expansions that included projects linked to Denny Chimes and the Foster Auditorium renovations. The arena was dedicated amid the social changes of the late 1960s, with early seasons featuring matchups against programs like the University of Kentucky and Duke University. Over subsequent decades, the facility has been the site of appearances by figures associated with the Civil Rights Movement, speakers connected to the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee, and touring productions from the National Basketball Association exhibition circuits.
Designed in the modernist era, the coliseum's structural system reflects mid-20th-century engineering trends present in venues such as the Madison Square Garden renovations and the Pauley Pavilion expansion projects. The bowl seating, hardwood playing surface, and support spaces accommodate NCAA Division I specifications used by the Southeastern Conference. Back-of-house facilities include locker rooms for programs affiliated with the women's program, training suites comparable to those at Cameron Indoor Stadium and media facilities that host outlets such as ESPN and CBS Sports for broadcasts. The concourse integrates concession areas and hospitality suites used by university boosters associated with the Crimson Tide Club.
The arena's calendar spans collegiate basketball seasons, commencement ceremonies for colleges within the University of Alabama system, and concerts from tours promoted by companies tied to the Live Nation network. It has hosted NCAA tournament rounds, conference tournaments connected to the Southeastern Conference schedule, high school championships organized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association, and wrestling events promoted by entities like World Wrestling Entertainment. Political rallies have featured speakers connected to the United States Senate and the Office of the Governor of Alabama.
Memorable basketball contests include home victories over programs such as University of North Carolina, University of Louisville, and University of Kansas during regular seasons and non-conference showcases. The venue has held marquee matchups during visits by teams coached by figures like Dean Smith, John Calipari, and Bill Self. Musical performances have included tours by artists affiliated with labels such as Columbia Records and promoters linked to AEG Presents, with appearances by performers whose concerts were covered by outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard.
Major renovation campaigns funded through partnerships between the University of Alabama Foundation and private donors, including alumni from programs linked to the Crimson Tide, updated seating, scoreboard technology, and HVAC systems. Upgrades paralleled improvements at comparable arenas such as Rupp Arena and Reed Arena, incorporating LED displays used in venues broadcast by Fox Sports and sound systems consistent with standards adopted by Live Nation. Accessibility enhancements aligned with provisions advocated by organizations like the Americans with Disabilities Act enforcement efforts.
Capacity adjustments over time changed the official seating figure to about 15,383, with attendance peaks reported for rivalry matchups against Auburn University and nationally ranked opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference. Single-game attendance records were set during high-profile seasons and during tournaments that drew regional fans from cities such as Birmingham, Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, and Huntsville, Alabama. Ticket distribution has been coordinated via university ticket offices and national platforms used by organizations like Ticketmaster.
The facility is owned and operated by the University of Alabama and managed within the university's athletics department under directors who interface with the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference administration. Operational responsibilities involve coordination with campus units such as the Facilities Management Department and donor relations managed through the University of Alabama Foundation. Event programming partners have included production firms tied to Live Nation and broadcasting agreements with networks including ESPN and CBS Sports Network.
Category:University of Alabama buildings and structures Category:Sports venues completed in 1968 Category:Basketball venues in Alabama