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| Mississippi Coliseum | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mississippi Coliseum |
| Location | Jackson, Mississippi |
| Opened | 1962 |
| Capacity | 10,000 |
| Owner | Mississippi Fair Commission |
Mississippi Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena in Jackson, Mississippi, hosting a range of athletic, cultural, and civic activities. The venue serves as a focal point for events drawing attendees from across the Jackson metropolitan area, the State of Mississippi, and neighboring regions such as Memphis, Tennessee, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. Its programming historically included sporting competitions, concerts, rodeos, trade shows, and political gatherings involving figures from Mississippi politics and national organizations.
The arena was completed during the administration of state leaders associated with mid-20th century infrastructure initiatives in Jackson, Mississippi. Early inaugurations featured college athletic contests involving institutions like University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and Jackson State University. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s it hosted appearances by civic organizations including American Legion, Rotary International, and chapters of NAACP. The site later became a stop for national touring productions managed by promoters such as Live Nation and former companies tied to Bill Graham Presents and Clear Channel Entertainment. Political rallies have featured elected figures from the United States Senate and the White House, while the facility has been used by regional disaster response agencies during emergencies linked to events involving Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Camille, and state emergency declarations.
The building's design reflects mid-century arena architecture influenced by contemporaneous projects like Madison Square Garden renovations and arenas such as The Forum (Inglewood). The interior comprises an arena floor adaptable for ice, hardwood, or dirt surfaces, drawing comparisons to venue standards used by NCAA Division I facilities and professional venues like Smoothie King Center and Bridgestone Arena. Support spaces include meeting rooms used by organizations such as Chamber of Commerce affiliates, exhibition halls suitable for trade shows similar to those at McCormick Place and Georgia World Congress Center, and back-of-house amenities patterned after touring production requirements of companies like AEG Presents. The grounds adjoin the Mississippi State Fairgrounds complex and provide surface parking consistent with municipal codes of Jackson, Mississippi.
Regular tenants and recurring events have included collegiate tournaments associated with conferences like the Southland Conference and the SWAC Tournament, livestock exhibitions coordinated with the American Royal model, and state fairs operating under guidance from the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station. The coliseum has hosted boxing cards promoted by organizations reminiscent of Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, professional wrestling events produced by companies including World Wrestling Entertainment and former independents that toured the Southeast circuit. Annual events have drawn vendors and exhibitors similar to those at Southeast Trade Shows and cultural festivals linked to entities such as Mississippi Arts Commission.
The arena accommodated basketball contests for programs like Belhaven University, William Carey University, and occasional neutral-site games for University of Southern Mississippi. It has been a site for indoor football exhibitions akin to leagues such as the Arena Football League and semi-professional teams comparable to franchises in the National Indoor Football League era. Wrestling cards have showcased talent associated with regional circuits and national promotions including wrestlers who worked for World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling alumni tours. Skate and motocross events mirrored touring formats by groups like Feld Entertainment.
Performers spanning genres from blues connected to legends sponsored by B.B. King circuits to rock tours akin to The Rolling Stones and pop tours similar to Madonna have played the arena. Country music artists comparable to names on billings with Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks have headlined, while R&B and hip-hop performers on par with those contracted by Def Jam Recordings-era tours have appeared. Family shows and productions by theatrical touring companies such as Disney on Ice and circuses in the tradition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey were part of the programming, alongside comedy tours featuring performers reminiscent of headliners who have done national amphitheater circuits.
The venue contributed to the regional visitor economy affecting hotels affiliated with chains like Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and Choice Hotels International, and influenced dining businesses similar to establishments promoted by Mississippi Restaurant Association. Conventions and trade shows at the coliseum generated bookings for local hospitality partners, aligning with tourism promotion efforts by the Visit Jackson Mississippi bureau and economic development plans involving the Mississippi Development Authority. Community outreach initiatives have included partnerships with nonprofit organizations such as United Way chapters and education-focused events linked to Mississippi Department of Education programs.
Over time the facility underwent capital improvements comparable to upgrades seen at venues like Rupp Arena and KFC Yum! Center, including modernization of seating, lighting retrofits with technologies like LED systems used in arenas such as Barclays Center, and upgrades to HVAC and accessibility to meet standards akin to those in the Americans with Disabilities Act implementation practices. Investments funded through public boards and commissions paralleled projects overseen by entities like the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration and involved contracting firms with experience on civic arenas in the Southeast.
Category:Buildings and structures in Jackson, Mississippi Category:Indoor arenas in Mississippi