Strahan Coliseum

Strahan Coliseum. The Strahan Coliseum is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and is home to the Texas State Bobcats men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the Texas State Bobcats volleyball team. The coliseum is named after Texas State University's former president, Jerome Supple, but was later renamed in honor of Texas State University's former athletic director, Jim Strahan. The arena has hosted various events, including concerts by Elton John, Kenny Chesney, and Lady Antebellum, as well as WWE events and NCAA tournaments featuring teams like the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns, Baylor University Bears, and University of Houston Cougars.

● History

The Strahan Coliseum was opened in 1982 and has since become a prominent venue for sports and entertainment events in the San Marcos, Texas area, hosting events such as the Southland Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments, featuring teams like the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks and Northwestern State University Demons. The coliseum has also hosted concerts by famous artists like Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and The Black Eyed Peas, as well as comedy shows by Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer. Additionally, the arena has been used for events like the Miss Texas USA pageant and the San Marcos, Texas Christmas parade, which have featured participants from nearby cities like Austin, Texas, New Braunfels, Texas, and Lockhart, Texas. The coliseum has also been used by other Texas State University teams, including the Texas State Bobcats football team, which has played against teams like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Trojans.

● Design and Construction

The Strahan Coliseum was designed by architects from the firm Page Southerland Page, which has also designed other notable buildings like the University of Texas at Austin's Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium. The coliseum's design features a unique bowstring arch roof structure, which provides a large amount of interior space without the need for supporting columns, similar to the design of the Houston Astrodome and the Pontiac Silverdome. The arena's seating capacity is approximately 7,200, making it an ideal venue for smaller to medium-sized events, like those hosted by the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. The coliseum's construction was managed by the company Hensel Phelps Construction Co., which has also worked on projects like the United States Air Force Academy's Falcon Stadium and the University of Colorado Boulder's Folsom Field.

● Facilities and Amenities

The Strahan Coliseum features a variety of facilities and amenities, including a main arena, a practice gym, and several meeting rooms, which have hosted events like the NCAA's National Invitation Tournament and the Conference USA men's basketball tournament, featuring teams like the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers and the University of North Texas Mean Green. The arena is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, which has been used for concerts by artists like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Beyoncé. The coliseum also features a variety of concession stands, which offer a range of food and beverage options, including those from local vendors like Whataburger and Schlotzsky's. Additionally, the arena has a number of suites and club seats, which offer premium amenities like catering and VIP access, similar to those found at venues like the Toyota Center and the American Airlines Center.

● Events and Usage

The Strahan Coliseum has hosted a wide range of events, including sports, concerts, and comedy shows, featuring performers like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K.. The arena has been used by the Texas State University athletic department for various events, including basketball and volleyball games, as well as the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals. The coliseum has also hosted events like the San Marcos, Texas Festival of the Arts and the Texas State University Homecoming parade, which have featured participants from nearby cities like Kyle, Texas, Buda, Texas, and Wimberley, Texas. Additionally, the arena has been used for events like the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant and the San Marcos, Texas Fourth of July celebration, which have featured performances by artists like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts.

● Renovations and Expansions

The Strahan Coliseum has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening in 1982, including a major renovation in 2008, which added new seating, concession stands, and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, similar to those found at venues like the Frank Erwin Center and the Comerica Center. The renovation was managed by the company Austin Commercial, which has also worked on projects like the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium and the Houston Texans' NRG Stadium. The coliseum has also undergone several smaller renovations, including the installation of new flooring and the addition of new scoreboards, similar to those found at venues like the United Supermarkets Arena and the Don Haskins Center. Additionally, the arena has been upgraded with new technology, including a high-definition video board and a advanced sound system, similar to those found at venues like the PNC Arena and the Capital One Arena.

● Location and Accessibility

The Strahan Coliseum is located on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, which is situated about 30 miles south of Austin, Texas and 45 miles north of San Antonio, Texas. The arena is easily accessible from Interstate 35 and is within walking distance of several Texas State University parking garages, including the Matthews Street Parking Garage and the LBJ Student Center Parking Garage. The coliseum is also accessible by public transportation, including the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority CapMetro bus system, which connects to nearby cities like Round Rock, Texas, Pflugerville, Texas, and Cedar Park, Texas. Additionally, the arena is within a short drive of several nearby attractions, including the San Marcos River, the Aquarena Springs, and the Wimberley Valley Winery, which offer a range of activities like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and wine tasting. Category:Texas State University