Coleman Coliseum renovation, Tuscaloosa

[DruidCity]

Work on the project is scheduled to begin this year, to be complete in time for the 2005 basketball season...

Here is what it looks like now :

The original arena was built for just $2 million in 1968, and has received assorted improvements since. It is home to the UofAlabama's men's (Elite Eight in 2004)and women's (once reached the final 4) basketball teams, the women's volleyball team, and the women's gymnastics team, which has reached the national finals for the last 23 straight years.

Since Tuscaloosa does not have a municipal civic/convention center, Coleman essentially doubled in that capacity back in the 1970s (sellout concerts by Elvis Presley and other sizable names) and into the 1980s (then-president Reagan gave a speech there), but the facility became outdated and reverted to mostly UofA athletic use. It is hoped that the improvements to the 15,000+ seat arena will bring about a wider variety of events, like back when the arena was new.

[Southron]

Much needed improvement. Thanks!