Denver celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Denver Coliseum on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, marking six decades of an extraordinary variety of entertainment and history. Owned by the people of the City and County of Denver, the Coliseum is an iconic structure in our ever-changing city.
“The Coliseum is more than just another venue in our City,” said Tad Bowman, Director of Venue Utilization & Services, Arts & Venues Denver. “The Coliseum is a staple in the cityscape and houses decades of history, VIPs, family memories and events that return to our city year after year.”
History
In 1949, as one of his first acts in office, the newly-appointed Mayor Quigg Newton appointed a committee of citizens to develop plans for the structure, allowing for the expansion of the growing National Western Stock Show – at the time the largest livestock event in the West. However, the building needed to serve other needs to keep it operating year-round, envisioning sports, conventions and civic meetings, trade shows, dances and “spectacular road shows.”
The Denver Coliseum was built for $3 million by the City of Denver in under two years, with a dedication themed “Salute to Soil”, on January 10, 1952, with lavish pageantry and fanfare, including Hollywood starlet, June Haver, and national media.
The Coliseum occupies 122,400 sq. ft., with the arena at 127’ 2” wide and 233’ 11” long. Installed in the concrete floor is a cooling system that can transform the arena into an 85’x200’ ice-rink in a matter of hours. The rink was quickly put to use as the first show in the Coliseum was “Ice Follies of 1952” in December 1951. The Coliseum’s built-in ice making equipment provides the surface for “Disney on Ice” tours to this day.
Entertainment
The Coliseum is probably best known for proudly hosting the National Western Stock Show and the PRCA “Indoor Rodeo of the Year” each January. Since 1952, the Coliseum has seen thousands of cowboys, bulls, horses and mutton busters come through the stalls.
“The National Western Stock Show is synonymous with Denver and the soul of the Coliseum,” said Bowman.
Today the Coliseum hosts Colorado High School Activities Association events (Volleyball, Spirit and Basketball), Ringling Brothers Circus, Disney on Ice, March Pow Wow, concerts, professional wrestling, and dances in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. In its 60 years, the Coliseum has hosted professional hockey teams, The Denver Spurs (1970s) and The Denver Rangers (1980s), plus a number of landmark bands, with legends including Mick Jagger, Robert Plant and Pete Townshend gracing the stage.
Notable Band Line-Up
Elvis Presley (1956 and 1973), The Rolling Stones (1965), Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (1969), Ike & Tina Turner/Creedence Clearwater Revival (1970), The Moody Blues (1970), Cat Stevens (1971), The Who (1971), Led Zeppelin (1972), The Eagles (1972), Neil Diamond (1972), The Jackson Five (1974), Pearl Jam (1991), Nirvana (1993), and many other famous acts.
Today
Over the years, the Coliseum has seen a number of improvements including new doors, windows and floors, refurbished box office and concession areas. And in 2011 a complete renovation of the dressing rooms for visiting talent was completed, all allowing the Denver Coliseum to continue to provide patrons with the amenities they expect in a comfortable, nostalgic environment.
Available
- Complete history
- Salute to Soil” dedication program art
- Historic photos: event and venue
- Concert timeline
Arts & Venues Denver’s mission is to enhance Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, artwork and entertainment opportunities. The division operates some of the region’s highest-profile facilities including the Colorado Convention Center, Crossroads Theater, Denver Coliseum, Denver Performing Arts Complex and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Arts & Venues Denver also oversees Denver’s public art program, economic development programs including Create Denver, literacy programs such as One Book, One Denver, and entertainment and cultural events such as the Five Points Jazz Festival.