Richmond Coliseum, Richmond

Richmond Coliseum, once a prominent arena in downtown Richmond, has a storied history that dates back to its inauguration in 1971. Initially celebrated as Virginia's largest sports arena until 2006, it boasted a seating capacity of 13,500 and was utilized for events ranging from large concerts to sports competitions and political rallies. The Coliseum saw legendary performances, including a 1972 concert by Elvis Presley, and regularly hosted events such as NCAA basketball tournaments, World Wrestling Entertainment shows, and professional bull riding, underscoring its versatility and cultural significance.

Before its closure in February 2019, the Coliseum served as a home venue for the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams basketball team and the professional basketball team, Virginia Squires, among others. Its final major event was a Harlem Globetrotters game in December 2018. This closure marked the end of an era, with plans underway to replace the aging facility with a more modern and larger arena to continue serving the region's needs.

The structure of Richmond Coliseum was notably complex, comprising six levels from the event level to the ring. The event level housed the main event floor, team locker rooms, exhibition halls, and other essential facilities, including the innovative Clay Street tunnel which allowed easy access for vehicles directly into the arena. The mezzanine level contained the administrative offices, while the lower and upper concourses provided access to seating and suites. The highest seats were accessible via the 300 level, and the ring level was crucial for spotlights and catwalk access.

Richmond Coliseum not only played a pivotal role in Richmond's entertainment and sports scenes but also became a significant cultural landmark over its nearly five decades of operation. Its replacement aims to encapsulate the grandeur and functionality that the Coliseum once offered, continuing to host significant events in the heart of Virginia.