Post by Gene on Nov 16, 2006 7:49:05 GMT -5
Revamped coliseum could be real asset
In its day, Garrett Coliseum was an impressive facility. Trouble is, its day was 50 years ago. Today, the coliseum has some significant deficiencies that make it less attractive as a site for the kind of expositions and events that a more up-to-date facility could help draw to Montgomery.
Given the potential that still exists in the facility, a proposal by state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks for a major makeover is exciting to contemplate. Sparks has engaged an architect for a study of the cost of possible renovations to update the coliseum, which was built in the 1950s and very much looks it.
"At one point in time it was a great facility," Sparks said in an Advertiser news story this week. "Now it's just a facility we have to patch up every so often, and I don't think that's what Alabama deserves or needs."
Michael Briddell, executive assistant to Mayor Bobby Bright, said the city is supportive of Sparks' efforts, although the extent of any financial participation by the city is uncertain.
Garrett Coliseum has a seating capacity of 13,500, but it lacks air conditioning. Basic elements such as concession stands and restrooms are outdated and inadequate. Billy Powell, executive director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, noted that regional and national livestock shows and rodeos are going elsewhere, choosing sites with more modern facilities.
"Other places are just a lot more convenient and modern and user-friendly," he said. "Out here, we're pretty plain Jane. We just need to get into the 21st century."
It's hard to argue with that. Montgomery's central location in the Southeast makes it an attractive site for events, but the old and deficient coliseum is a definite liability in the pursuit of these events.
As Sparks noted, an improved Garrett Coliseum would have the potential to draw more agricultural events, rodeos, car and boat shows and perhaps even an additional sports team. The Montgomery Bears of the American Indoor Football Association play their home games at the coliseum now.
Sparks plans to present the findings of the architect's study to Gov. Bob Riley and the Legislature in January, giving them "some good information" on which to make a decision about the future of the facility.
It is encouraging to see Sparks' interest in improving the coliseum. Although few likely recall it now, the status of Garrett Coliseum was an issue in the 1994 governor's race. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., campaigning for election to a full term in office, called for revamping the facility, but talk of the improvements ended with his narrow loss to Fob James that year.
The need for them, however, has only grown.
In its day, Garrett Coliseum was an impressive facility. Trouble is, its day was 50 years ago. Today, the coliseum has some significant deficiencies that make it less attractive as a site for the kind of expositions and events that a more up-to-date facility could help draw to Montgomery.
Given the potential that still exists in the facility, a proposal by state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks for a major makeover is exciting to contemplate. Sparks has engaged an architect for a study of the cost of possible renovations to update the coliseum, which was built in the 1950s and very much looks it.
"At one point in time it was a great facility," Sparks said in an Advertiser news story this week. "Now it's just a facility we have to patch up every so often, and I don't think that's what Alabama deserves or needs."
Michael Briddell, executive assistant to Mayor Bobby Bright, said the city is supportive of Sparks' efforts, although the extent of any financial participation by the city is uncertain.
Garrett Coliseum has a seating capacity of 13,500, but it lacks air conditioning. Basic elements such as concession stands and restrooms are outdated and inadequate. Billy Powell, executive director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, noted that regional and national livestock shows and rodeos are going elsewhere, choosing sites with more modern facilities.
"Other places are just a lot more convenient and modern and user-friendly," he said. "Out here, we're pretty plain Jane. We just need to get into the 21st century."
It's hard to argue with that. Montgomery's central location in the Southeast makes it an attractive site for events, but the old and deficient coliseum is a definite liability in the pursuit of these events.
As Sparks noted, an improved Garrett Coliseum would have the potential to draw more agricultural events, rodeos, car and boat shows and perhaps even an additional sports team. The Montgomery Bears of the American Indoor Football Association play their home games at the coliseum now.
Sparks plans to present the findings of the architect's study to Gov. Bob Riley and the Legislature in January, giving them "some good information" on which to make a decision about the future of the facility.
It is encouraging to see Sparks' interest in improving the coliseum. Although few likely recall it now, the status of Garrett Coliseum was an issue in the 1994 governor's race. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., campaigning for election to a full term in office, called for revamping the facility, but talk of the improvements ended with his narrow loss to Fob James that year.
The need for them, however, has only grown.