Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum Renovation Complete

Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum will reopen its doors after a $63 million renovation with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 24, 2014.  The Populous-designed renovation of the 75-year-old building has preserved the architectural details of the facility, while providing a more holistic experience through new, elevated public concourses, state-of-the-art amenities and additional event level space.

“The Fairgrounds Coliseum is a landmark building in Indianapolis. It’s historic and iconic – a part of the city’s fabric – and we knew that the renovations needed to honor the building’s tremendous legacy but modernize it to better accommodate the events of today,” said Charlie Smith, Senior Principal at Populous. “The new Fairgrounds Coliseum preserves the most notable elements of the building but now provides a more immersive experience with the latest technology, video boards, dramatic sound systems and smoother back of house operations.”

The design of the renovation has re-incorporated natural lighting throughout with the restoration of cathedral-like glass block windows and upholds the traditional limestone and brick detailing of the original building.  The public concourses have been elevated to separate attendee and servicing functions, freeing up substantial space on the event level to create smoother operations and more immediate access for personnel, rodeo crews, concert staff and sports teams. The renovation also incorporated newly engineered acoustical design, along with the latest technology, to elevate the performance quality of the venue and to better attract a more diverse range of entertainers.

“Ultimately, the improvements to the Fairgrounds Coliseum are rooted in a real need to accommodate the evolving needs of fans, athletes, performers and exhibitors to create a more viable, attractive venue to enjoy events,” said Kurt Amundsen, Principal and Project Manager at Populous. “The renovations have accomplished this and I think both spectators and the performers coming in will be in awe at how different the facility feels. It’s a 21^st century facility that is sure to be seen once again as a premier destination.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 am on April 24, 2014. Tours will be available to the public the evening of the 24^th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For additional information about the facility, visit populous.com.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 

media@populous.com