The Evansville Coliseum in Evansville Indiana will be going under renovations and new ownership at the beginning f the new year. This legendary facility has been host to many many wrestling events dating back to the 70's and further, where Evansville was a regular stop for Memphis Wrestling. Wrestlers such as Jerry 'The King' Lawler, Randy 'Macho Man' Savage, Jimmy Hart, Rocky Johnson, Jeff Jarrett, "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez, The Rock N Roll Express and many others have graced the building for the wrestling shows. Game Changer Wrestling also ran their "Rock N Roll Forever" show back in July of 2022.
WWA Owner and Promoter Chris Waddell says Evansville has been the most supportive crowd it’s had over the years.
“They’re always electric. They’re always ready to cheer and boo. And, every now and again, if it gets a little wild, maybe throw some trash in the ring,” Waddell said.
Because of mechanical and electrical system renovations happening inside the coliseum beginning next year, the WWA made its decision to host the last wrestling event in the historic coliseum that we know now. Renovations are estimated to be over five million dollars. A group of veterans will hand over the lease to the county on January 1, and they say they need the county’s help to keep the space in-tact.
The WWA says there has been magic inside the doors of the coliseum, but the organization will be looking for other opportunities to host its events at other spaces in the area.
“We still hope to have our presence known in Evansville somewhere, and hopefully whoever takes ownership of that property and whenever it reopens hopefully we can do business again and get back in there,” Waddell said.
In a building where wrestling has been a beloved tradition, Eyewitness News asked how realistic it was for the WWA to host events inside the coliseum after renovations are made.
“I’ve never worked with the potential owners, so I’m not sure what we’d be looking at as far as an increase,” Waddell said. “But, if it’s fair and if it works for both parties, absolutely. I’d love to stay in that building."
For those who cannot make December 15’s event, there is also time to visit the coliseum’s open house on Sunday, December 10 between 2 and 5 p.m.
Admission is free, but donations for the renovations will be accepted.
Credit to The Trstate.com homepage for this story, as well as the WWA.
1 comment:
I remember my father took me here when I was younger and I saw Randy Savage and Jerry Lawler. I moved away from the area but I'm going to make the two hour drive to check out this WWA event, Be a look at back at my childhood when I walk into the building again. By the way, nice article, putting the two things together like that.
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