Coleman Coliseum, Multi-purpose arena in Alabama
Coleman Coliseum is an indoor arena on the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, used primarily for basketball and gymnastics competitions as well as other campus events. Tiered seating wraps around a central court, and the ceiling features sound-absorbing panels alongside modern scoreboards and display screens.
The building opened in 1968 and took over from Foster Auditorium as the university's main venue for large events. It was renamed in 1988 to honor Jefferson Coleman, a longtime supporter of the university.
Inside the building, photos and memorabilia of past teams and players line the walls, giving visitors a sense of how deeply sports matter to students and fans here. Game days draw large crowds from both the campus and the wider Tuscaloosa area, making the energy inside the arena quite different from a regular weekday visit.
The arena is located directly on campus and is easy to reach on foot from most campus parking areas. Coming early is a good idea for busy events, as spots close to the building fill up quickly and crowds near the entrance can grow large.
In 1970, Pete Maravich scored 69 points here in a single game while playing through an injury, a total that remains one of the highest individual scores in college basketball history. In its earlier years, the building also hosted concerts by Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, and the Grateful Dead, showing how the venue served the wider community beyond sports.
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