Jimi Hendrix. Pope John Paul II. Mother Teresa. Elvis. The Rolling Stones. Richard Nixon. Barack Obama.
These are just a few of the notable figures to appear before Phoenix audiences at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. This iconic arena, built as a symbol of a rising city’s significance, has shown remarkable cultural staying power.
The opening was advertised in the Arizona Republic in 1965:
From Kingman to Yuma … Flagstaff to Nogales … Douglas to Prescott … Page to Gila Bend … Phoenix to Tucson … Arizonans have been eagerly awaiting the opening of our State’s great new Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. When the doors open in November, they won’t be disappointed because they will see the most modern, fully-equipped and luxurious coliseum and convention center in the entire Southwest, a center all Arizonans can point to with pride, a unique and magnificent tribute to America’s fastest growing state … and to you, its people.
Phoenix’s population had quadrupled in the 1950s, and was approaching a half-million residents by 1962, when the State Fair Commission put forward a proposal to build a multi-purpose indoor arena.
The most interesting physical feature of the Coliseum is the curved roof, which in its full dimensions is best compared to the shape of a saddle. The architect, Leslie J. Mahoney (of the firm Lescher and Mahoney) told the Republic in 1964 that the purpose of the design was twofold: “First, we are able to considerably reduce the volume of air conditioning that will be required. Second, the design is the cheapest to build.”
The “double-curvature” feature of the roof makes the shape look elongated, but the structure is actually a perfect circle if viewed from above, with a diameter of 368 feet. All the supporting pillars are on the outer perimeter, so each one of the 15,000 seats has a clear view of the action. The roof is supported underneath by a series of intercrossing, curved steel cables.
When plans for construction were approved in 1964, conservative Arizona senator Barry Goldwater was in the middle of a presidential primary against moderate Republican Nelson Rockefeller. Television was just finding its footing as a medium for news and entertainment.
The $5.5 million construction project was to be paid for by revenue bonds, with no cost to the taxpayer, though the final cost ended up swelling to about $7 million — or about $60 million in today’s money. Aside from a few labor disputes and a minor controversy over a no-bid contract, the construction went smoothly.
A dedication of the newly-finished Coliseum was held in late October of 1965, as reported by the Arizona Republic:
The Arizona Army National Guard Band played for a half-hour before the actual dedication proceedings began. Representatives of every veterans group in the state paraded around the arena and presented the colors.
Gov. Goddard gave a tribute to all veterans and servicemen now fighting in Vietnam. He also praised the legislature for allowing the sale of revenue bonds to pay for the building.
In its early years, there was some political haggling over questions of propriety — what to do about obscenities in musical acts, and whether to allow alcohol to be sold. Beer would win the day.
Before the Phoenix Suns moved into the Coliseum in 1968, basketball fever was already growing in the Valley. The Coliseum was the desert home for the San Francisco Warriors, who played in front of a Phoenix crowd several times during the ‘66 and ‘67 seasons. An ownership group recognized the demand and capitalized by purchasing a new franchise, which was guided expertly by young general manager Jerry Colangelo.
The Suns would make the playoffs in their second-ever season, playing the Lakers in the first round of the 1970 playoffs. It was during this series that famed Laker broadcaster Chuck Hearn used the expression that gave birth to a nickname that’s been with the Coliseum ever since.
Madhouse on McDowell.
The Suns played at the Madhouse until 1992 when they moved into their new arena in downtown Phoenix, where they continue to play home games.
Coliseum grounds remain home to the annual Arizona State Fair. The venue continues to host concerts, basketball tournaments, graduation ceremonies, and other events.
The only thing I’ll say about the so-called election audit that’s currently taking place at the Coliseum is that, when it's over, I think we should invite Pope Francis to do a cleansing of this sacred cultural space.
Sources (besides those already linked or referenced)
“State Fair Commission Okays $5.5 Million Coliseum Plans” by Clarence W. Bailey in The Arizona Republic, May 28, 1964
“Roof of Coliseum of Unique Design” by Henry Fuller in The Arizona Republic, June 28, 1964
“NBA Jealousy at Coliseum” by Hugh Harelson in The Arizona Republic, April 24, 1966
“History of Veterans Memorial Coliseum” on the North Phoenix Blog
“What you need to know about Veterans Memorial Coliseum” by Randy Cordova on AZCentral.com
Cover Photograph: a screenshot from the book Phoenix in Photographs 1870-1970 by Herb and Dorothy McLaughlin. The inscription in the book reads, “By 1965 it seemed there were more automobiles than people at the fair, and horse racing was a thing of the past.”
Finally, a big thank you for a generous donation which has allowed me to purchase a Newspapers.com subscription. This site enables me to search through and read old newspaper articles, an important research tool for bringing historical context to this newsletter.