Barton Coliseum

Imagine a monumental arena that has been the heart of Arkansas entertainment for decades. Barton Coliseum is a multi-purpose complex in the city of Little Rock, which has become a legendary venue for some of the biggest events in the USA. Located on the grounds of the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, it accommodates up to 10,000 spectators and still impresses today with its unique architecture.

The history of this place adds to its special significance: opened in 1952, the arena was named after Thomas Harry Barton, the leader of the campaign for its construction. The main highlight of the building was its massive aluminum roof, created from local materials, which was considered the largest structure of its kind in the country at the time of its opening.

Today, it is more than just a sports facility; it is a true regional icon. It hosts not only competitions but also large-scale exhibitions, robotics tournaments, and, of course, the famous shows of the annual state fair. For residents and visitors alike, Barton Coliseum remains a symbol of generational continuity and a love for grand spectacles.

To check the current event schedule or inquire about venue rental, you can contact the administration using the details below.

Visiting Barton Coliseum is, above all, an opportunity to be part of vibrant events. If your trip coincides with the annual Arkansas State Fair, get ready for an incredible rush: the arena transforms into the main stage for thrilling rodeos and livestock competitions. This is a unique chance to see authentic traditions of the American South with your own eyes.

In addition to fair festivities, adrenaline-pumping shows are regularly held here, including monster truck performances, motorcycle stunts, and circus acts. Sports fans come here to cheer for basketball teams, enjoying excellent views from any of the 7,000 permanent seats. The acoustics of the hall deserve a special mention—they are still highly valued by event organizers.

For music lovers, a walk through the arena's corridors will be a true journey through time. The energy of rock and roll literally permeates these walls, as the idols of millions once performed here. Even though modern stadiums have taken over some major tours, Barton Coliseum retains that nostalgic atmosphere that is impossible to recreate in new concrete boxes.

The most convenient way to reach the arena, located at 2600 Howard St, is by car. The facility is situated within the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, near the interchanges of I-30 and US-65/70. It is best to use GPS coordinates or Google Maps for navigation, as the fairgrounds are quite extensive.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use the Rock Region METRO buses that serve the Fairgrounds area. A taxi ride from downtown Little Rock takes only about 10–15 minutes. The trip from Little Rock International Airport (LIT) by rental car or taxi will take approximately 15–20 minutes.

Keep in mind that during major events, such as the annual state fair, parking areas on-site fill up very quickly, so arriving early or using shuttle services is recommended.

The history of Barton Coliseum began in the late 1940s under the auspices of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association. The project's initiator and main inspiration was Colonel Thomas H. Barton, a philanthropist and president of Lion Oil. His goal to provide the state with a modern indoor arena was realized on September 29, 1952, when the facility officially opened, becoming the largest public building in Arkansas at the time.

One of the building's primary architectural features was its innovative aluminum roof. At the time, it was the largest single-span construction of its kind in the USA, and it was crafted using local Arkansas aluminum. The construction cost over $1 million, which translates to a substantial amount today—approximately $12 million.

For decades, the arena was the epicenter of the state's cultural life. It was here in 1972 that the legendary Elvis Presley performed in his famous "Burning Love" suit. During the "golden era" of rock and roll, world-class stars including the Jackson 5 and Johnny Cash gave more than 500 major concerts on this stage. Despite the emergence of more modern venues, Barton Coliseum maintains its status as a historical symbol of entertainment in Central Arkansas.

The duration of your visit will depend entirely on your purpose. If you are attending a specific event, whether it is a concert, a basketball game, or a monster truck show, expect to spend the standard 2–4 hours.

During the Arkansas State Fair, a single visit to the arena won't be enough. In this case, it is worth setting aside half a day or even a full day to see all the attractions and livestock exhibitions and to enjoy the fair atmosphere outside the building itself.

The arena's operating hours depend directly on scheduled events. On days of shows, concerts, or sports matches, doors open well in advance of the program's start. The administration office typically operates from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

To ensure your visit goes smoothly, we strongly recommend checking the schedule and opening hours for specific exhibitions on the official website of the fairgrounds complex before your trip.

A visit to the arena can easily be combined with exploring other iconic city landmarks. Little Rock is rich in historical monuments, many of which are just a few minutes' drive from the fairgrounds.

Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the Arkansas capital—from sites associated with the civil rights movement to cozy parks and military museums.