Beasley Coliseum

Imagine the heart of student life and sports excitement in Pullman. This is where the Beasley Coliseum is located—a versatile indoor arena that is home to the famous Washington State University teams. It's more than just a stadium; it's a key cultural center in Washington State, USA, where the competitive spirit meets large-scale shows.

Opened in 1973, this facility stands out for its innovative architecture. At the time of construction, the "space frame" design allowed for huge halls without intermediate supports, ensuring an excellent view from any seat. The arena's capacity for basketball games is 12,058 spectators, making it one of the most significant venues in the region.

The Beasley Coliseum is a transformable space. Thanks to a flexible curtain system and a movable proscenium, it can turn from a giant sports arena into a cozy 2,500-seat theater. Its full name—Wallis Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum—is a reminder that it hosts not only Pac-12 league games but also world-class concerts, ceremonies, and academic conferences.

For those planning to attend an event or looking for details on upcoming happenings at Beasley Coliseum, basic contact information is provided below. It is recommended to check the event schedule on the university's official resources in advance.

The main attraction at Beasley Coliseum is undoubtedly basketball games. Cheering for the Washington State Cougars on their home floor, Friel Court, is a unique experience that lets you feel the true energy of American college sports. The arena is famous for its atmosphere, created by thousands of fans dressed in the signature crimson and gray.

Beyond sports, the Coliseum offers a rich cultural program. Over the years, music legends—from Elton John and Bob Dylan to modern rock bands like Metallica—have performed here. Visitors can catch famous comedians, shows by the renowned Harlem Globetrotters, or large-scale university celebrations. Thanks to a modern digital acoustic system, the sound in the hall remains clear and powerful regardless of the event's scale.

For tourists, the Coliseum is also an interesting site for architectural viewing as part of a walk through the WSU campus. You can appreciate the scale of 1970s engineering and see the place where the sports legends of the Palouse region were forged. Be sure to stop by the nearby souvenir shops to pick up team gear and keep a memory of your visit to one of the state's most famous stadiums.

Beasley Coliseum is conveniently located in the northern part of the Washington State University campus at 925 NE North Fairway Rd. If you are already in Pullman, the arena is easily accessible on foot or by bike—the walk from the central part of town takes about 20–30 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, the Pullman Transit bus system, which runs regularly through campus, is a great option.

Travelers driving from Spokane will need about 1.5 hours via highway SR-195. From the neighboring town of Moscow, Idaho, the drive takes only 15 minutes. Parking areas are provided around the arena, but they fill up quickly on the days of major games or concerts. In such cases, it is more convenient to use taxi services or arrive early to find an available spot.

The nearest airport, Moscow-Pullman Regional, is just a 10-minute drive away, making Beasley Coliseum accessible even for those arriving from afar. If you are staying in the city center, a taxi ride to the main entrance of the Coliseum is inexpensive and takes no more than 5–7 minutes.

The history of this place began in 1969 when the university's Board of Regents approved a project for a multi-purpose center. Construction cost $8.5 million, and at the time of its opening on June 3, 1973, the building was striking for its modern architecture. The first event held here was a commencement ceremony, and soon the arena hosted its first basketball game between NBA teams—the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers.

The complex received its current name in 1981 in honor of Wallis Beasley—a respected sociology professor and university vice president who dedicated decades to the development of the institution. Interestingly, until 1983, the playing surface was not wood but tartan (polyurethane). It was only later replaced by classic hardwood, which in 1977 was officially named Friel Court in honor of legendary coach Jack Friel.

A milestone for the Beasley Coliseum was the 1970s and 80s, when the arena three times hosted prestigious NCAA Division I tournament games. Future basketball stars and legendary teams like Duke and Georgetown performed within these walls. Although major NCAA playoff games moved to Spokane starting in 1995, the Coliseum remains one of the most atmospheric sports venues in the USA, preserving the spirit of classic college sports.

For those planning to attend a basketball game or a music concert, it is worth setting aside 2 to 3 hours for the visit. This is plenty of time to go through security, find your seat, and fully enjoy the spectacle at a comfortable pace.

If your goal is just a quick look at the building and the surrounding university grounds while walking through Pullman, 30–40 minutes will be enough. A brief introduction to the Coliseum can easily be combined with a visit to nearby cafes or exploring the campus's historic arches.

The Beasley Coliseum administrative offices typically operate on a standard schedule: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on weekends unless special events are being held.

The arena's operating hours for visitors depend entirely on the schedule of specific events—games, concerts, or exhibitions. Doors usually open for spectators 1–1.5 hours before the event starts. To ensure a smooth visit, we recommend checking the official website for current information in advance, as hours may change depending on the season and the university calendar.

Pullman is a classic university town where exploring the campus can be an adventure in itself. The area around Beasley Coliseum is rich not only in academic buildings but also in interesting architectural landmarks and cozy spots to grab a bite after a game or concert.

Below are some attractions and popular spots within a three-kilometer radius of the arena: