Coleman Coliseum

In the heart of the university campus in the city of Tuscaloosa stands an impressive arena — Coleman Coliseum. This massive multi-purpose facility is one of the primary architectural and sporting landmarks of the state of Alabama in the USA.

The building covers an area of about two acres, and its main hall spans an impressive 9,300 square meters. One of the most notable features of the design is the high roof, which rises 27 meters above the court level, creating an incredible sense of space inside. The arena is capable of accommodating more than 15,000 spectators at once, making every event here truly grand.

Today, Coleman Coliseum serves as the home for the university's famous teams — the men's and women's basketball squads, known as the Crimson Tide, as well as the gymnastics teams. It is not just a stadium, but a vibrant center for culture and sports, regularly hosting not only matches but also concerts by world stars and important public gatherings.

To check the event schedule or for ticket inquiries, you can use the official contact details of the venue.

The main reason to visit Coleman Coliseum is, undoubtedly, the thrilling basketball battles. By attending a match of the local Crimson Tide team, you can witness the legendary "crimson tide" of fans firsthand and feel the incredible energy of American college sports. In addition to basketball, the arena hosts professional gymnastics competitions that are breathtaking in their grace and complexity.

For those who value comfort, the interior offers modern amenities and lounge areas. Visitors can also take a look at the auxiliary training center, which features two full-sized courts used for athlete preparation. This is a great place to see the behind-the-scenes world of high-level sports.

Don't forget the cultural component. Outside of sporting events, the Coliseum transforms into a massive concert venue and theatrical stage. Performances by popular artists and large-scale shows are held here regularly, so be sure to check the schedule before your trip — your visit might just coincide with a performance by a global celebrity.

Finding Coleman Coliseum is quite easy, as the arena is located in the heart of the University of Alabama's sports cluster. It is situated in close proximity to other major facilities, such as Sewell-Thomas Stadium and the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility, making this area very lively on competition days.

The most convenient way to get there is by car or taxi from the city center; the trip takes only about 5–10 minutes. For guests arriving in their own vehicles, parking areas are provided within the university complex. Additionally, internal shuttle bus routes regularly run through the campus, connecting the main academic and athletic buildings.

For travelers coming from other cities, the nearest arrival point may be Tuscaloosa Regional Airport. From there, the arena can be reached by taxi via the city's main thoroughfares toward the campus.

This monumental structure opened its doors on January 30, 1968, under its original name, Memorial Coliseum. Interestingly, the first public event here was not a sporting match, but the Broadway musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd." Just two days later, the men's basketball team took to the court, starting a new chapter in local sports history with a victory over Samford.

The arena received its current name — Coleman Coliseum — in 1988. It was renamed in honor of Jefferson Jackson Coleman, a prominent university figure who served as a historian for the Crimson Tide sports teams and was an active member of the building's construction committee. At the time of its completion, the facility was the largest of its kind in the entire Southeastern Conference.

The arena has hosted many legendary figures. Elvis Presley performed here three times (in 1971, 1975, and 1976), as did rock icons Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead. In 1984, the stands heard a speech by President Ronald Reagan. One of the most brilliant sporting milestones occurred on February 7, 1970, when Pete Maravich set a phenomenal arena record by scoring 69 points in a single game.

In 2005, the facility underwent a major modernization costing over $24 million. This ensured that Coleman Coliseum remains one of the most modern and comfortable venues in the state while preserving the spirit of the great sporting and musical achievements of the last century.

The amount of time you should set aside for a visit to Coleman Coliseum largely depends on your purpose. If you plan to attend a basketball game or a gymnastics competition, we recommend budgeting at least 2.5–3 hours. This will be enough time to pass through security, find your seats, and enjoy the dynamic spectacle from start to finish.

For those attending a concert or a theatrical performance, the visit may last 3–4 hours depending on the program's duration. If you simply wish to view the building from the outside as part of a walk through the campus, 20–30 minutes will suffice.

The operating hours of Coleman Coliseum are directly tied to the schedule of sporting matches, training sessions, and cultural events. The facility does not have standard visiting hours for tourists like typical museums and opens its doors to the general public primarily during scheduled events.

To avoid missing the chance to get inside, tourists are strongly encouraged to check the event calendar on the official university website or through ticket booking services in advance. Entry to the venue usually begins 1–1.5 hours before the start of the event.

A stroll through the arena's surroundings can greatly enhance your trip. The Coliseum is located on a picturesque campus where historic architecture blends harmoniously with modern educational spaces.