Hilton Coliseum
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| Location | Iowa State Center Lincoln Way & University Boulevard Ames, IA 50010 |
|---|---|
| Owner | Iowa State University |
| Operator | ISU Athletic Department |
| Capacity | 15,000+ (concerts) 14,384 (2013–present) 14,376 (2011–2013) 14,356 (2007–2011) 14,092 (1998–2007) 14,020 (1971–1998) |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | June 16, 1968 |
| Opened | December 2, 1971 |
| Construction cost | $8.165 million ($48.3 million in 2016 dollars) |
| Architect | Crites & McConnell Brooks Borg & Skiles |
| General contractor | James Thompson & Sons |
| Tenants | |
| Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA DI) (1971–present) | |
Hilton Coliseum is a 14,384-seat multi-purpose arena located in Ames, Iowa. The arena opened in 1971. It is home to the Iowa State University Cyclones men's and women's basketball teams, wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball teams.
The building was constructed in 1971 as part of the Iowa State Center, an athletic and cultural events area located southeast of the main campus. The coliseum was named after former ISU president Dr. James H. Hilton, who pushed for the construction of the facility. The Iowa State Center also includes Jack Trice Stadium, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Fisher Theater and Scheman Continuing Education Building. Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium replaced the Iowa State Armory and Clyde Williams Stadium, at the corner of Union Dr. & Sheldon Ave.
The first band to ever perform at the Hilton Coliseum was Meloncolony, a band composed of Midwest natives: Chuck Vail (singer), Wayne Groff (organ), Matt Peterson (bass), Clint Dudley (guitar), and Bob Curtis (drums). The band performed at an event organized by the YMCA to both entertain and encourage 2,300 locals to register to vote. Of the 2,300, 200 people registered that night. Phish played the arena in both 1996 and 1999.
The arena hosted the 1972 NCAA basketball tournament Midwest Regionals, as well as the 1982, 1988 and 1993 NCAA wrestling championships. The arena is also the site of the annual Iowa All State Music Festival. It has also hosted commencements, concerts, conventions and other assemblies. A record basketball crowd of 15,000 saw the Cyclones post a 97-94 win over Iowa in 1971. Until Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa was built, Hilton Coliseum was Central Iowa's premier entertainment venue.
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