Pepsi Coliseum closes to patrons - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Pepsi Coliseum closes to patrons

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INDIANAPOLIS -

Saturday was the last day for Hoosiers to tour the Pepsi Coliseum before the 73-year-old facility gets a major facelift. 

Fighting back tears, Joe Battisto looks at what he's always called his second home: "I've worked every show in this building. This place means a lot to me."

Since 1952, the former Pepsi Coliseum stagehand has spent several hours here each week. He knows the secrets of this iconic place. Battisto said,  "We were going through and taking down the chains and the cables from past shows and light shows, and we found chips of concrete from the explosion of 1963.  

A "bad" memory inside the coliseum, 74 people killed back in the 1960's when a concession stand exploded. 

But, there are "good" memories and plenty of them. Indy resident John Perry came Saturday to relive those moments. 

The 63-million dollar renovation project will make the "new" coliseum more accessible to people with disabilities and make safety upgrades.  The Indiana State Fair Commission argues the inside will be brand new, but the outside will essentially be the same. Welcome news for nostalgic Hoosiers. 

Ed Smith said, "I am glad that they left the wall. That will also bring back memories. But, I am looking forward to the change."

Ice skating and other activities will return to the new Coliseum in 2014 in time for the Indiana State Fair. 2014 will also be the 75th anniversary of the Coliseum. 
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