Pepsi Coliseum
Upcoming Events
May 23 - Lawrence North & Central High School Graduations
May 27 - North Central Graduation
May 28 - Pike High School Gradution
May 29 - Ben Davis High School Graduation
May 30 - Hamilton Southeastern High School Graduation
May 30 - Fishers High School Graduation
May 31 - Carmel High School Graduation
June 3-6 - Indianapolis Charity Horse Show
June 16-8 - Region 13 Arabian Horse Show
To view ALL Fairgrounds events please click here.
History
The State Fairgrounds’ Coliseum, with its 11,000 seat capacity, immediately became Indianapolis’ largest and most impressive event facility when it opened in the fall of 1939. It held on to that distinction for more than 30 years as it hosted – and continues to host – countless premiere sporting, political, musical and agricultural events. Architect Merritt Harrison considered it his finest creation, using tan brick and Indiana limestone in its Art Deco exterior.
Since those early days, the Coliseum has continued to serve as a great entertainment venue that has been the backdrop of countless memories for generations of Hoosiers. The building has been the focal point of the city’s professional ice hockey teams since it opened, and is the current home of the Indiana Ice of the United States Hockey League. Other notable events that have taken place here include:
- 1960 – During a campaign trip as the Democratic candidate for President, John F. Kennedy spoke to a capacity crowd. Also, Light Heavyweight Champion “Amazing Archie” defeats Willi Besmanoff in another nationally televised bout.
- 1964 – The Beatles played to a capacity crowd during the State Fair prior to another performance later evening in the Grandstand. Tickets were priced at $3, $4 and $5 in what was the group’s only appearance in Indiana.
- 1967 – The Indiana Pacers begin play in the American Basketball Association. They called the Coliseum home until 1974, winning three ABA championships in that time.
- 2003 – President George W. Bush becomes the first sitting president to speak here, addressing the issue of tax relief for senior citizens and the recent attacks on the United States Citizens in Iraq to a capacity crowd.
- 2005 – Governor Mitch Daniels takes his Oath of Office during his Inauguration ceremonies.
Public Ice Skating
This winter, nothing sounds better than ice skating. And no place makes it cooler than the Pepsi Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It’s the perfect place for you, your friends or family to enjoy an afternoon or evening on the ice. Click here for all the info! Chill. Ice Skating at the Pepsi Coliseum. It’s way more than cool!
Building Rental
Click here for Pepsi Coliseum rental information.
For more information or to book your event, please contact Dave Hummel at (317) 927-7504 or at dhummel@indianastatefair.com . You may also reach Jeannie Raymann at (317) 927-7523 or at jraymann@indianastatefair.com.
