Let there be light - in the Coliseum

If you haven’t been by the Coliseum lately, there’s plenty to see – even from the outside. Scaffolding has been erected across the entire north face of the building as it is prepared for the exterior restoration, which accounts for $3 million of the $63 million project. Workers will start cutting out mortar so the tuck pointing can begin as soon as weather conditions allow. The scaffolding will likely be in place until early next summer, but the quick pace of the project will allow it to be removed before next year’s State Fair … yeah!

To the south of the Coliseum, work continues on the New Arena, which has most of the steel columns that will support the roof already in place. As a reminder, this portion of the project is a $10 million chunk of the budget, and it will be ready for the 2013 State Fair.

As for the Coliseum itself, the interior demolition is progressing nicely. Project Manager Rich Trombley took members of the State Fair Commission on a tour of the facility Thursday and here’s what they learned…



You are now up-to-date on the most dynamic and important project in the history of the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We’ll have many more exciting updates to come!


Submitted by Andy Klotz

Coliseum renovation right on schedule

WOW! 

That’s about all that can be said about the dramatic changes already taking place inside and around the Pepsi Coliseum.  The renovation project is not even two months old, but the guts of the Coliseum are almost completely removed and digging has already begun on the foundation inside the building.

 

The most obvious difference inside is all the light that pours into the building now that most of the glass block windows have had the covering material scraped off of them.  It is now easy to imagine what it was like when the building originally opened back in 1939.

 

The New Arena is really taking shape now as well.  More than 268 tons of steel will be used in this area and much of it has already been erected.  Weather has been good to the construction schedule and everything is moving ahead.  We’ll keep you posted!

 

Submitted by Andy Klotz

State Fair director receives national recognition

Carol Porter of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance poses with State Fair Director Steve Patterson. 

Most folks like to kick back after work … maybe put their feet up and have a cold beverage or spend time on a favorite hobby.  Then there’s Steve Patterson.  Steve is one of the outstanding members of our State Fair Board, and he’s definitely not one to kick back and put his feet up – at least not for very long.

By day, Steve is a valuable member of the Indiana Farm Bureau insurance team.  By night and weekend, he is a fair “warrior” on the county, state and national level.

Steve has been participating and volunteering at fairs for most of his life.  Not only has he been serving tirelessly on the State Fair Board for a number of years, but he has also been on the board of the Hendricks County 4-H Fair since the early 1990s.  For the past three years, he has also been the director of administration for the Indiana Association of Fairs, Festivals and Events (INAFFE).  Maybe he just doesn’t know how to relax.

Regardless, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) recognized Steve for his incredible contributions at its annual national convention last week by presenting him and four others across the country with the prestigious Heritage Award.  This award, presented by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, goes to outstanding fair managers with at least 10 years of experience who receive less than $2,500 remuneration annually.

IAFE Chairman Gary Slater presents Steve Patterson with the Heritage Award at the national convention.

Internally, we’ve always known Steve to be an overachiever, and now the rest of the world knows, too.  Way to go, Steve!  And thanks for all you do!

 

Submitted by Andy Klotz