Macon Coliseum facts for kids
 |
|
| Location | 200 Coliseum Drive Macon, Georgia 31217 |
|---|---|
| Owner | City of Macon |
| Operator | Spectra by Comcast Spectacor |
| Capacity | Basketball: 9,252 Hockey and Arena football: 7,182 Concerts: *End stage 180°: 7,418 *End stage 270°: 8,024 *End stage 360°: 8,438 *Theatre: 1,750 |
| Opened | 1968 (Renovated in 1996) |
| Tenants | |
| Macon Whoopees (SHL) (1973–1974) Macon Whoopee (CHL) (1996–2001) Macon Whoopee (ECHL) (2001–2002) Macon Knights (af2) (2001–2006) Macon Trax (ACHL/WHA2/SPHL) (2002–2005) Macon Blaze (WBA) (2005) Macon Steel (AIF) (2012) Macon Mayhem (SPHL) (2015–present) Georgia Doom (AAL) (2018–2019) |
|
The Macon Centreplex is a large building in Macon, Georgia, United States. It's a "multi-purpose arena," meaning it can be used for many different events. Today, it's the home of the Macon Mayhem, a professional ice hockey team. This team plays in a league called the Southern Professional Hockey League.
In the past, the Centreplex was also home to other sports teams. These included the Macon Whoopee (ECHL) and Macon Trax hockey teams. It also hosted the Macon Knights arena football team. The Centreplex can hold many people. For hockey and arena football games, about 7,182 fans can watch. For concerts, it can fit up to 9,252 people!
Contents
Discovering the Centreplex's History
The Macon Centreplex was built in 1968. It was the first building of its kind and size in Georgia. Mayor Ronnie Thompson was a big supporter of building this arena. He served as mayor from 1967 to 1975. The Centreplex quickly became the main place in Central Georgia for sports, fun shows, and big events.
Famous Concerts and Performers
Many famous musicians have played at the Centreplex over the years. One of the most well-known was Elvis Presley. He performed there several times in the 1970s. Other legendary bands and artists also rocked the stage. These include Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers Band, KISS, Van Halen, James Brown, Jackson 5, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Prince, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, Katy Perry, and Elton John.
The band R.E.M. even filmed part of their first concert movie, Tourfilm, at the Centreplex in 1989. This shows how important the venue has been for music history!
Exciting Wrestling Events
The Centreplex is also a popular spot for professional wrestling shows. Major wrestling companies have often visited Macon.
World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
World Championship Wrestling (WCW) held many TV shows and live events here in the 1990s. One big event was Clash of the Champions XXI. This show was broadcast live on TV from the Centreplex in 1992.
WCW's main weekly TV show, WCW Monday Nitro, also came to the Centreplex several times.
- November 20, 1995
- May 27, 1996: This was a special show because it was the first two-hour episode. It also featured the exciting debut of Scott Hall, which started the famous New World Order storyline!
- December 23, 1996
- June 23, 1997
- December 22, 1997: This was a unique episode, known as the only "nWo Monday Nitro."
World Wrestling Federation (WWF/WWE)
WWE, which was once called the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), also holds events at the Centreplex. In 1991, they filmed an episode of The Main Event V there. On that show, it was announced that Hulk Hogan would face WWF Champion Sgt. Slaughter at WrestleMania VII. This event also saw the first appearance of Paul Bearer as the manager for The Undertaker.
Their main weekly live TV show, Monday Night Raw, aired live from the Centreplex in 1995. This episode featured the return of Sycho Sid. WWE still holds live shows at the Centreplex about twice a year, bringing lots of action to fans.
Impact Wrestling
Impact Wrestling (which used to be called Total Nonstop Action) also filmed their weekly TV show, Impact Wrestling, at the Centreplex in 2011.
Modern Upgrades and Features
The Centreplex got a big makeover in 1996. They added the Edgar H. Wilson Convention Centre. This new part is used for conventions, trade shows, and banquets (big parties). In 2003, more improvements were made. Three fancy "luxury suites" were added, which are special rooms for watching events. The outside of the Centreplex was also updated, and a giant "M" was added to the main entrance.
Centreplex in Movies
The Macon Centreplex has even been in a movie! In the film I, Tonya, the Macon Coliseum (part of the Centreplex) was used to look like ice skating rinks in France and Norway.
| Preceded by The Spectrum Philadelphia |
FIBA Intercontinental Cup Final Venue 1969 |
Succeeded by Palazzo dello Sport Lino Oldrini Varese |
