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Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum facts for kids

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Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum
Riding Coliseum Michigan State Fair Detroit.jpg
Coliseum at the Michigan State Fair
Former names Hockeytown State Fair Coliseum
Location 1120 W. State Fair Ave.,
Detroit, Michigan
Coordinates 42°26′36″N 83°7′3″W / 42.44333°N 83.11750°W / 42.44333; -83.11750
Capacity 5,600
Surface 200 by 85 feet (61 m × 26 m) (hockey)
Construction
Opened 1922
Architect Lynn W. Fry
Tenants
Wayne State Warriors (CHA) (1999–2000, 2005–2008)
Royal Oak-Shrine Catholic Knights (CHSL) (2006–2007, 2008–2009)
Michigan State Fair Riding Coliseum, Dairy Cattle Building, and Agricultural Building
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property
NRHP reference No. 80001925
Added to NRHP June 6, 1980

The Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum is a large indoor stadium in Detroit, Michigan. It's also known as the Hockeytown State Fair Coliseum. This historic building was built in 1922 and can hold about 5,600 people! It was once part of the Michigan State Fairgrounds, which hosted the oldest state fair in the United States until 2009.

A Place for Fun and Games

The Coliseum has seen many exciting events over the years, from thrilling sports to fun circus shows.

Ice Hockey Action

From 1999 to 2008, the Coliseum was home to the Wayne State University Warriors ice hockey team. They played many college hockey games here after the building was updated. The arena also hosted the 2006 men's and women's College Hockey America conference tournaments.

High School Hockey

The Royal Oak-Shrine Catholic High School Knights ice hockey team also played at the State Fairgrounds Coliseum. They started playing there in 2006 and returned for their first varsity season in 2008-2009.

Circus and Other Events

For many years, the Coliseum has been the place where the famous Shrine Circus performs in Detroit. It's a popular spot for families to enjoy amazing circus acts. The Coliseum also hosted some wrestling shows in 1999 and 2000.

On the Big Screen

You might have even seen the outside of the Coliseum in a movie! It was used as the Flint Fairgrounds Coliseum in the 2008 film Semi-Pro.

What's Next for the Coliseum?

In 2020, the land where the state fairgrounds are located was sold to Amazon. The company plans to build a large distribution center there. Because of these plans, the buildings on the site, including the historic Coliseum, are expected to be taken down.

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