CityView Magazine

arts BY DEMITA HOLLIE Crown Royal The Coliseum Complex has entertained guests since 1997 I 32 | September/October • 2012 n Cumberland County the word "entertain- ment" is inextricably linked with the Crown Colise- um. The history of the Coliseum complex is peppered with memories of performances from legendary art- ists like Elton John, Rod Stewart, Patti Labelle, gospel great Shirley Caesar and Tim McGraw, just to name a few. But it doesn't stop there; the Crown Coliseum is also home to the Cape Fear FireAntz and The Fayetteville Force Indoor Foot- ball Team. The Coliseum was formerly home to The Fayette- ville Patriots and the Cape Fear Wildcats. The Coliseum Complex opened in 1997 aſter keeping resi- dents waiting for seven years to see the much-anticipated results. With a pricetag of more than $55 million, residents hoped the venue would be impressive enough to draw top tier talent to the city, which would in turn bring people from around the region in to watch the shows — and to spend their money. The 10,000-seat venue's location on Highway 301 and near Interstate 95 was certainly part of the consideration, as well. With several hundred thousand visitors coming through the Coliseum doors to attend the venue's variety of events and shows, the gamble seems to have paid off. The Coliseum has entertained guests with sports, wrestling events, fairs, and a variety of concerts from hot summer jams to cool classic rock from the moment it opened its doors. In addition, Facilities Magazine awarded the Complex with the Prime Site Award shortly aſter its opening. Marshall Perry, Director of Marketing and Sales for the Crown Coliseum, said he is proud of the venue's features and accomplishments over the last 15 years. He said the Coliseum is the perfect addition to the Theatre and the Arena at the Crown Center Complex.

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