The Illinois State Fairground's iconic Coliseum won't open its doors to guests and shows this year.
The 116-year-old amphitheater closed last October after being deemed unsafe for use. Seven shows must leave the fairgrounds for alternative sites. These include horse shows, a midget-car race and an ancient athletics re-enactment. Illinois Department of Agriculture officials are scrambling to provide on-site alternatives for some shows while the Coliseum awaits funding for urgent repairs amid the state's 20-month-long budget impasse.
An informal estimate last fall put repair costs for the three-tiered structure at close to $3.7 million.
A private foundation is beginning to raise that money. The board's chairman says they have roughly $5,000 so far. The board has discussed selling naming rights and commemorative bricks.
WGLT depends on financial support from users to bring you stories and interviews like this one. As someone who values experienced, knowledgeable, and award-winning journalists covering meaningful stories in central Illinois, please consider making a contribution.
