University of Michigan Coliseum

The University of Michigan Coliseum (formerly the Weinberg Coliseum) is an indoor gymnasium located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was the home of the Michigan varsity ice hockey team from 1920 to 1973. It is currently used as an all-purpose facility for several Michigan sports programs.[1]

University of Michigan Coliseum
Former namesWeinberg Coliseum
Location721 S. Fifth Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Coordinates42°16′19″N 83°44′47″W
OwnerUniversity of Michigan
OperatorUniversity of Michigan
Construction
Broke ground1909*
Opened1909
(112 years ago)
ArchitectFred Weinberg
Tenants
Michigan Wolverines ice hockey (1920-1973)

History

The foundation for the original indoor rink was likely poured in 1909 by local Ann Arbor contractor Fred Weinberg. Initially the ice was cooled only by the chill winter air but after the University of Michigan purchased the facility in 1925 an artificial ice system was installed and gave the ice hockey team a home with consistent ice.[2] While the facility served as the home for the team for over fifty years the building was prohibitively small, even after a 1949 remodeling, and was eventually replaced by the Yost Ice Arena in 1973. During its lifetime as an ice rink, the Weinberg Coliseum was home to seven National Championship teams.

After the ice was removed for the final time the Coliseum was recycled for use as a gymnasium and used by various university programs over the years but mostly by the men's and women's gymnastics teams.

References

  1. "Coliseum". LocalWiki. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
  2. "Weinberg's Coliseum". Ann Arbor District Library. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
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