Coliseum shows loss, but shows major impact on community

Posted on March 4, 2015

A couple will spend about $243 when visiting the Twin-Cities. (WJBC file photo)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – The latest numbers are in for the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The coliseum reports a third quarter loss of just over $138,000 for the period that ended in January. 

Central Illinois Arena Management President John Butler said he expects events in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year to reduce losses.  He said the coliseum has a major financial impact on the community.

"Since fiscal year 2010 we've had over 1.5 million fans attend the over 1,000 events at the Coliseum," says Butler. "During that five-year period the overall net operating aggregate loss has only been about $39,000. We've been operating the facility at a break even."  

The Illinois Department of Tourism says the average visitor to Bloomington-Normal spends $243.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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