Pantagraph.com | News | Coliseum reports $287,000 loss for July

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

To: would go wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:25 PM:

" You and about 20 other people. Slow jazz is background music at a bar or restaurant, it isn't going to fill an arena. Mainstream or classic rock, pop, country, R&B, and some rap acts are the only things that will draw enough people to pay for the operating expense of having their show at the Coliseum. "

To: Taxpayer wrote on Sep 23, 2007 5:00 PM:

" Totally agree with you. it seems like whoever books these shows has a pretty narrow view of what people are interested in. I could bring in over a hundred kids on a school night to an "indy" rock concert at my humble establishment, and thats without any real advertising. Why don't they try to cash in on that trend? They could get a few hundred kids every night of the week and more on weekends. Hey, anything to MAKE money instead of loose it. "

to: Vic Connor wrote on Sep 23, 2007 4:58 PM:

" Bet you feel pretty silly now, don't ya? Great idea about stopping payments. Got any more brilliant suggestions? "

To Vic Connor, from Attorney wrote on Sep 23, 2007 10:18 AM:

" I don't think it works that way because it was paid for with bonds, not a mortgage. A home mortgage pledges the home as security for the loan. If the home is appraised at $100,000, the bank might require a 10% down payment. If the mortgagee defaults, the bank hopes to resell it for at least $90,000 to recoup its loan. Lately, some banks have reduced the down payment, have offered mortgages to poor risks, and the value of homes has declined. So banks have been taking over a number of homes and can't get all their money back, leading to the mortgage crunch we've all read about. Several years ago, when they voted to build the coliseum, the city also voted to issue bonds. The City didn't pledge the building, rather it pledged the general tax revenue of the city, as security. If the city didn't pay the bonds, it would be sued and the court would just order money taken from the city's bank account. The city's credit rating would drop and then there would be a huge tax increase. By the way, this method of financing is pretty standard for cities around the US. "

would go if... wrote on Sep 22, 2007 5:12 PM:

" THERE WAS A SMOOTH JAZZ CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

club seat wrote on Sep 21, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Bring on the Thunder, Sammy, Chicago, the Extreme. Thanks Judy, it'll only get better "

Vic Connor wrote on Sep 21, 2007 1:29 PM:

" The city of Bloomington should just stop paying for the Coliseum. That would save them over $3,000,000 per year. Let the bank take it and enjoy it. Is there any other rational action they can take? "

To: Troy L wrote on Sep 21, 2007 2:39 AM:

" You must not have been one of the whole 40 people who showed up at the open house to confront the managers and political leaders about your outrage. Yes, the whole city is up in arms, as we are constantly reminded. And your right, I'm sure thousands of people here share your preference to see Dog the Bounty Hunter 'in concert' over Bob Dylan, Sammy Hagar, Seether or the sporting events coming up. "

Troy L wrote on Sep 21, 2007 12:23 AM:

" Wow, a six figure loss. Who didn't see that one coming? That arena/colesium was the biggest mistake anyone could have made. I remember reading in the Pantagraph a long time ago about how we shopuld have a memorial wing to the place. Show all the things this town used to have; like a car show, an airshow, and now an empty arena. Why did they build that eyesore when they just bought the consistory? was that not a good enough venue for these comedians to show up in? Oh wiat we had some bands too. Well they can go back to Peoria. We aren't making money off them so they can go away. why was Peoria so fortunate to get Dog the Bounty Hunter? I would have loved to see him here. Fill it or sell it. "

why I ask why wrote on Sep 20, 2007 4:40 PM:

" maybe if they change the name of the football team more people would go.....I understand why it is named EXTREME but who ever thought that would be a good name.....now Priaire Thunder that i can live with but change the name of the football team and we will be in business! "

PK wrote on Sep 19, 2007 9:22 AM:

" I don't see what all the fuss is about. How many businesses make a profit in the first three years? Almost none. Give it time folks... "

The solution wrote on Sep 18, 2007 11:22 PM:

" The only way Bloomington can get out of this mess now is to start demolishing the decrepit downtown buildings. That will create more parking spaces. No one will EVER go to an an NBA preseason game or similar event if they can't park near the place! "

To: To Attorney wrote on Sep 18, 2007 9:13 PM:

" It's not that people are not coming to the events, it is that there are not enough events being scheduled for people to come to. There are more than enough people in B-N and surrounding areas to support the Coliseum @ 7,000 capacity for shows. Those who still will not attend events overestimate their importance. This has been proven in the case of the sports teams and some of the concerts. The problem is not the venue, the problem is the management- but they are improving. "

To: To Attorney wrote on Sep 18, 2007 8:43 PM:

" This is what I have been trying to say. These people were told, before this thing was even built, that it was not wanted by the majority of residents in this city. And now they're wringing their hands, trying to figure out what's going wrong and why people are not coming to events. DUH!!! GET A CLUE!!! If I tell you "don't play in the street, or you'll get hit - don't play in the street, or you'll get hit - don't play in the street, or you'll get hit" and you get hit, don't sit there cry and try and figure out what happened. YOU WERE TOLD IN THE FIRST PLACE!!! "

Steve wrote on Sep 18, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I love the Pantagraph! "

To: oh wrote on Sep 18, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Can you give the names of touring chidren's shows that are cheaper elsewhere than in Bloomington? What does it cost to drive to Peoria, including parking? We went to a play at the U of I Assembly Hall, and it was awful because the stage was way down on the b-ball floor, and voices were hard to hear and had an echo. It was close to 100 miles and over 100 minutes drive round-trip. They also charged us a $10 flat fee to park the car way out in those big lots. "

To Attorney wrote on Sep 18, 2007 7:16 AM:

" That is your opinion on how most people feel today about the coliseum. When the people voted not to build the Coliseum. They were basically saying that they would not be attending events there. So quit telling them that they need to attend events or the Coliseum will fail. The people that voted FOR the Coliseum should support it more than they are now. "

Sell wrote on Sep 17, 2007 7:40 PM:

" Seriously why not try and sell it? Try to make a profit or at least a break even on the building. Let someone who TRULY knows what they are doing run it and hopefully make a profit. Get it out from the local governments hands (who have NO CLUE what they are doing). And to Attorney we can not focus totally on the future when we are still paying for the past. "

solution wrote on Sep 17, 2007 3:06 PM:

" Book Wedding Banned!!! They are the only band I know that can make a crowd grow from 10 to 1000 in 3 minutes!!! "

Taxpayer wrote on Sep 17, 2007 2:13 PM:

" The Coliseum management needs to be held accountable for the lack luster attempts at keeping profitable acts booked. For Mr. Nelson to say that there is nothing to book in the summer, I direct them to any number of UFC, professional wrestling, pop/rock/country entertainers, and other activities that our neighboring cities had no problem booking. Mr. Nelson and his management staff need to pull their noses out of the air and realize that they and their peers demographic and interests are not whats going to pay the bills. "

Ok. wrote on Sep 16, 2007 6:09 PM:

" ..ok I've emailed the coliseum and asked them to lower ticketing fees on childrens events. I wouldn't have a problem going but I'm not going to pay so many ticketing fees that I could have just bought another ticket. For now I'll continue to go to Peoria or Champaign and still save money. When it becomes a reasonable option to take my children to an event here, I will go, until then I'll continue to leave town. "

To: GOOD FOR THEM wrote on Sep 16, 2007 10:29 AM:

" That is nice to say about this city. The place where you live, you want it to fail. Good job, buddy! Showing your trye colors, like alot of the rest of you. Why would anyone want it to fail now?! It is here and you want it to do that bad so that it is all boarded up. Then only to complain about how Bloom is looking like a ghost town because places will soon follow and close up aw well. WHY WHY WHY, do you all seem to not be happy and whine to make yourselves feel better about your seemingly unhappy lives.... JOY! "

GOOD FOR THEM wrote on Sep 15, 2007 3:03 PM:

" I hope that place never makes a profit. "

Just a thought wrote on Sep 15, 2007 11:06 AM:

" Sell the arena and then stop city employees from driving city vehicals home nights and weekends. "

To William from Attorney wrote on Sep 15, 2007 10:44 AM:

" OK, William, I guess that's your call. Judy probably won't apologize though, so I'll look forward to hearing from you for many years to come. I hope that the leaders of the community get beyond Judy's error and find a way to make this coliseum work with as little loss as possible. Anyone who really wants to help must look beyond what's in the past and concentrate on the future. "

To cage fight..... wrote on Sep 14, 2007 2:20 PM:

" Good example of different strokes for different folks. I have not interest in cage fights, so does that mean they should not come here? "

William to Attorney wrote on Sep 13, 2007 9:15 PM:

" When I hear Judy say that she was wrong and apologize to this community I will let it go. Until then I guess I'll just whine (and hope for an indictment) "

Senior Lady wrote on Sep 13, 2007 6:08 PM:

" To the person who wrote on Sep 13, 2007 2:41 PM Why? Common decency, just common decency. That's why. Give her a few days of common decency and then you can go back to slashing at her again. "

to Senior Lady wrote on Sep 13, 2007 2:41 PM:

" why she didnt care about us...look at the mess were in..all that money could have been spent on roads and other things that the city really needs.. "

Attorney wrote on Sep 13, 2007 12:42 PM:

" I really think that the referendum on the arena was reflective of the general public opinion THEN, and that the majority of everyone didn't think that it was a good idea to build the arena. But I also think that most people TODAY either feel that: 1) we have the place, so let's make the best of it by having as many good events as possible to entertain people, get revenue and cut the losses, or 2) they have tried it and found it's really fun to have these opportunities right here in town. There are a few diehard people who seem to just want the arena to fail and go away, so they are always proposing crazy ideas like bulldozing it (ignoring the money borrowed to build it) or pretending that the losses are really a shocking revelation to most people. OK, let me say it once more: "Judy was wrong, you were right", and now let's get on with the reality of making it work as well as possible!. "

For The Future wrote on Sep 13, 2007 9:33 AM:

" If 10% of the registred voters of Bloomington signed a petition to end Home Rule for the City of Bloomington, the council couldn't build another white elephant like the coliseum without first getting voter approval. "

terrible leadership wrote on Sep 13, 2007 7:51 AM:

" Butler and Nelson are terrible, terrible managers. Absolutely horrid. I wouldn't hire them to cook fries at McDonalds. "

To: To: To Total Failure wrote on Sep 12, 2007 2:30 PM:

" There are more than a FEW of us. For that matter, We have never THUMBED our noses at any of the Bloom. residents that opposed the Coliseum. The ONLY thing we thumbed our noses at was all of your judgemental attitudes towards us for LIKING the coliseum. This building is in its first years and WILL be in major debt until it gets the bonds paif off. So you and all of you preconcieved notions about us for regularly attending events at the Coliseum, are useless. See the hockey season is about to start and more than a few of us 2 or 3 times a week, WILL be there. dont worry, if they call ...we will go! GO PRAIRIE THUNDER... JOY( and see like most of you, I DO sign my name) "

python wrote on Sep 12, 2007 1:51 PM:

" what if we built a large wooden badger? "

To: To Losses on Target wrote on Sep 12, 2007 11:04 AM:

" If you would read the articles closely, and check the schedule of events at the Coliseum in the Fall and Winter (instead of assuming nothing is coming), you would understand that you cannot assume the losses will be doubled from here by the end of the fiscal year. If anything, the projected deficit will likely be very accurate, or too high. The arena business is based on heavy sales in the Fall, Winter and Spring, similar to the retail business being based on strong holiday sales- both are slow in the summer. Their are several concerts and special events coming in the next few months, as well as 40+ home hockey games and events that will be added. A kids show was just added. Do you notice that you don't read of any parents complaining about the Coliseum? "

To Losses on Target wrote on Sep 12, 2007 9:45 AM:

" I am not sure where you learned your math, but if in the first quarter of the year we are already nearing the half-way point for losses, how will we be on target? Near as I can tell, we are going to be way over the $1.6 million mark in losses. Check your numbers. "

Spooky wrote on Sep 12, 2007 8:50 AM:

" This whole "majority" thing is getting old. I discuss this topic with BN residents regularly and have come across only a handfull expressing strong opposition. I'll grant you the "majority" of those casting ballots in a non-binding referendum opposed. But the assumption this reflects a majority of the population is in serious question. Rather than spend the rest of your days offering absurd solutions such as the "recking ball", try offering realistic options for addressing the deficit. After all, the only real long-term solution is for this facility to operate in the black. "

To: To Total Failure wrote on Sep 12, 2007 8:17 AM:

" Please address point by point what part of what I wrote was wrong. Bottom line: the MAJORITY of Bloomington residents, before this money pit was built, didn't think this was going to be a good idea and didn't want it. Now the FEW who did support and wanted this monstrosity, want these same people you thumbed your nose at to "support the Colosseum". Why? So you FEW can say this is a success and not look like the fools you're turning out to be? Hate to be one to say I told you so, but guess what, we in the MAJORITY "

Trust Hamilton? wrote on Sep 12, 2007 12:47 AM:

" The Bloomington City Council must raise our taxes or cut services to pay for the arena. Either way, the Council must fire Tom Hamilton, if they want to be reelected. Hamilton really ought to resign for misleading the previous Council into believing the arena would be self supporting. Can the current Council trust Hamilton's advise? The Pantagraph buys their ink by the barrel, yet they never waste a drop. Can we expect a monthly news report ridiculing Hamilton's incompetence? "

Grumpy old men wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:46 PM:

" Bloomington has hardcore grumpy old men. With nothing else to do, they constantly obssess about a building that will outlive them, believe everyone else in town thinks the same way they do, use the code words 'Chicago people' or 'people from up north' to blame all city crime on black people, and believe that a $1.6 million shortfall out of a $75 million city budget justifies the stupidity of actually advocating knocking down the Coliseum, not yet 2 years old, targeted to draw 500,000 peope this year, an act that will never happen but would make the inhabitants of Blomington the laughingstock of the entire state- not to mention destroying the city's debt rating, bringing on a multimillion dollar lawsuit from U.S. Cellular and other lawsuits from the sports teams it hosts, the management and concessionaires. You guys are truly grumpy, and I know that not one of you will bring up any of your bright ideas at the Coliseum open house when you have your only chance, because you won't risk looking like a fool once inside. "

another stupid move wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:55 PM:

" bloomington is not to bright are they? to have listened to judy mayjor about building that stupid building before it was done. Just goes to show another waste of money and i agree a wreaking ball is in order prices were to high location for parking was terrible and judy wanted to be remembered as the mayor who brought the building to the city all she wanted was something to put her name on to say look what i did your light bulbs were to bright were they judy "

haha wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:43 PM:

" I am a Bloomington resident ~ life long ~ and I love the coliseum. It has great sporting events and, for the most part, great concerts. Everyone's taste in music is different. I can't blame the coliseum for not being able to get the "big name acts" like the civic center can. Once the coliseum has been established and makes a name for itself in the industry, then it should have no problem getting current, awesome acts. Everyone says how much bigger the civic center is. Granted, 1000 seats is a lot when you're talking about an arena, but that is the difference between the coliseum and the civic center. I HIGHLY doubt that everyone who is against the coliseum has stayed away from it. There are some people that haven't been there, but it's a lack of interest in the events, not a hatred against those who built it. Get over it, suck it up, buy a ticket, and have a GREAT time. You'll see! "

Senior Lady wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:21 PM:

" Don't forget, Worst thing that happen to BLM, All together Now, and many others who have posted nasty barbs at Judy. You are all certainly a piece of work, hitting someone cruelly while she is down. She just watched her husband die this week and buried him. How about waiting just a few days to hit her in the gut? Low guys, really low. Just how low can you go? "

To: Won't be the First wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:18 PM:

" Thank you for your wisdom about teaching the children. That would be the thousands of children who attend the football and hockey games, and thousands of kids a little older who will attend the upcoming Breaking Benjamins concert. And maybe a few thousand more who will attend the upcoming pro beach volleyball exhibition. You are a member of a vocal minority- that is all. I know that 4,000 Extreme season ticket holders, 2,500 Prairie Thunder ticket holders and thousands more who will attend the Chicago, Bob Dylan, Sammy Hagar, and Jars of Clay concerts would disagree with you. "

Real Man wrote on Sep 11, 2007 8:45 PM:

" Get a real man in the office to book shows and deal with the sales. The one that is in there now has not a clue how to control money. "

To Event Coordinator wrote on Sep 11, 2007 7:26 PM:

" You have no clue what you are talking about. First of all do you think B/N is the only place in the country that has kids out of school in the summer? By your statement that is what you were saying. Now to address the fact that B/N residents are hard to please, I say we just know the difference between a good and bad act. Now you talk about the city opposed to hip hop and how much money it would make. Need I remind you over the past three years Snoop Dog, Fifty Cent, and a host of other rappers have canceled shows at the Peoria Civic Center due to lack of ticket sales. Hip Hop does not draw big crowds for live shows simply because the fans of hip hop are not the type of people who BUY or PAY for tickets, unless they are the kind issued by police. "

To FYI wrote on Sep 11, 2007 7:20 PM:

" what are talking about the condition of the economy? Unemployment in Illinois and McLean County are at record lows ane the only people who are not working are those who choose not too. So get your facts straight before you start in disputing facts that are pubilcly accessible. "

TO:oh boy wrote on Sep 11, 2007 5:31 PM:

" Yeah, no joke. Dont they LOVE to come in here to complain and hide behind their monitors?! All demanding to close it down, lock the doors and what ever else. Bet they do not think of it in this way: Nice ideas you all see to have to help the coliseum and its debt. Those will work so well. since we will still have to pay for the bonds and such. and isnt there an issue of the teams being in a contract? Hmmm seems if they do not honor those, that would be BIG fines as well. hmmmmm so what I am saying IS: CLOSE IT NOW AND IT WILL COST MORE MONEY than what the coliseum is dealing with now. Hockey and skating is GREAT for our younger generations... JOY!! "

To:Total Failure and all who feel the same.. wrote on Sep 11, 2007 5:16 PM:

" WHAT!? All of us who are pro coliseum, well you do have that part right. We do go and use the facility in many ways. What has complaining gotten you? Something? No, cant say you all have gotten anything from this. We STILL HAVE HOCKEY< CONCERTS "

won't be the first wrote on Sep 11, 2007 4:53 PM:

" won't be the first empty white elephant that has to stand as a reminder to dumb things people do. When are the 1% of the community that are lying to themselves that the rest of us are a bunch of whining penny pinching snobs going to give up and shut up. close it down and let our children learn of it each time they pass...or history will repeat itself. just be glad it didn't take off as the premiere midwest concert venue, if it did our downtown would smell like bums and beer puke like Peoria's does as our crime rate continues to rise. "

ok wrote on Sep 11, 2007 4:49 PM:

" so whats the cost of operating the judy dome for this event and how much are the tickets?? Coliseum talk What: Bloomington City Council forum on the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. When: 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 Where: U.S. Cellular Coliseum, 101 S. Madison St., Bloomington. compare that to city hall.. more waste !!! "

To: Serious debate needed wrote on Sep 11, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Actually, we need more than "accurate" projections. Judy claimed that her projection of "break even" was accurate. What we need are more than projections, we need goals, and goals that are backed up by some accountability. The city has set a goal of a $1.6 million loss for the period of May, 2007 through April, 2008. That period starts out with a slow 3-4 months before the show seasons starts, so the real test willl be September through April. Tom Hamilton should be told that making that goal is a "must" for him. If that goal is met, then part of the mortgage is being paid by keeping it open. I think that the city is headed in that direction. "

to all bloomington res.. wrote on Sep 11, 2007 4:44 PM:

" it only takes 5 Alderman to get Tom Hamilton out of office ! contact your Alderman today!!! "

to white elephant wrote on Sep 11, 2007 4:18 PM:

" No, Old Chicago was not in the middle of nowhere. It was in Bollingbrook and the last time I checked it was a South Suburb. Anyway, 30 years ago it was a shopping mall that tried to attract shoppers with the novelty of a "great america concept". Shortly after it opened it filed for bankruptcy and has been torn down for many years. I know others remember this fiasco too. "

Serious Debate Needed wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:50 PM:

" Yes, if it stays open, the coliseum has a chance of paying a least part of that mortgage out of its revenues. However, there appears to be an even greater chance that the loses would exceed $3 Million annually. That's my point, we need some accurate projections before we can begin this debate. "

Taxpayer wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:37 PM:

" Remember that part of the coliseum project was for a parking deck and a public ice rink. They both add utility to our town, so don't even consider tearing them down! "

To: Serious debate needed (part 2) wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:32 PM:

" If the coliseum can keep its losses low enough to pay at least part of its mortgage payments, then it’s better to keep it open. If the coliseum’s 2008 goal is to lose only $1.6 million, then it is paying for part of its mortgage and should be left open. If it loses something over $3 million in a year, or lots more than its mortgage payments, then maybe we could cut our losses by closing it. Selling it might be a solution, if someone would assume the debt, but who would do that given its losses? It’s a real dilemma, but remember that governments are in a different position than businesses, because services are usually subsidized. "

To: Serious debate needed (part 1) wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:12 PM:

" OK, you wanted a discussion. I think that the coliseum’s mortgage alone averages over $2.2 million a year for probably 25 or 30 years. That would still be due if the coliseum was closed or torn down. If torn down, there would be demolition costs. If closed, there would still be some costs to minimally maintain it. So, it would then be a CERTAINTY that we taxpayers would be forced to pay for all that each year out of tax dollars. If it stays open, the coliseum has a chance of paying a least part of that mortgage out of its revenues and at least some people get entertainment, conventioneers spend money in the town, and there’s a place for high school graduations and the like. (continued) "

For Interested... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:07 PM:

" The reason that summer is slow is because most entertainers are packaging with other entertainers to do big "outdoor" amplitheater shows and big festivals. They can sell 16,000-20,000 tickets to events like these, so most bands/entertainers aren't looking to do shows in small to medium size venues. "

O rly? wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:06 PM:

" If you want different acts and one thing you want is more rock or 'younger crowd' shows, go to the concert on the 2nd! Let's either prove or disprove the theory about getting more current acts. "

For Interested... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:04 PM:

past Ent. director wrote on Sep 11, 2007 3:01 PM:

" Also, keep in mind that part of the success in Peoria is that it is an arena/expo center/theater. A lot of the events that do well there wouldn't turn much of a profit at our arena because of all the utility expenses to make it happen in the bigger space. Unfortunately the Colliseum is also too small for a lot of the big time concerts. I haven't seen the numbers, but I bet to keep prices reasonable for Martina McBride and Mellencamp, there wasn't much of a profit turned. These shows were probably "loss leaders" to get people excited about the colisseum. "

To solve this problem... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 2:49 PM:

" …we really don’t need a city council whose hands are tied by the previous council’s building, borrowing, hiring, and contracting of the arena and its managers. This was done deliberately so it was all locked in, and couldn’t be reversed. What we do need is a magician who can make a silk purse from a sow’s ear. Or, if no magicians apply, maybe we could use some citizens with common sense. Bulldozing the arena won’t pay its mortgage. Acting like everybody really expected the place to actually make a profit (regardless of what Judy promised) is just playing “gotcha”. And, vowing to take one’s business to Peoria's arena because our arena isn’t bringing in enough revenue is only making things worse. As was said, we’re stuck with this, and everyone needs to offer constructive suggestions to our officials, or at least not worsen the situation with years of whining and threats, or we’ll all be paying for it with increased taxes or service cuts. "

arena = $300,000 welfare wrote on Sep 11, 2007 2:24 PM:

" The largest recipient of government welfare in Bloomington is the arena and specifically Central IL Arena Management. What other company can you name that after it posts a loss will get bailed out at a tune of $300,000 a month? And by the way, that's my money as a Bloomington tax payer. Let'em go and either find another firm or have the city run it. One question not addressed in all of this, but who's speaking out on behalf of the minimum wage workers at the arena while the bosses keep running to the public welfare well for their bail out? "

Make the decisions wrote on Sep 11, 2007 2:20 PM:

" The council needs to make the tough decisions immediately. The longer they fight among themselves and seek input, the longer the bleeding hurts. With swift decisive action, people will be miffed, but their hurt feelings and hatred will quickly subside and be replaced with acceptance. Problem solved. I like the hotel tax as the best funding mechanism. Oh, and Hamilton must go. Oh, Oh and the September 20th open house at the Coliseum from 6 to 8 PM would be the perfect opportunity for Judy Markowitz to offer her real world solutions to the money pit Coliseum or to at the very least, apoligize for her stupidity and her lack of concern for financing city government and the Coliseum and Cultural Center. In any other walk of life she would simply be called "Loser", but she left office before the voters could "throw the bum out". "

hey wrote on Sep 11, 2007 2:13 PM:

" turn it into a skate park "

How about wrote on Sep 11, 2007 2:01 PM:

" Hamilton needs to go!! How can he deal with it? "

Serious Debate Needed wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:47 PM:

" To: Show some business sense ... I am a business owner and former accountant, and my post at 11:17 AM was a classic example of business decision making considerations, referred to as cost-benefit analysis. It is not uncommon for businesses to close down significant facilities in an economic move to curtail loses. Yes, it typically means a fixed, guaranteed loss will be incurred. But if the amount of that loss is less than the projected losses from continuing operations, it is a wise decision. The key to having a serious debate is reliable, realistic projections. That should be our first order of business, followed by a cost-benefit debate. To delay this would only add to the costs. "

Cage Fights wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:43 PM:

" If you want to see some real entertainment come to the Interstate Center on Sept. 29 at 7:00 pm. There will be 15 Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) cage fights. The same type that you see on Spike tv. Amatuer and Professional's from all around the area. Tickets run 25 to 50 and It will be worth every penny. Go to hivemma.com for more info. "

Interested wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:15 PM:

" Anybody know what will be discussed at the public meeting at the coliseum on Sept. 20? Is this an informational meeting or just a tour? Will we be able to ask questions? I think that there are so many urban legends about the arena that it might be interesting to learn what really is going on. I really doubt that the police department controls the shows brought in as one poster claimed here. And, why are there no shows worth bringing here in the summer? Aren't just as many artists touring in the summer as in the winter? "

jimmy to: ALL Together NOW! wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:14 PM:

" that was pure genius! you accurately summed up 90% of the markowitz monument while providing much needed laughter. i suggest an organized sing-along of this lil' ditty at the "open house" on the 20th. maybe THAT will finally get through to the thick-heads running this travesty into the ground! "

Show some business sense wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:02 PM:

" To those of you that urge demolition, closing, or selling it for $1, what about all the money that was borrowed? When Judy & Co. built the arena, they borrowed millions that have to be paid back with interest, something like a mortgage. If the coliseum isn't there, where will the mortgage payments come from? Then we would have a guaranteed loss every year for decades, and no concerts or games at all. I didn't want the place either, but now that we are stuck with it, I hope that the new city leaders can make enough to at least pay part of the mortgage payments. They seem to be announcing more concerts than last year and I hope the loss gets less and less. But, anybody who urges that it be torn down or closed shows less business sense than those that built it in the first place. "

Markowitz Center wrote on Sep 11, 2007 12:49 PM:

" The going rate is about $6000 an event. So if they have 30,000 in attendance then $5.00 per person. If they didn't get a discount. The problem is we were told no new taxes, it would make money, and we needed it for the community. Sorry if everyone is upset about all the lies when we didn't want it to begin with. Why does the Pantagraph separate the operating losses from the debt service. It was part of the management budget from day 1. So don't continue to help them in the cover up. The bill is being footed by the citizens so we have a right to express our concerns and until their is restitution ( Tom, Mike, and John) then we wont be satisfied. "

All Together Now! wrote on Sep 11, 2007 12:32 PM:

" {sung to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat} Close down the Judy Dome, The Judy Dome is broke. Throw more money on the fire This council is a joke. Close down the Judy Dome, Put the place to bed. Don Rickles is way past his prime I think he might be dead. Close down the Judy Dome These acts should play for free Butler and Nelson love old bands From 1983 Close down the Judy Dome, We said it would suck large. Give Tom Hamilton the boot Put someone new in charge "

loser wrote on Sep 11, 2007 11:47 AM:

" Every season is a loser. Summer is slow, Fall is real football, winter is bad weather, spring people are getting outside again. As each season rolls around they have a reason that this is the slow season. It is a money pit, government is not set up to make money. Let's lay off some cops, fire fighters and public works so we can offer reduced ticket prices for the whiners that think they deserve subsidized entertainment. September will be better, they have had an extreme used car sale there for a week. that's got to be pulling in the rent, certainly is an major image enhancement. "

Serious Debate Needed wrote on Sep 11, 2007 11:17 AM:

" If the choice is to close it and lose a certain $2.2 Million annually (the bond payments) or keep it open and lose $3+ Million annually (the amount that it seems to be headed for) then we must seriously debate closing it, don't we? Keep in mind that the attendance for football and hockey will likely decrease significantly, to the league norms. Competition from Peoria, Champaign, Springfield, Chicago and even ISU and Interstate Center will not go away, and likely intensify. It's a bleak outlook, and the projections have consistently proven over optimistic. All options should be on the table and sober realism injected into the debate. "

Discount? wrote on Sep 11, 2007 11:09 AM:

" Anybody know just how little the JWs have to pay to have 30,000 attend? "

Buried On Page 4 ? wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:42 AM:

" C'mon Pantagraph. This is front page stuff. "

Another "why" wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:39 AM:

" Why does everyone think its normal to lose money for 5 to 10 years? The Peoria Civic Center has NEVER TURNED A PROFIT! Peoria has a food and beverage tax and an entertainment tax that go to the civic center. When they say they broke even or made money for the year, they count the tax revenue as income. It's a SUBSIDY! It is not income! Even with the huge subsidies, Peoria Civic center still lost money for 15 of its first 17 years-check the Peoria Jpournal Star archives and you will know that these are the real facts. "

Loss wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Why is it acceptable to lose its butt, when the Coliseum is "targeted" to lose $1.6 million this year? THAT'S NOT ACCEPTABLE! It's a tragedy! "

Summer should not wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:29 AM:

" Why does everyone believe its ok that summer is always slow, so the Judy Dome is expected to lose money? Just look at the Interstate Center which is booked solid from the first of the year through the fall. "

atticus finch wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:26 AM:

" The hotel tax does not currently go to the city general fund. It is set up to be used to promote more hotel business. Therefore, the hotels provide ZERO, NADDA revenue to the city. Hotels DO NOT PAY SALES TAX on rooms either. The city can change its policy and stop using the revenue for promotion. The city can pass a hotel tax increase, all of which earmarked for the coliseum. This is the best way to pay for the Judy fiasco, as it will have out of town visitors paying the bill, not residents! "

TO; Variety of acts wrote on Sep 11, 2007 10:22 AM:

" You said that we've had country (we have) old rock (we have) but WHEN and/or WHO did we have for new rock? We need a good rock band their. (And 3 days Grace is not a rock band but a pop wannabe band.) Why don't we hold a battle of the bands there? Bloomington has SOME decent unheard of bands, while Peoria has a MASSIVE number of unsigned talent. Let's bring them in and have local concerts. "

book it! wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:51 AM:

" The Coliseum needs to actually book some events that people want to go to.. Def Leppard? okay,, but old school,,, Get MORE for kids. Monsters on ice was great.. Get some bigger name acts in there and I'm sure the place would be packed..And something for the older crowd too,, Do you know how many seniors love Kenny Rogers?? They would go! I dont understand why this is so hard to figure out... I personally would love to go to the Coliseum in our town instead of driving all the way to peoria for "entertainment" of a larger scale... "

worst thing that happen to BLM (Markowitz) wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:48 AM:

" Love to see our taxe money go to waste. Thanks To Judy Markowitz. It never should have gone up. She's done a lot of bad things for our city, The crime went up with her bring down the trouble. All we can do now is try to fix it but it's going to take a lot to do that. I say close it and move the trouble back up North. Lets take our city back. "

dumb and dumber wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:44 AM:

" To a reader wrote on Sep 10, 2007 12:47 PM: " It would be smarter to raise sales taxes instead of property taxes. It would take advantage of all of the out of town revenue that comes to B-N businesses. It would lessen the burden on those that actually live here. " All I can say is go ahead and keep uping the sales tax for every mistake your Bloomington Reps make and us out of towners will shop elsewhere and that way your private businesses can suffer as well. Then eventually you too can then be like Chicago and cry to Springfield for some more Government help. :)))) "

sports fan wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:40 AM:

" How about the Bulls playing a preseason game her, or the Pacers...get the IHSA volleyball tournament away from Redbird with all of its parking tickets, they have the cheerleading...what about the 1A and 2A basketball tournaments Bloomington has better bars downtown than Peoria....How about big pool tournaments, bring in the national tournament....TNA wrestling...you don't need WWE...boxing events or kick boxing...blow our minds with new ways to sell the product "

some help wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:36 AM:

" I just heard on another blog that Kelly Clarkson has ditched her tour of big stadiums for smaller venues...Kelly Clarkson.....After the MTV awards I bet Brittany Spears is looking for some place to perform....Brittany Spears.....After her break-up with Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston is trying to get her career back on track...Whitney Houston....I think Areosmith is another good answer...Stephen Tyler and Areosmith....I hear the Doobie Brothers are getting back together without Michael McDonald....Doobie Brothers or Michael McDonald.....Sara Evans needs work because of her divorce...Sara Evans...How about the Blue Collar guys...Why does Peoria get all the Idol stars and we don't...How about Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Beyonce, Kanye West, or I agree with others someone relevant and recent "

Sad... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:23 AM:

" ...that the powers that be can't admit the mistake of building this money pit. The parking lot never lost this much money. Two words: Wrecking Ball! "

Fr baffled.... wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:06 AM:

" In response to 70's and 80's groups....WHAT!!!!! Are you serious? I am 45, and I certainly do NOT want to hear that...and as far as thats who has the money and goes to those events..WRONG! I am too busy paying my mortgage and electric and car and insurance, etc..my 20 year and her friends are the ones with ALL the money, going to school and working, they are the ones who are looking for an outlet, they are the ones wanting and needing to be entertained. Seriously this town is alittle stuck in the past. "

Summer is wrote on Sep 11, 2007 9:00 AM:

" Summer! What great information! "

Don't Forget wrote on Sep 11, 2007 8:46 AM:

" The ISU have their own Redbird Arena which can compete with the city's!!!!! Blame this mess on Judy's term.. if she wanted this in the first place - why not make her pay for the failure? "

Total Failure wrote on Sep 11, 2007 8:44 AM:

" To all you pro-Colosseum folks out there, keep in mind, the majority, THE MAJORITY of Bloomington residents DID NOT WANT this colossal waste of money sitting in their city - it was FORCED down their throats - and now you expect these same people to "share your vision" and support this abomination. Don't you think people in Bloomington have the right to be resentful and are showing that resentment by NOT going and supporting it (they sure got shown that they didn't have the right to say NO to it being built in the first place - Thanks Jude!). This WILL become a total failure. To those of you in the majority who opposed this abomination, I hear they're having a sale on 'tar and feathers' at Lowe's (OK, maybe not a sale, but I'm sure they, or another store in town, can accommodate you). "

Question? wrote on Sep 11, 2007 7:45 AM:

" The Coliseum according to the report submitted was in a worst case scenario to break even. How was this determined? Should we pursue the consulting firm that came up with that notion and ask them what needs to be done for this to happen. "

Research wrote on Sep 11, 2007 7:25 AM:

" I am sorry I reported wrong on the count of major events...I believe there is a descrepency between the two websites....but my point was that there are many community events that have their own places to do their local shows....and yes there are game nites I didnt count, I was only speaking of actual bookings to fill in the dates that there are not games..private events which as the articles states may only bring 50 to 100 people are ok but not money makers. On the other hand I do agree with NEW-B/N.....support the USCC it is here to stay....but the management needs to get out there and get the job done.... "

Adam wrote on Sep 11, 2007 7:21 AM:

" To: Baffled...exactly what "great" acts do you propose we bring in? The only ones who would sell any tickets in this town would be country and im pretty sure by the 4th time Kenny Chesney came to town no one would be showing for that either. Other than a truely exciting sports team/league or a major shift in the musical interests in this town the jude cant be saved. "

Event Coordinator wrote on Sep 11, 2007 6:58 AM:

" The best we can do as a community is to help the coliseum out and let them know what you truly want to see. They are only human as we are. But if no one wants to put in a word... we are just a guilty for not helping them make it work. "

Event Coordinator wrote on Sep 11, 2007 6:57 AM:

" One thing people do not understand is not only do you pay for the performer to step in your door at around $10,000-$50,000 they must also pay for their hotels, security, food, alcohol and whatever else they may request on their ryder. Concert events are so expensive and if you do not catch the performer(s) through a route, they are more expensive. So, when Bloomington/Normal does not go to the concerts that are playing, yes they will go in the red immediately. I hear all the time that people want to have "free" concerts. That is so unrealistic when you start looking at the figures it will cost you. Most venues make their money truly off the liquor sales so if you get a performer that pulls in 50 year olds and up.......you already lost! They do not drink! "

Event Coordinator wrote on Sep 11, 2007 6:56 AM:

" Just a couple of things to bring up to those who are not familiar with coordinating an event. First of all, it is very difficult to schedule something in the summer for the "Bloomington/Normal" folks. Parents have childrens football games, vacations, and other extra activities that cost nothing. Very hard to fight those. Second, I have found that Bloomington/Normal is extremely hard to please. They want things to do..go to concerts, see shows...etc. However, when it comes down to it, they don't go. We try to please the public by their requests and it turns out to be a total disaster. Bloomington/Normal is mostly a blues, metal and hip hop crowd. If the colliseum went with hip hop (which Bloomington is totally against due to one promoter) they would see a huge profit in their liquor sales and as well their door. "

To: Business 101 wrote on Sep 11, 2007 6:19 AM:

" LOL this cracks me up. Your logic instead of raising taxes, people that don't want to the coliseum should buy tickets. Here's a better idea get back to capitalism instead of socialism and raise the ticket rates so the people that actually use the colisuem pay for it. That would be business 101. "

Hmm wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:27 AM:

" At this rate, it's going to be just over $3million, just based on the 1st quarter. I bet the utilities are killing them. "

Fyi wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:16 AM:

" They once again, fail to put the loss into context. A $300k loss on $3million in revenue isn't as bad as a $300k loss on $500k in total sales. My guess is much closer to the latter...though it leaves room to grow either way. There are fewer people that can afford to go, given the current state of the economy. How much was the net? I'm sure that loss isn't from the 'living wages'. "

??? wrote on Sep 11, 2007 12:52 AM:

" See if State Farm wants to buy it "

norman wrote on Sep 10, 2007 11:31 PM:

" First of all the truck stop in not in B-N but further south... it is called the Dixie Truck stop. What is your beef with the farmers anyway? Wait.. it is ok for you to collect your welfare checks but not for a farmer to collect a subsidiary? "

Senior Lady wrote on Sep 10, 2007 11:27 PM:

" Hey people. How about letting up on Judy for a day or two? Her husband just died. She doesn't need any negativity right now. Have a heart. "

Hey Mikey wrote on Sep 10, 2007 11:10 PM:

" Why cant you people just support this thing?? If you dont like the events that are there, dont go...If you want it to be utilized more, then contact those in charge of it and the marketing and see if anything can be done to get better events there...Maybe give them some suggestions on events. Look, it is built, it is there, and we are all paying for it, go to it if you havent been and check it out. it is a nice facility, a great ice rink and restaurant...sure its no money maker but most arenas, colesiums, stadiums, etc. arent in the first few years...Come on people support the community we all live in and give it time...it will come around. "

reader wrote on Sep 10, 2007 10:36 PM:

" It all boils down to when you have people making the descisions on spending that are in debt themselves it is a no win situation. "

New to B-N wrote on Sep 10, 2007 10:32 PM:

" I have read and heard all the comments but something is not getting done.Citizens wrote in to get more concerts, bookings, etc...there and we saw a few added. You aren't advertising & booking like you were a month ago. If the current staff wants to keep there jobs, get out & beat the streets to get the business moving. Look outside the box for ideas,sell what you have to offer. If the JW group worked, look into the other church groups, promise keepers, weddings,Gold Wing/Harley conventions, car shows, Masons, Moose, large garage sale, auctions,ice dancing, ice sculpture contest, etc. Yes you need a basketball court.... MOST IMPORTANT YOU HAVE IT - NOW TRY TO KEEP IT. No you don't have to run in the RED, not if you have people that care about what they are doing. I went on a board that was $1 million in the Red and with a few new people aboard we were $1 million in the BLACK in 2 years. Why? Because the other board didn't care WE DID.......... "

Slots wrote on Sep 10, 2007 10:21 PM:

" can we just melt the ice - use the wooden floor as a barge - mount a few slots and call this riverboat gambling - at least in between (weeks) events? "

Found you wrote on Sep 10, 2007 9:45 PM:

" I've been looking for all the negative attitude Cardinal fans, I think I found them. They have forgotten about baseball and are on this article doing their whining. "

To: to board the doors wrote on Sep 10, 2007 9:33 PM:

" If you would look at the numbers, you would realize that they would actually lose less money by closing the doors. Their debt repayment was only $187,000 while they had another $100,000 loss from having their doors open. They would lose money even with zero debt. They need cut their losses and sell this thing to a private company. Of course, that was probably the original plan anyway - give some developer a windfall. "

To:To:lock doors,bus man wrote on Sep 10, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Stay in Danvers... "

to: hypocritical wrote on Sep 10, 2007 9:11 PM:

" Believe g.w's FIASCO AND DISASTER in Iraq is of a greater magnitude than the Colesium. Your comments remind me of those who raise a ruckus over Blago ( rightly so ) then become strangely silent over Iraq. Nothing or nobody compares to g.w and his bungle ! "

To Research wrote on Sep 10, 2007 8:15 PM:

" You said seven events from now until the end of the year at the USCC, huh? I counted 9 shows and 2 private events shown on the USCC website as well as 13 hockey games on the PT website. Once again, an unfounded statement on this blog. "

To: Research wrote on Sep 10, 2007 7:35 PM:

" I think you are forgetting a little thing known as 40+ home hockey games. "

In the Know wrote on Sep 10, 2007 7:27 PM:

" The Black Eyed Peas were supposed to come here??? And the police said "no"? That's the best urban legend I've heard in a long time. "

Here is What is So Hypocritical wrote on Sep 10, 2007 7:13 PM:

" The same people who love this arena and make fun of the people who have objected to the lies told by Hamilton, Judy, Matejka, and the others who forced it on us; are the same people who moan day in and day out about how George Bush lied to us about the war in Iraq. I have to laugh at these jokers who swear support for Bloomingtons' Version of the Titanic (the ship not the the movie). The whole question now is what to do about this money funnel? The answer is simple first of all fire Tom Hamilton and replace him with an interim city manager. The cost in salary alone will help. Then we need to fire Nelson and the entire managment group, oh the can't be fired can they? See what a mess this whole thing is? "

You bunch of whiners! wrote on Sep 10, 2007 7:02 PM:

" BOO FRICKETY HOO! Wait till hockey comes back, it'll be back in the black. Get em to book some concerts! "

Research wrote on Sep 10, 2007 6:48 PM:

" I did a little research today. Peoria Civic center hosts Peoria Orchestra monthly, Peoria Ballet, many vendor shows as well as community theatre work. And of course they have the big shows. US Cellular: has seven events scheduled on their site between now and the end of the year. NOT GOOD> Bloomington/Normal has to much competition with in the community. Interstate center fishing shows, boat shows, 3rd sunday, dog shows, it goes on and on. Local Ballet, community players, local orchestra all have their own areas for programs...Someone should have thought this through...I am not very well educated but it is very simple to me... As for the company who is looking for entertainment....you need to get with the program or get paid for only what you manage to bring to US Cellular.... "

Although I'm not a supporter wrote on Sep 10, 2007 6:38 PM:

" of the Judy Dome, it's not fair to compare this to a business. It's not a business, it's a service. Do city parks operate at a deficit? Garbage collection? Road building and repair? Fire protection? Police protection? Schools? Libraries? Of course, they all do, but we have them because they are necessary government services. Is the Judy dome a city service? Yes. Necessary? Probably not, but it depends on who you ask. Nevertheless, it's these types of government services that it should be compared to and not for profit businesses. "

Never underestimate wrote on Sep 10, 2007 6:31 PM:

" Never underestimate the stupidity of the general public. First, Old Chicago was an indoor amusement part. Second, July is the slowest month because there is no hockey or football (just the all-star game). Remember the saying: Better to remain silent and let people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. "

Stormin' Norman wrote on Sep 10, 2007 6:28 PM:

" Good luck at trying to squeeze a buck out of the government-subsidized farmboys in that area. B-N will always be nothing more than a truck stop between Chicago and St. Louis... "

Ronald Reagan wrote on Sep 10, 2007 6:15 PM:

" Mr. Pantagraph ! Thank you for keeping these blog gates open ! "

to variety of acts wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:55 PM:

" I will bet the people that are complaining don't attend any of them. They just like to bitch........I agree with you we have attended several events there also have have enjoyed them all. "

to white elephant wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:52 PM:

" Old Chicago was out in the middle of NO WHERE. "

to board the doors wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:48 PM:

" you can't just close the doors there is still a loan to pay, goofus. If you close the doors the debt will be even larger because there will be no income. Oviously you have never owned or opporated a business. It takes time to break even let alone turn a profit. I you own a home how long did it take for you to start gaining equity. Give it a chance and attend the functions instead of sitting back and complaining. The loss for each month will vary. We are attending the Chineese Circus this Thursday, are you? Get you rear off of your recliner and attend some of the events instead of whinning. "

Gayle wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:38 PM:

" Better get some other gigs than JWs. I hear their numbers are really decreasing and dollars really decreasing, including mega lawsuits! "

Take It Easy wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:21 PM:

" Take it easy on Judy for a few days. Her husband passed away last week. "

The police wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:20 PM:

" How can the police say 'no' to a concert? I don't buy that. They can arrest anyone they want, but they can't pre-empt something that hasn't occured. "

Why?... wrote on Sep 10, 2007 5:01 PM:

" ....does Tom Hamilton still have a job as City Manager in Bloomington? Anyone else supporting this type of loss would have already been fired. Surely we can do better! "

Just Wondering wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:59 PM:

" How does the city manager still have his job?? "

yahbut wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:53 PM:

" It takes money to make money. If you board up the coliseum now, we will still be out money paying the bond payment, finishing the TEN year contract for the CIAM, and other contracts in place for vendors at the coliseum. Once the bond payment is paid, money will start flowing in. It would hurt the economy more to close the doors now! "

watchful eye wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:47 PM:

" I think whoever is running this thing needs to stop trying to cater to people that obviously don't go to concerts. They better start getting some Top 40 acts in that thing, and fast! They know what makes money! It appears to me that they're trying to keep the "wrong element" out of the building. I could be wrong, but I doubt that I am. "

It's THE SUMMER wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:46 PM:

" Do you people not understand, that this is part of the business? The summer is the slow time of year. Did you see a full schedule of concerts at the Assembly Hall, Civic Center or anywhere else? No, you did not. The budget has not been exceeded, the sky is not falling, and the target loss will likely be very accurate. "

jj wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:44 PM:

" Your going to have a loss during july because nothin is going on. Just wait til hockey starts...they will make a profit then. "

booking acts wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:29 PM:

" The city police department won't let them book current groups because they think they will have riots and they don't want to have to do their job. Black Eyed Peas were booked until the police said no. Let them try one and see if there is problems. The people booking the acts are handcuffed. "

white elephant wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:23 PM:

" Anyone remember Old Chicago?????? "

RE: Business 101 wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:20 PM:

" I'm a business analyst for a large firm. Typically a business will want to achieve a simple payback of their funds to implement a project in 3-4 years, possibly a shorter time period if the proposak is percieved as risky. "

Variety of Acts wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:18 PM:

" The complainers on here still complain about the acts and it doesn't make sense. Country fans complain that it's all rock, rock fans complain that it's all old. If anyone would actually look at the acts from the last two years you would see that it's been quite a variety. There's been or soon will be country, pop rock, old hard rock, new hard rock, a newer recent grammy winner, family ice shows, family stage shows, sports and several other things. I know there is variety because I've been to much of it and enjoyed most of it (and never had a problem parking by the way). Yes the financials are bad. The other arguements on here are just unfounded. "

Now that wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:17 PM:

" we have a basketball court, lets have a gus macker. "

You know...... wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:13 PM:

" The Peoria Civic Center said they ran in the red also the first year or two it was open. If you guys think about it, the debt is actually getting smaller. I agree with Baffled, it takes time. The big stars that are hot nowadays don't want to play to a small venue such as Bloomington, corn country Illinois. They will go to the Rosemont in near Chicago, the United Center or that big Arena in Tinley Park (forgot the name) Someplace they can make real money. Why else would we be getting Don Rickles, hell I thought he was dead! LOL "

Fire wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:04 PM:

" Tom Hamilton, Mike Nelson and John Butler. Hire a managment company from Chicago or New York and get some real professionals to run this place. "

To: Baffled wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:02 PM:

" The reason for 70's and 80's groups is easy to figure out! That's where the money is! Those shows appeal to 40 and 50 year olds, the highest wage earners in the area. They are able to afford the tickets. "

Brtiney Spears to Appear at Colesium wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:00 PM:

" It was announced today that former pop queen Britney Spears would be performing soon at the US Cellular Colesium. The Coliseum is know for booking has-been acts trying to regain their former glory. Ms. Spears became a has-been after performing at the VMA awards Sunday night. "

Business 101 wrote on Sep 10, 2007 4:00 PM:

" The colisium was a multi-million dollar building. Nothing of that magnitude will turn a profit the first 5-10 years...nothing! It takes time, They have a hockey team that is one of the leaders in attendance for the league, a football team that does the same, they hold conventions and concerts of all kinds, they are doing everything right. If you do not want your taxes raised, maybe you should go and support the colisium. Thank You Judy for your forsight, thank you to everyone who works hard at the colisium everyday. No matter what you do there will always be whinners! "

Adam wrote on Sep 10, 2007 3:58 PM:

To Baffled: wrote on Sep 10, 2007 3:34 PM:

" The real issues is most people in BN believe that their little farming town is some grand metropolis. You will not get any "real entertainment" because there is no money in it for the "latest" band or shows. Also, most acts will either hit up Chicago, Peoria or Champaign, so there would never be a need for them to have a show in Bloomington. Its just not worth their time. You will see this mistake time and time again of the residents trying to compare that little farm town with great cities. If that mentality does not start to change, BN will truly become a nasty landfill. "

Rolls Eyes wrote on Sep 10, 2007 3:29 PM:

" Don't know about the rest of you but I'm confident Don Rickles will put the coliseum back in the black. "

Simple Solution wrote on Sep 10, 2007 3:23 PM:

" All they need to do is put in a $25,000 basketball court..and everything will be fine. "

Tripper wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:54 PM:

" I am not taking sides, but does ANYBODY know if this management group is following sound accounting principles in their bookkeeping? "

to Digs Deeper wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:39 PM:

" Stop digging. I think you've scratched your brain. Give your finger a break. "

To: Rolling Eyes wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:34 PM:

" You are absolutely wrong. Summer is the slow season, and that is what the management stated upon the last financial report. The amount of misinformation and mistaken opinions, stated as facts and spread on these message boards, is ridiculous. "

lulz wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Well at least there is a good concert coming up on Oct. 2. It won't save anything, but it shows they are getting better event wise. At least a little.. "

To:To:lock doors,bus man wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:27 PM:

" I can see your a math wiz, how do you come up with a profit margin with those numbers??? Also I didnt vote for anybody on the bloomington council or the mayor, I live in danvers... "

Rolling Eyes wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:24 PM:

" Isn't July supposed to be right in the middle of the 'busy season' for this venue? If so, that means losses will be a minimum of $3.6 million for the year... "

TO:to business man wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:22 PM:

" all my business are still in my possesion and very profitable, better than I can see about the house that judy built... "

concert fan wrote on Sep 10, 2007 2:13 PM:

" I have gone to some good concerts at the Coiseum in the past-but it seems they are booking rock groups lately. What about us that like easy listening entertainers and country entertainers. Before the Coliseum came Braden Autitorium had many GOOD preformers. "

Allah is Quarterback wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Now if we can only get those Jehovah Witnesses to form their own football league, we'd have a real money maker there! Maybe they can call on God to bring down the wrath of the taxpayers upon the powers that brought this white elephant into existence! "

Baffled wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:47 PM:

" I would like to know who is booking the acts for the coliseum...I mean are we living in the late 70's and early 80's? Can't we find some real entertainment, you know with in the last decade or 2? If these people were to book guests that would pull in the people then maybe just maybe they wouldn't be in the negative and everyone would stop complaining about spending money to build the coliseum. I think it is an excellent venue for bringing in dollars for the building and the town as well as employing BN residents! Someone please light a fire under the marketing team and book a few great acts! "

Time Out wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:45 PM:

" So, if the thing had been closed and boarded up, we would have saved $103,129 ($1,237,548 annually)? Forget raising taxes and get pounding! At this point, I would accept an annual loss of $2.2 Million for the bond payments, as opposed to the $3.5 Million that is likely if it stays open. This thing just keeps getting uglier and uglier. "

Direct Mail wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:37 PM:

" ..people overlook the fact that the city practicaly gave away the naming rights to the facility... "

hummm wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:37 PM:

" that comes out to about 3.1 mil for the year....not even close to 1.6 no surprise hamilton cant do math either.. the mayor needs to listen to the people and fire him!!!!!! "

Sam wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:35 PM:

" I wasn't living here when the Coliseum was built, but if it's having so many financial problems, I hope the people in power will either get rid of it or do something to remedy the fiasco. If I owed that much on my house, you can bet my bank would be making calls right and left. The city manager should be held accountable as well. Thanks to the Pantagraph for keeping us informed of this!! "

Roger wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:31 PM:

" We never seem to hear from Mr. Nelson or Mr. Butler these days! I think it is seriously time to think about new management. And for all of you people complaining about negative comments, Truth hurts, doesn't it? "

to business man: wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:29 PM:

" LOL, the only reason you ran alot of of business is because they all failed. The colisium will be there for a long time, so keep crying its doing no good "

Losses on target wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:29 PM:

" The losses are right on target, and reduced from the first year. Everyone knows that the target is $1.6 million or less, and yet most of you act surprised. It has been budgeted for. Stop the hyperventilating- the first three fiscal months of the year are those of the summer, the slow months in large venue sales. There is a full slate of events that has begun in August and will continue through the Fall and Winter, including concerts, special events and the hockey season. Events yet to happen are not tallied into the monthly totals of previous months. "

What no comment from wrote on Sep 10, 2007 1:25 PM: