There are bright spots in the latest financial report from Bloomington's U.S. Cellular Coliseum, but they aren't bright enough to obscure the gloom of the fiscal year ending in the red - again.

After finishing the 2007-2008 fiscal year with an operating loss of $28,800 - which doesn't include bond payments - an operating profit of $120,000 was projected for this 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Then the economy came crashing down nationwide.

As early as last December, city officials were told the profit goal would not be met. Now the final figures are in: an operating loss of $440,000 for the year that ended April 30.

That's particularly bad news for a city that already has made personnel cuts and other budget adjustments, as well as raising fees, to counteract other lost revenue and rising expenses.

However, the Cellular Coliseum is not alone in struggling with the current economic situation. The poor economy has had a negative impact on many arenas as people cut back on their entertainment spending and even some entertainers are scaling back their touring schedules. That makes it difficult to attract more ticket buyers and to book acts that would attract more attendance.

Nonetheless, the city needs to find ways to improve the performance of the Coliseum.

Increased attendance last year was a good sign. More people - 319,932 - attended events at the Coliseum this year than in either of its two previous years of operation. Those figures include people attending meetings and events for which there isn't a separate admission fee.

Those attendance figures show potential for more growth.

Another good sign is returning events, such as the Jehovah's Witnesses conference and the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association competition.

People attending events from out of town help boost revenue for restaurants, bars, hotels and even retail stores, in some cases. But it's difficult to track the specific impact - and how the increased revenue from those out-of-towners balances out the operating loss.

Although there is a "formula" that is supposed to give an estimate of economic impact, people walking in the door at the Coliseum generally aren't asked where they live and local residents aren't likely to spend as much in categories such as lodging.

The other thing for which a dollar figure is elusive is the way in which the Coliseum contributes to the community's quality of life with concerts, sporting events and other activities - and what role that plays in attracting investment in the community. We continue to feel the Coliseum plays a significant role in the community's overall quality.

While it is tough sleding now, there's little doubt Coliseum managers will be beefing up efforts to attract more events that will draw crowds - especially crowds .