Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, now known as George's Pond at Hirsch Coliseum, is a versatile event venue located in Shreveport, Louisiana. Here is a detailed description of its meeting, conference, and event facilities:
Meeting and Event Facilities
Capacity and Layout:
- Arena Floor: Over 28,000 square feet, with a ceiling height of 90 feet.
- Seating Capacity: Permanent seating for 8,500 fans, with a maximum capacity of 10,300 for concerts.
Function Rooms
- The venue has five meeting rooms available for various events and conferences.
- Four dressing rooms are provided for performers and participants.
- The coliseum also includes 2 meeting rooms and 3 full-size locker rooms with showers at George's Pond.
Services
- Air Conditioning: The coliseum is equipped with 600 tons of air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable environment for events.
- Event Services: The venue offers a range of services including box office, ticketing, tables, chairs, barricades, electrical, picnic tables, benches, bleachers, trash receptacles, concessions, security, and labor.
- Event History: The Hirsch Coliseum has hosted a wide variety of events including major concerts, circuses, rodeos, ice shows, sporting events, and motor thrill shows. It has also been home to professional sports teams such as the Shreveport Mudbugs minor league ice hockey team and a professional basketball franchise through the American Basketball Association.
Renovations and Upgrades
- Renovations: The coliseum has undergone several renovations over the years. In 1969, it received its first major renovation with a completely closed roof and 600 tons of air conditioning. In 1992, further renovations allowed for the installation of a basketball arena, upgraded arena lights for television requirements, added and remodeled seats, and a new scoreboard.
- Ice Surface: In 1997, a permanent ice surface was installed, making it suitable for over 35 Western Professional Hockey League games per season.
Notable Events
- Celebrity Performances: The Hirsch Coliseum has hosted numerous celebrity performances including Elvis, Reba McEntire, George Strait, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Van Halen.
- Pageants: It has also hosted significant pageants like the Miss USA Pageant and the Miss Teen USA Pageant.
Location and Accessibility
- Address: 3701 Hudson Ave., Shreveport, LA 71109
- Fairgrounds Location: The coliseum is situated on the Fairgrounds, which is home to the Louisiana State Fair.
George's Pond at Hirsch Coliseum offers a unique and versatile space for various gatherings and functions, making it an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, and events.