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{{Short description|Multi-purpose arena in Virginia, United States}}
{{Infobox stadium
{{Infobox venue
| stadium_name = Cassell Coliseum
| stadium_name = Cassell Coliseum
| nickname =
| image = [[Image:Cassell Coliseum wide shot.jpg|300px]]
| image = [[Image:Cassell Coliseum wide shot.jpg|300px]]
| image_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=300|zoom=15|type=point}}
| location = Washington Street & Beamer Way<br>Blacksburg, VA 24060
| location = 675 Washington Street, SW<br>[[Blacksburg, Virginia|Blacksburg, Virginia]], U.S.
| coordinates = {{Coord|37|13|20|N|80|25|8|W}}
| broke_ground = 1961
| broke_ground = 1961
| opened = January 3, 1962
| opened = January 3, 1962
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| owner = Virginia Tech
| owner = [[Virginia Tech]]
| operator = Virginia Tech
| operator = Virginia Tech
| surface = Hardwood
| surface = Hardwood
| construction_cost = $2.7 million<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|2700000|1962}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| construction_cost = $2.7 million<br>(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|2700000|1962}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| architect = Carneal and Johnston
| architect = Carneal and Johnston
| general_contractor= T.C. Brittain and Company
| general_contractor= T.C. Brittain and Company
| former_names = VPI Coliseum (1962–1977)
| former_names = VPI Coliseum (1962–1977)
| tenants = Virginia Tech Hokies<br>([[Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball|Men]]'s & Women's Basketball, Volleyball, & Wrestling)
| tenants = [[Virginia Tech Hokies]]<br>([[Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball|Men]]'s & [[Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball|Women's Basketball]], Volleyball, & Wrestling)
| seating_capacity = 10,052<ref>http://www.vt.edu/about/buildings/cassell-coliseum.html</ref> (1995-present)<br>9,971 (1988-1995)<br>10,000 (1962-1988)
| seating_capacity = 8,925<ref>{{cite web|title=Cassell Coliseum|url= https://hokiesports.com/sports/2018/4/20/cassell-coliseum.aspx}}</ref> (2020–present)<br>9,275 (2018-2020)<br>9,847 (2004-2018)<br>10,052<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vt.edu/about/buildings/cassell-coliseum.html|title=Cassell Coliseum|work=vt.edu}}</ref> (1995–2004)<br>9,971 (1988–1995)<br>10,000 (1962–1988)
}}
}}
'''Cassell Coliseum''' is a 10,052-seat multi-purpose [[arena]] in [[Blacksburg, Virginia]], [[United States]] that opened in 1962. It is home to the [[Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University|Virginia Tech]] [[Virginia Tech Hokies|Hokies]] [[basketball]] [[team]]s (men's and women's).
'''Cassell Coliseum''' is a 10,052-seat<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cassell Coliseum|url=https://vt.edu/content/vt_edu/en/about/locations/buildings/cassell-coliseum.html|access-date=2022-02-24|website=vt.edu|language=en}}</ref> multi-purpose [[arena]] in [[Blacksburg, Virginia]], United States, that opened in 1962. It is home to the [[Virginia Tech Hokies]] men's and women's [[basketball]] [[team]]s, wrestling team, and volleyball team.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Cassell under construction.jpg|thumb|left|Cassell Coliseum under construction]]
⚫
Built as a replacement for the much smaller War Memorial Gymnasium, the Coliseum's construction began in 1961. It was fully completed in December 1964 at a cost of $2.7 million.<ref>http://www.hokiesports.com/mbasketball/cassell.html</ref> It was designed by Carneal and Johnston (now Ballou Justice Upton Architects, Richmond, Va) and built by T.C. Brittain and Company of [[Decatur, Georgia]]. Originally just referred to as "the Coliseum," it was dedicated on September 17, 1977 to the late Stuart K. Cassell, former school business manager, first Vice President of Administration, and major supporter of the building of the arena.
[[File:Cassell Coliseum 1964.jpg|thumb|right|Cassell Coliseum in 1964]]
⚫
Built as a replacement for the much smaller War Memorial Gymnasium, the Coliseum's construction began in 1961. It was fully completed in December 1964 at a cost of $2.7 million.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.hokiesports.com/mbasketball/cassell.html|title=Men's Basketball:Cassell Coliseum|work=hokiesports.com}}</ref> It was designed by Carneal and Johnston (now Ballou Justice Upton Architects, Richmond, Va) and built by T.C. Brittain and Company of [[Decatur, Georgia]]. Originally just referred to as "the Coliseum," it was dedicated on September 17, 1977 to the late Stuart K. Cassell, former school business manager, first Vice President of Administration, and major supporter of the building of the arena.


The first game was on January 3, 1962 when the [[Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball|Hokies]] played [[Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball|Alabama]]. The Hokies won 91-67. Unfortunately, the crowd sat on the concrete floor to watch the game because the seats had not arrived.
The first game was on January 3, 1962, when the [[Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball|Hokies]] played [[Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball|Alabama]]. The Hokies won 91-67. Unfortunately, the crowd sat on the bare concrete risers to watch the game because the seats had not arrived.
[[Image:Cassell Coliseum inside wide angle.jpg|left|thumb|Cassell Coliseum]]
[[Image:Cassell Coliseum inside wide angle.jpg|left|thumb|Cassell Coliseum]]


In the early years of the Coliseum, the Hokies frequently saw capacity crowds pack the venue. However, student and alumni interest in basketball decreased in the 1990s due to the Hokies' lack of a stable basketball conference home (the Hokies were in three different conferences in nine seasons) and due to the success of the [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|football team]]. Fan support has begun to gain momentum under coach [[Seth Greenberg]] and the school's recent move to the [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]]. A raucous [[student section]], nicknamed the "Cassell Guard," has helped transform the Coliseum into a difficult venue for opposing teams in an athletic conference ripe with intimidating basketball arenas.
In the early years of the Coliseum, the Hokies frequently saw capacity crowds pack the venue. However, student and alumni interest in basketball decreased in the 1990s due to the Hokies' lack of a stable basketball conference home (the Hokies were in three different conferences in nine seasons) and due to the success of the [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|football team]]. Fan support began to gain momentum under coach [[Seth Greenberg]] and the school's recent move to the [[Atlantic Coast Conference|ACC]]. A raucous [[student section]], nicknamed the "Cassell Guard," has helped transform the Coliseum into a difficult venue for opposing teams in an athletic conference ripe with intimidating basketball arenas.


On June 27, 1996, a construction worker fell 90 feet to his death on the coliseum floor. Dewey Wayne Duncan of Pulaski, VA, who was working outside the coliseum on the roof, stepped on a section of the roof that was covered only by a ceiling tile. The tile collapsed, and Duncan fell through the roof.
On June 27, 1996, a 27 year old construction worker fell {{convert|90|ft}} to his death on the coliseum floor. Dewey Wayne Duncan, of Pulaski, VA, who was working outside the coliseum for a contractor making repairs to the roof, stepped on a section of the roof that was covered only by a ceiling tile. The tile collapsed, and Duncan fell through the roof.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/WDBJ-7/script_archives/96/0696/062896/062896.a.htm|title=WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 06/28/96|date=June 1996}}</ref>


On April 17, 2007, a memorial convocation was held there in response to the [[Virginia Tech massacre|shootings of 32 students and faculty]] on the Virginia Tech campus the previous day. President [[George W. Bush]] and his wife [[Laura Bush|Laura]] attended the event.
On April 17, 2007, a memorial convocation was held there in response to the [[Virginia Tech massacre|shootings of 32 students and faculty]] on the Virginia Tech campus the previous day. President [[George W. Bush]] and his wife [[Laura Bush|Laura]] attended the event.


Over the years, Cassell has undergone various updates, most recently those being a new sound system, new lights inside building over the court, a well as a refinished court.
Over the years, Cassell has undergone various updates, most recently those being a new sound system, new lights inside building over the court, as well as a refinished court.


On August 5th, 2015, it was reported that [[Carilion Clinic]] has bought naming rights to the arena's court (to be renamed Virginia Tech Carilion Court; the name of the facility will not change) for $500,000 a year for the next 10 years.
On August 5, 2015, it was reported that [[Carilion Clinic]] has bought naming rights to the arena's court for $500,000 a year for the next 10 years. The ''Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum'' was dedicated in December 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dedication of Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum|url=https://www.carilionclinic.org/blogs/news-team/dedication-virginia-tech-carilion-court-cassell|publisher=Carilion Clinic|access-date=10 January 2016|date=4 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306022547/https://www.carilionclinic.org/blogs/news-team/dedication-virginia-tech-carilion-court-cassell|archive-date=6 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Prior to the 2017–18 season, half of the old wooden seats were replaced with larger plastic seats, reducing the capacity.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Release|first=Virginia Tech Press|title=New Seats Coming to Cassell Coliseum|url=https://virginiatech.sportswar.com/article/2017/02/17/new-seats-coming-to-cassell-coliseum/|access-date=2020-09-10|website=TechSideline.com|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Major games==
==Major games==
[[File:Cassell Coliseum Scoreboard.JPG|right|thumb|Scoreboard of the VT - Duke Upset]]
⚫
On January 10, 1983, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team defeated the number one ranked Memphis State Tigers 69-56 in front of 10,000 fans. It was the first time a number one team had played in Cassell Coliseum and the Hokies first win over a number one ranked team.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Anderson|first1=Mike|title=Tech stuns MSU|journal=[[Collegiate Times]]|date=January 11, 1983|page=A1|accessdate=10 January 2016}}</ref>


⚫
On January 10, 1983, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team defeated the number one ranked [[Memphis Tigers men's basketball#1980s|Memphis State Tigers]] 69-56 in front of 10,000 fans. It was the first time a number one team had played in Cassell Coliseum and the Hokies first win over a number one ranked team.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Anderson|first1=Mike|title=Tech stuns MSU|journal=[[Collegiate Times]]|date=January 11, 1983|page=A1}}</ref>
⚫
On February 17, 2005, during [[Virginia Tech]]'s first season in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]], the Blue Devils were ranked seventh nationally. By the end of the night, the Blue Devils were handed a 67-65 loss by the Hokies in front of 9,847 fans. It was the first time that Virginia Tech had beaten Duke since 1966.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33701-2005Feb17.html</ref>

⚫
On February 17, 2005, during [[Virginia Tech]]'s first season in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]], the Blue Devils were ranked 7th nationally. By the end of the night, the Blue Devils were handed a 67-65 loss by the Hokies in front of 9,847 fans. It was the first time that Virginia Tech had beaten Duke since 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33701-2005Feb17.html|title=Hokies Surprise The Blue Devils|work=washingtonpost.com}}</ref>


On January 13, 2007, Virginia Tech defeated the number one ranked [[2006–07 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team|North Carolina Tar Heels]] by a score of 94-88. At one point in the game, the Hokies led by 29 points. They were able to hold off a strong surge by the Tar Heels to seal the victory.
On January 13, 2007, Virginia Tech defeated the number one ranked [[2006–07 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team|North Carolina Tar Heels]] 94-88. At one point in the game, the Hokies led by 29 points. They were able to hold off a strong surge by the Tar Heels to seal the victory.


On March 22, 2010, Virginia Tech beat UConn in Cassell on national television in the second round of the NIT tournament. Trailing 63-62, the Hokies' defense pressured Connecticut into a backcourt violation. With 14.1 seconds remaining, the Hokies took the lead with a Dorenzo Hudson jump shot. The Hokies' defense was able to stop Connecticut from scoring for a 65-62 victory.
On March 22, 2010, Virginia Tech beat UConn in Cassell on national television in the second round of the NIT tournament. Trailing 63-62, the Hokies' defense pressured Connecticut into a backcourt violation. With 14.1 seconds remaining, the Hokies took the lead with a Dorenzo Hudson jump shot. The Hokies' defense was able to stop Connecticut from scoring for a 65-62 victory.


On February 26, 2011, Duke fell to Virginia Tech by a score of 64-60. At the time Duke was the number one ranked team in the country. It was Virginia Tech's fourth upset of a number one ranked team under Seth Greenberg. New York Giant, David Wilson was seen doing back flips on the court with fellow classmate and track & field star, Nick McLaughlin following a halftime award ceremony recognizing the 2011 ACC Indoor Track and Field Champions.
On February 26, 2011, Duke fell to Virginia Tech 64-60. At the time Duke was the number one ranked team in the country. It was Virginia Tech's fourth upset of a number one ranked team under Seth Greenberg. New York Giant, David Wilson was seen doing back flips on the court with classmate and track & field star, Nick McLaughlin following a halftime award ceremony recognizing the 2011 ACC Indoor Track and Field Champions.


The largest crowd ever at the Cassell was 11,500 for a game against [[Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball|Purdue]] on December 3, 1966.
The largest crowd ever at the Cassell was 11,500 for a game against [[Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball|Purdue]] on December 3, 1966.


==See also==
==See also==
{{commons}}
{{Portal|College basketball}}{{commons|Cassell Coliseum}}
* [[Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]
* [[Virginia Tech|Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]
* [[Virginia Tech campus]]
* [[Virginia Tech campus]]
* [[Virginia Tech Hokies]]
* [[Virginia Tech Hokies]]
* [[List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas]]


==References==
==References==
Line 60: Line 67:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.unirel.vt.edu/buildings/maps/cassell-map.html Cassell's Location]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051218010355/http://www.unirel.vt.edu/buildings/maps/cassell-map.html Cassell's Location]
*[http://www.hokietickets.com/cassell.html Cassell Seating Chart]
*[http://www.hokietickets.com/cassell.html Cassell Seating Chart]


{{Virginia Tech}}
{{Virginia Tech}}
{{Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball navbox}}
{{Virginia Tech Hokies men's basketball navbox}}
{{Virginia Tech Hokies women's basketball navbox}}
{{Atlantic Coast Conference basketball venue navbox}}
{{Atlantic Coast Conference basketball venue navbox}}
{{ACC Volleyball Arenas}}
{{ACC Volleyball Arenas}}
{{Virginia NCAA Division I college basketball venue navbox}}
{{coord|37|13|20|N|80|25|8|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
{{coord|37|13|20|N|80|25|8|W|type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Music venues of Virginia}}
{{Music venues of Virginia}}

Revision as of 08:16, 20 January 2024

Cassell Coliseum
Map
Former namesVPI Coliseum (1962–1977)
Location675 Washington Street, SW
Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S.
Coordinates37°13′20″N 80°25′8″W / 37.22222°N 80.41889°W / 37.22222; -80.41889
OwnerVirginia Tech
OperatorVirginia Tech
Capacity8,925[1] (2020–present)
9,275 (2018-2020)
9,847 (2004-2018)
10,052[2] (1995–2004)
9,971 (1988–1995)
10,000 (1962–1988)
SurfaceHardwood
Construction
Broke ground1961
OpenedJanuary 3, 1962
Construction cost$2.7 million
($27.2 million in 2023 dollars[3])
ArchitectCarneal and Johnston
General contractorT.C. Brittain and Company
Tenants
Virginia Tech Hokies
(Men's & Women's Basketball, Volleyball, & Wrestling)

Cassell Coliseum is a 10,052-seat[4] multi-purpose arena in Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, that opened in 1962. It is home to the Virginia Tech Hokies men's and women's basketball teams, wrestling team, and volleyball team.

History

Cassell Coliseum under construction
Cassell Coliseum in 1964

Built as a replacement for the much smaller War Memorial Gymnasium, the Coliseum's construction began in 1961. It was fully completed in December 1964 at a cost of $2.7 million.[5] It was designed by Carneal and Johnston (now Ballou Justice Upton Architects, Richmond, Va) and built by T.C. Brittain and Company of Decatur, Georgia. Originally just referred to as "the Coliseum," it was dedicated on September 17, 1977 to the late Stuart K. Cassell, former school business manager, first Vice President of Administration, and major supporter of the building of the arena.

The first game was on January 3, 1962, when the Hokies played Alabama. The Hokies won 91-67. Unfortunately, the crowd sat on the bare concrete risers to watch the game because the seats had not arrived.

Cassell Coliseum

In the early years of the Coliseum, the Hokies frequently saw capacity crowds pack the venue. However, student and alumni interest in basketball decreased in the 1990s due to the Hokies' lack of a stable basketball conference home (the Hokies were in three different conferences in nine seasons) and due to the success of the football team. Fan support began to gain momentum under coach Seth Greenberg and the school's recent move to the ACC. A raucous student section, nicknamed the "Cassell Guard," has helped transform the Coliseum into a difficult venue for opposing teams in an athletic conference ripe with intimidating basketball arenas.

On June 27, 1996, a 27 year old construction worker fell 90 feet (27 m) to his death on the coliseum floor. Dewey Wayne Duncan, of Pulaski, VA, who was working outside the coliseum for a contractor making repairs to the roof, stepped on a section of the roof that was covered only by a ceiling tile. The tile collapsed, and Duncan fell through the roof.[6]

On April 17, 2007, a memorial convocation was held there in response to the shootings of 32 students and faculty on the Virginia Tech campus the previous day. President George W. Bush and his wife Laura attended the event.

Over the years, Cassell has undergone various updates, most recently those being a new sound system, new lights inside building over the court, as well as a refinished court.

On August 5, 2015, it was reported that Carilion Clinic has bought naming rights to the arena's court for $500,000 a year for the next 10 years. The Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum was dedicated in December 2015.[7]

Prior to the 2017–18 season, half of the old wooden seats were replaced with larger plastic seats, reducing the capacity.[8]

Major games

On January 10, 1983, the Virginia Tech men's basketball team defeated the number one ranked Memphis State Tigers 69-56 in front of 10,000 fans. It was the first time a number one team had played in Cassell Coliseum and the Hokies first win over a number one ranked team.[9]

On February 17, 2005, during Virginia Tech's first season in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Blue Devils were ranked 7th nationally. By the end of the night, the Blue Devils were handed a 67-65 loss by the Hokies in front of 9,847 fans. It was the first time that Virginia Tech had beaten Duke since 1966.[10]

On January 13, 2007, Virginia Tech defeated the number one ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 94-88. At one point in the game, the Hokies led by 29 points. They were able to hold off a strong surge by the Tar Heels to seal the victory.

On March 22, 2010, Virginia Tech beat UConn in Cassell on national television in the second round of the NIT tournament. Trailing 63-62, the Hokies' defense pressured Connecticut into a backcourt violation. With 14.1 seconds remaining, the Hokies took the lead with a Dorenzo Hudson jump shot. The Hokies' defense was able to stop Connecticut from scoring for a 65-62 victory.

On February 26, 2011, Duke fell to Virginia Tech 64-60. At the time Duke was the number one ranked team in the country. It was Virginia Tech's fourth upset of a number one ranked team under Seth Greenberg. New York Giant, David Wilson was seen doing back flips on the court with classmate and track & field star, Nick McLaughlin following a halftime award ceremony recognizing the 2011 ACC Indoor Track and Field Champions.

The largest crowd ever at the Cassell was 11,500 for a game against Purdue on December 3, 1966.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cassell Coliseum.

References

  1. ^ "Cassell Coliseum".
  2. ^ "Cassell Coliseum". vt.edu.
  3. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  4. ^ "Cassell Coliseum". vt.edu. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
  5. ^ "Men's Basketball:Cassell Coliseum". hokiesports.com.
  6. ^ "WDBJ 7 morning news AM cutins for 06/28/96". June 1996.
  7. ^ "Dedication of Virginia Tech Carilion Court at Cassell Coliseum". Carilion Clinic. 4 December 2015. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  8. ^ Release, Virginia Tech Press. "New Seats Coming to Cassell Coliseum". TechSideline.com. Retrieved 2020-09-10.
  9. ^ Anderson, Mike (January 11, 1983). "Tech stuns MSU". Collegiate Times: A1.
  10. ^ "Hokies Surprise The Blue Devils". washingtonpost.com.

External links

37°13′20″N 80°25′8″W / 37.22222°N 80.41889°W / 37.22222; -80.41889

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