Sneak peek at Coliseum Renovations

FORT WAYNE, IND. (WANE) - A $5 million renovation project at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum is nearly complete.

While it looks pretty much the same outside as you drive by Coliseum Boulevard, it’s quite another story inside. For some parts of the building, this is the first renovation in nearly 20 years.

While the curtain isn't quite ready to go up on the ‘new’ Coliseum, only NewsChannel 15 got a sneak peek at what differences you'll see.

"Overhead, you'll notice the new lighting. This replaces the old sodium and mercury lights we had in here before. The new lights are all fluorescent," said Coliseum General Manager Randy Brown.

The new lights are pretty much everywhere, and will last longer. They're also more energy-efficient... which is a theme throughout the building.

Climate Controls and new HVAC equipment make for further energy efficiencies.  While work continues, part of the Appleseed Ballroom's renovation can also be considered green. That’s because it possibly won’t have to be replaced as often.

A major benefit to the type of carpet that's being installed in several parts of the Coliseum is, say, whenever a spill takes place. Instead of having to rip up all of the carpet, all that will have to be done is to rip up one of the carpet squares.

The Coliseum will also be more handicap-friendly.

"We've dropped all of the counters so that if a guest is in a wheelchair, he or she can roll up and this is at the appropriate service height," Brown said.

Fresh food options will be included, as will a self-service stand. You'll also notices dramatic changes to what you hear.

"The black batting that you see, that's behind the acoustic panels. There's two inches of acoustic material. That absorbs an amazing amount of sound," Brown said.

A new sound system also provides endless options to renters.

"Each speaker can be turned on or off by simply clicking on it," Brown said during a demonstration of the new computer-operated audio system.

Brown says the renovation helps the venue be more competitive, especially since some of the expo halls haven't been renovated since they were built in 1989.

"We're competing with markets and going head-to-head with the likes of Dayton and Grand Rapids and Toledo and South Bend. We've got one of the larger buildings and in my opinion one of the nicest buildings," Brown said.

This all comes in time for a huge "Extraordinary Women Convention" which is expected to be a packed event. It starts on Friday, October 2.

All told, the renovation – and parking lot expansion – should fully be done later in October.

To view photos of the stadium demolition and expo hall renovation, click here: