MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN DUE TO LIFE AND SAFETY CONCERNS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

(Charleston, W. Va.) – The Municipal Auditorium has been temporarily shut down due to critical electrical and structural issues that require immediate attention due to life safety concerns. The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center team is currently working with promoters regarding scheduled events at the venue.  

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin issued the following statement regarding the temporary closure.

“For quite some time, we have been concerned about the condition of the Municipal Auditorium. At the end of last year, we engaged a firm to assess and evaluate the condition of the Art Deco-style building that opened in 1939. 

“Given the age of the building (approx. 85 years), we anticipated we’d find issues.  We were notified of critical electrical and structural issues that require immediate attention due to life and safety concerns and, based on the assessments provided by professional engineers and the utility company, were instructed to shut down the Municipal Auditorium — resulting in the cancellation of events at the venue this week.

“The safety of the public and our employees, in all our public buildings, is always our top priority. We are actively trying to identify any possible solutions that will allow us to ensure the safety of those entering and working in the building.

“The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center team is working with promoters regarding events scheduled at the venue. Any notifications regarding changes to currently scheduled events will be communicated directly to ticketholders.

“As I mentioned in my State of the City address, we know this venue, its size, and the demand for top-tier talent is strong— but we also know significant improvements need to be made as we work toward reimagining a venue that best fits our market, ensuring a greater return.” 

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