“A NEW SEAT. A NEW STORY.” — A NEW ERA BEGINS AT THE COLISEUM
(Charleston, W. Va.) – Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined members of Charleston City Council and members of the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Team and Board to celebrate the unveiling of the brand-new seating in the Charleston Coliseum — marking the completion of a $5.2M seat replacement project.
“As we continue to invest in Charleston’s people and public spaces, projects like this help keep our venues vibrant — places where new stories and lasting memories are made,” said Amy Shuler Goodwin. “This investment, supported by Charleston City Council, reflects our shared commitment to the spaces where folks come together — from concerts and tournaments to graduations, celebrations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
“Charleston City Council is committed to investing in projects that strengthen our City’s cultural and economic vitality,” said Council Member Chad Robinson. “The Coliseum and Convention Center is a cornerstone of our community — a place where people come together to celebrate, connect, and experience the very best of Charleston. Projects like this not only improve the visitor experience but also fuel local business, support jobs, and showcase our Capital City.”
The Coliseum’s fixed seats were original to the building’s opening in 1980, while the lower-level retractable telescopic seats — the section closest to the floor — were last replaced in 2000.
Nearly three years of planning preceded the start of the project. From the manufacturing of the new seats to installation, the process took 193 days, including 85 on-site workdays and more than 9,300 labor hours. In total, 9,876 new seats were installed in the Coliseum. (Note: The number of seats installed does not reflect the total venue capacity, which varies by event configuration.)
“This project is a great example of what happens when our city, council, and community partners work together,” said Carrie Fenwick, Coliseum and Convention Center Board Chair. “We can't wait to welcome guests to experience the new seating during upcoming events, like the West Virginia State High School Volleyball Championships, and to continue building moments that bring people together.”
Seating removal began on August 15, the morning after the Luke Bryan concert. The first event to welcome fans in the new seating will be the WV State High School Volleyball Championships.
The seating project coincided with additional improvements on the concourse, including:
Upgraded point-of-sale technology to improve service efficiency; and
Freshly painted and deep-cleaned restrooms, offering guests an improved overall experience.
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