Coliseum Facilities

The Rapides Parish Coliseum (often just called ‘Rapides Coliseum‘ and sometimes, ‘Crossroads Coliseum‘) contains just over 6500 seats in the 65,000 square foot main building.  Built in 1965, the 42 year old, dome building has hosted thousands of events over the years from concerts, monster truck shows, professional wrestling, Senior Olympics and has even been the home to a couple sports teams.  Some of the more famous visitors include Elvis (1977), Martin Luther King (1966), and Ronald Reagan (1975).

Additional facilities on the grounds include a 23,000 square foot exhibition hall often used for trade shows and the 65,000 square foor Lewis-Odom Agricultural Complex (barn) used during livestock auctions and 4-H shows. 

Located on Highway 28 West in Alexandria with parking for nearly 2000 vehicles, the large lot is also used for annual events such as the Rapides Parish Fair every October as well as auto sales shows put on by the many central Louisiana auto and truck dealers. 

Many entertainers who previously would have performed at the coliseum have moved to venues at area casinos, however, internal marketing efforts by the staff continue to bring in other large-scale events.  Recent events include the Barnum and Bailey Circus in December 2008, World Wrestling Entertainment in January 2009, and upcoming is the Gaither Homecoming Tour on March 7, 2009.

The coliseum is governed by a 9-member board known as the Coliseum Authority.  Its membership is appointed by the Rapides Parish Police Jury. 

In April 2009, Rapides Parish voters will find a 1.5 mil ad valorem maintenance tax on the ballot.  If passed, this new issue is expected to generate an estimated $900,000 annually for a ten-year period with priority given to the complex’s electrical system, roof, restrooms renovation and parking lot resurfacing.   This will not cover all the improvements needed for refurbishment, but it will go a long way with facility upkeep.

In late Summer, 2008, a report was produced for the Rapides Parish Police Jury which estimates the total cost of repairs and needed updates to be approximately $10 million dollars.