Berglund Center Makeover Reaches New Heights

The latest upgrades at Berglund Center introduced on Nov. 4th include new seating, LED lighting and new paint.
The latest upgrades at Berglund Center introduced on Nov. 4th include new seating, LED lighting and new paint.

It’s not your grandfather’s coliseum any more: the Berglund Center Coliseum cut the ribbon on November 4, showing off two million dollars worth of renovations that include LED lighting, new seats in blue, maroon and black – and new paint.

General manager Robyn Schon expects patrons to be excited: “What I hope [for is] shock and awe. I hope they come in and gasp for air and say wow, it looks like a brand new arena.”

Look for even more upgrades, said Schon, before pro hockey returns next fall. (Virginia Tech hockey fans will get a first look at the upgrades during home games on November 6-7).

Over the past few years exterior doors, the roof, the outdoor electronic signs, the climate control system and carpeting at the performing arts theater next door have all been upgraded.

CVB Executive Director Landon Howard, City Councilman Sherman Lea Sr., Berglund Center GM Robyn Schon, and Commissioners Woody Deans and Tom Pettigrew cut the ribbon to officially rededicate and unveil the completed renovations in the Coliseum.
CVB Executive Director Landon Howard, City Councilman Sherman Lea Sr., Berglund Center GM Robyn Schon, and Commissioners Woody Deans and Tom Pettigrew cut the ribbon to officially rededicate and unveil the completed renovations in the Coliseum.

Schon says she chose the seat color scheme herself. The total number of seats (8000) is now about 600 less than before – they are wider and more comfortable – and a nod to people that are generally “bigger” than when the Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum opened more than 40 years ago. Handrails in the steep upper level aisles will be installed soon.

“It was money well spent,” said Roanoke City Councilman Sherman Lea Sr. about the latest renovations at the Berglund Center Coliseum. “With [pro] hockey coming into town we are very pleased with what we’ve done. This has a coliseum feel now with the different colored seats.”

Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau president Landon Howard took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the “new” Berglund Center Coliseum. “Ooh … ahh … cool . . . what a great looking facility,” was Howard’s imitation on what patrons might say for the first time as they attend a hockey game, concert or other event.

By Gene Marrano

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Related Articles