We’ve tracked the construction
of the Space Needle in photos and today we have a look at the Coliseum as it was being finished up for the 1962
World’s Fair. See some old
postcards here and an
artist’s take here. Click on the thumbnails for
the high res copies.
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| With just months until opening day, workmen put the finishing touches on the roof of the Washington State Coliseum. Official Souvenir Program, Seattle World’ s Fair 1962. |
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| Construction of the cubicle maze for the World of Century 21 theme exhibit, inside the Coliseum. Official Souvenir Program, Seattle World’s Fair 1962. |
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| The edges of the huge Coliseum roof are adjusted for the finishing panels of roofing. Official Souvenir Program, Seattle World’s Fair 1962. |
Of course the Coliseum makes me think of the Sonics – there will be a public gathering for the “Voice of the Sonics” Bob Blackburn tonight Friday 1/22 at the Issaquah Gas Lamp Bar and Grill -
From a blog at the Issaquah Reporter
“The original voice of the Seattle SuperSonic’s, and Issaquah resident, Bob Blackburn, will be remembered during a wake at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22 at the Gaslamp Bar & Grill. The event will feature highlights of the Sonics’ 1979 NBA Championship and other works of Blackburn’s career that stretched from 1967-92 with the Sonics.
Blackburn, who passed away of pneumonia Jan. 8 at the age of 85, lived in the Timber Ridge community at Talus.
There will be a formal public memorial service at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 23, at Bellevue’s First United Methodist Church.
Fans are invited to attend both events.”
Quite possibly the best bit o’ “Key Arena” trivia: It was the site of the ONLY NBA game ever to be called due to rain.
“The Seattle Center Coliseum was the site of the only NBA game that was ever forfeited on account of rain. On January 5, 1986 the Sonics were hosting the Phoenix Suns during a rainstorm. Rain from the Coliseum roof leaked onto the court. Timeouts were called so ball boys armed with towels could do their best to stay ahead of the puddles, but even so, two players slipped and fell on the wet surface. Finally, during the second half, referee Mike Mathis called the game.”
“Leaky Coliseum roof halts Seattle SuperSonics-Phoenix Suns game, the first National Basketball Association contest called on account of rain, on January 5, 1986.” HistoryLink.org Essay 7860
Wish I could attend, Jana.
I had a lot of good times in the Coliseum. Lots of Totems games, a few Sonics games and many concerts. Interesting that first picture of the Coliseum under construction. It sort of looks the way Key Arena looks today.