11 Facts About Chicago Coliseum

Chicago Coliseum was the name applied to three large indoor arenas in Chicago, Illinois, which stood successively from the 1860s to 1982; they served as venues for sports events, large conventions and as exhibition halls.

The first Coliseum stood at State and Washington streets in Chicago's downtown in the late 1860s.

The third Chicago Coliseum was located at 1513 South Wabash Avenue on the near south side; it hosted five consecutive Republican National Conventions, and the Progressive Party National Convention in 1912 and 1916.

Typical of most 19th century cities, Chicago had a flourishing bachelor subculture, which made events at the Coliseum often rowdy affairs.

In October 1896 the Chicago Coliseum hosted the Barnum and Bailey Circus, the largest three-ring circus in the country.

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In January 1897, the Chicago Coliseum hosted one of the largest trade shows in the country, the annual Bicycle manufacturer's trade show.

Chicago Coliseum purchased Libby Prison, a structure in Richmond, Virginia, constructed as a warehouse which became a Confederate prison during the Civil War.

From 1904 through 1920, this Chicago Coliseum hosted five consecutive Republican National Conventions, and the Progressive Party convention in 1912 and 1916.

In 1926, the Chicago Coliseum built an ice rink at the arena to support professional ice hockey.

Canadiens superstar Howie Morenz was the last player to score an NHL goal at the Chicago Coliseum, assisted by Aurel Joliat and Johnny Gagnon, at 7:06 of the second period.

Chicago Coliseum Park, located across Wabash Avenue on the site of the former Haven School at 14th Place and Wabash Avenue, commemorates the Chicago Coliseum.