WVU Coliseum | Morgantown

WVU Coliseum, officially known as the West Virginia University Coliseum, is a prominent multi-purpose arena located on the Evansdale Campus in Morgantown, West Virginia. Opened in 1970, the Coliseum serves as the primary venue for WVU Mountaineers basketball, as well as concerts, university events, and large-scale community gatherings. It stands as both a hub of athletic achievement and a cultural landmark, blending the energy of college sports with versatile event hosting.

Architecture and Design

The Coliseum was designed with functionality and crowd engagement in mind. Its concrete and steel structure forms a large, domed seating bowl that can accommodate around 14,000 spectators, making it one of the largest arenas in West Virginia. The seating is arranged in steep tiers around the hardwood court, ensuring clear sightlines from nearly every vantage point.

The exterior reflects a mid-20th-century institutional style, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation, while the interior focuses on practicality and comfort. Over time, renovations have added modern scoreboards, LED ribbon boards, and upgraded seating to enhance the spectator experience. Concession areas and restrooms have also been expanded to accommodate large crowds efficiently.

Athletic Significance

WVU Coliseum is home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams of West Virginia University. The venue has witnessed numerous NCAA tournament games, Big 12 Conference matchups, and memorable Mountaineer victories. The steep seating and acoustics of the arena amplify crowd energy, creating an intimidating environment for visiting teams.

The court itself is a standard NCAA regulation hardwood floor, maintained meticulously for competitive play. Locker rooms, training facilities, and offices are located beneath and behind the seating bowl, providing players and coaches with easy access to all necessary amenities.

Events and Community Use

Beyond basketball, the Coliseum hosts a wide variety of events. It serves as a concert venue, drawing regional and national artists, and is often used for graduation ceremonies, political rallies, and conventions. The flexible floor space allows for different configurations, accommodating everything from stage setups to exhibition areas.

During WVU basketball season, the Coliseum becomes a social hub. The atmosphere is charged with school spirit-cheers, chants, and the rhythm of the Mountaineer Pep Band echoing through the arena. Students and alumni fill the stands, waving gold and blue flags, while fans tailgate in nearby parking areas before games.

Atmosphere and Experience

Game days in the Coliseum are energetic and immersive. The roar of 14,000 fans rises sharply as the Mountaineers take the court, punctuated by the beat of drums, horns, and chants of “Let’s Go Mountaineers!” The combination of close seating and acoustics makes every basket, steal, or dunk feel magnified.

Even when no sports events are taking place, the Coliseum’s open concourses and central location make it a visible and symbolic presence on the Evansdale Campus. Its exterior overlooks parking lots, campus buildings, and surrounding hills, situating it as both a landmark and a meeting point for the university community.

Renovations and Modern Enhancements

Over the decades, the WVU Coliseum has seen several renovations aimed at modernizing infrastructure while retaining its historic character. Improvements include:

Upgraded seating for comfort and visibility

Installation of large LED video boards and modern sound systems

Expanded concourses with enhanced concession options

Accessibility enhancements including ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant seating

These updates have kept the Coliseum competitive with other mid-sized arenas while maintaining its identity as a home court where Mountaineer pride runs deep.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

WVU Coliseum is more than just an arena; it is a symbol of West Virginia University’s athletic tradition and community spirit. The building has hosted generations of students, athletes, and performers, becoming intertwined with Morgantown’s cultural and social life. From intense basketball showdowns to major concerts, the Coliseum stands as a versatile, enduring landmark that embodies both the passion and pride of the Mountaineer community.

Its presence on the Evansdale Campus reminds visitors and students alike that, whether through sport, music, or gatherings, the Coliseum is a place where shared energy, excitement, and memory converge, making it an essential part of Morgantown’s identity.