Carolina Coliseum Debate

University of South Carolina officials are discussing uses for the 12,400-capacity Carolina Coliseum but an actual plan isn’t expected to surface until funding is secured.

The facility, opened in 1968, was once home to the ECHL Columbia Inferno and the university’s basketball teams. It also hosted concerts and other events until the 18,000-capacity Colonial Life Arena opened in 2002.

In recent years the Coliseum has reportedly been used as a town rehearsal space for John Mayer, Elton John and Billy Joel along with academic use.

However, with the university’s state funding being cut because of the still-down economy, any plans for renovation are said to be years down the line.

USC VP for Finance and Planning William T. Moore said it’s a matter of timing.

“It could be 10, it could be 20, it could be 30 years before this could all be done,” Moore said. “The best time to plan is in difficult times. Recessions do end. States do return to financial health.”