Black River Coliseum Under Scrutiny

Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo., is on a special April 8 city council meeting agenda where the 5,000-capacity venue’s finances will be the topic. 

The Coliseum – considered too small for true arena shows but too large for most local special events – has been under scrutiny by city officials in recent months, according to the Daily American Republic.

< in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Events in 2013 included professional wrestling, PBR and three concerts – Nelly, Audio Adrenaline and Springfest. Ticket sales generated less than $230,000, with overall losses of about $145,000, according to the Daily American Republic.

“An event can appear to be a wonderful prospect,” board chairman Jeff Shawan told the paper. “I love it that we bring significant entertainment events to Poplar Bluff. But in all honesty, caution has to be the word in the ones we choose.”

“It’s a little bit of a gamble anytime you bring in an act,” Coliseum director Bobby Godwin said. “My motto is ticket sales solve all problems. But the trick is getting an act in here that’s attractive to the local public.”

Their concerns are apparent when looking at the venue’s 2010, which had Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and 

The Coliseum – considered too small for true arena shows but too large for most local special events – has been under scrutiny by city officials in recent months, according to the Daily American Republic.

< during its concert season. Despite ticket sales of about $420,000, losses were around $220,000.

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