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Sparks is dead right about this project. This is an issue the state must not ignore any longer.
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March 23, 2008
Sparks campaigns for Garrett Coliseum upgrade
By Jill Nolin
[email protected]
State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks turns a knob on the sink and clear water pours from the faucet onto his hand.
"It usually comes out black for a while," Sparks said as he stood in one of the main restrooms at Garrett Coliseum on Federal Drive.
Sparks, in his second term, makes his agenda clear -- he intends to restore glory to a structure that once garnered international acclaim but is now, he says, bleeding to death from lack of support.
He considers the project to be a priority for his tenure in office and a critical component of economic development for not just Montgomery, but the state.
But it's an ambitious four-phase project that comes with a big price tag. The cost: $85 million to $100 million. The payoff: the return of Garrett Coliseum as the hub of agricultural activity for Alabama.
Sparks sees an expanded and improved coliseum and agriculture center as a perfect complement for the Capital City's new convention center.
"Our vision is huge, but it's not unrealistic," Sparks said. "It's within our grasp."
A previous life
Construction on Garrett Coliseum, then the State Coliseum, began in 1949. Four years later, the money for the $1.5 million project ran out.
Several things were left unfinished, such as a bathroom on an upper level that has toilets but no connection to the sewage disposal system.
Anxious exhibitors started shows as soon as the building's shell was finished in 1951, and the coliseum attracted national and international attention.
The coliseum has seen the likes of singing legends Hank Williams Sr., Elvis, Lionel Richie and the Commodores, Prince, Elton John and George Strait.
And the grounds have played host to everything from rodeos to horse shows. It is also the location for the Alabama National Fair, which brings in more than 200,000 visitors each year.
Garrett Coliseum, though, has slipped into disrepair, said Sparks. State funding has dwindled and fewer and fewer events are scheduled each year.
Big-name performers don't want to come to the coliseum anymore because of its poor acoustics and lack of air conditioning. And the deteriorating livestock areas make it hard to attract -- or to keep, in many cases -- livestock shows.
The coliseum has a 2007-08 budget of $1.16 million. The state contributes about $630,000, about $200,000 less than a decade ago. The coliseum generates the rest from such things as parking fees, concessions and building and livestock stall rentals.
Coliseum managers -- director Bill Johnson and his assistant, Ed Wesson -- use the money to fix immediate safety issues, such as broken steps and jagged wood in the horse stables.
The building's leaky roof has been a problem for years. One event, according to Johnson, had to be stopped while officials moved visitors out of a section that had pools of rainwater.
Workers patched the leaks, but Johnson calls the coliseum "patched out."
"This grand ol' facility is crying out for help," Johnson said.
The men want help from anyone who will give it.
"We have an awful lot of people who have grown up with this place and want to see it put back," Johnson said.
A vision on paper
A master plan is in place -- done last year by the architectural firm Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Inc. for $76,000 -- and includes conceptual drawings and an itemized list of the coliseum's needs, which range from a new roof, plumbing and electrical systems to upgrades for disabled visitors.
"You could spend $10 million out here in a hurry and it would look like it did the day you started," Sparks said, referring to a repaving project and 23-year-old roof intended to last only 20 years. "But these are things that need to be done."
The basic needs include:
Fire sprinkler system and fire pump to meet code.
Heating and air-conditioning systems throughout building.
Updated lighting and sound systems.
New entrance lobbies with elevator access.
New concrete.
Updated interior.
New amenities for the public and performers.
New administration wing.
Better drainage and pavement repair.
New rental meeting spaces.
The plan also calls for extras:
A multipurpose event arena.
A multipurpose equine/event building.
A multipurpose livestock/event building.
A multipurpose livestock show barn with heating and air conditioning.
An update of the covered arena adjacent to Crawford Arena.
Restoration of Crawford Arena.
The first construction phase, which would not interrupt coliseum operations, calls for the new multipurpose event arena. It would have permanent earth topping, which would save the coliseum the $5,500 it spends each time dirt has to be brought in for events.
Climate controlled, the arena would have a seating capacity of 3,300, room for 260 trade show booths and a 160-foot-by-280-foot floor.
"If we do it, I hope we don't drag it out another 10, 15 years," Sparks said. "Either we are or we're not -- let's just make a commitment."
If not the state, then who?
The state owns Garrett Coliseum but doesn't have the money -- at least not now -- to return the building to its glory days.
Other government entities, though, are willing to consider helping finance the work. They've even met to talk about what Sparks believes should be a regional project. Sparks said there are a few possible ways to fund the project, one of which, he said, is through a bond issue.
There's been talk that the state retirement system would come to the rescue, but its chief executive, David Bronner, declined through his secretary to discuss the possibility. The coliseum, according to Bronner, is Sparks' project.
The city of Montgomery would contribute in-kind work but probably not any money, said Mayor Bobby Bright, who challenged the state to restore the coliseum.
Council President Charles Jinright thinks the project would be good for both the city and state economies but doesn't believe Montgomery should take the lead.
Jinright suggested Montgomery County would be a better leader because of the project's agricultural nature.
County Commission Chairman Todd Strange and Commissioner Reed Ingram both said financial support is a possibility.
"I think it's something we need to look at and invest in," Ingram said. "Anything to keep people coming to Montgomery."
The commission's counterparts in Autauga and Elmore counties, though, haven't been part of the talks, according to representatives for the county commissions.
Wetumpka hasn't been part of the talks either, according to Mayor Jo Glenn.
Prattville would like to have input in the project, said Mayor Jim Byard, adding he would be willing to ask the City Council to help fund the work.
"It certainly would benefit all of the communities, not just Montgomery," Byard said. "I certainly think it's worthy of discussion."
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley sees the coliseum as an asset -- but one in need of a face-lift. He wasn't sure, however, what kind of support the city could provide.
"We've got our priorities here, too," he said.
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I think it would be great to start a new State Agricultural Center in north Montgomery near downtown.
Think about it...that would bring the State Farmers Market near the riverfront! 
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