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Beasley Coliseum

A crowd in a coliseum with blue and red lighting
Winter 2023

Memories of Beasley Coliseum

Beasley Coliseum was completed in 1973 for $8 million. To celebrate its fiftieth year, Washington State Magazine asked readers to share their favorite memories of the iconic event space via email and Facebook.

 

Wes Morrill
Grew up on College Hill in Pullman
(I remember) the hill that was there with married student housing, and we would ski down the backside across to the golf course to ski on the old No. 9 hole circa 1953 or so.

Beverly Brantner
Retired staff, former parent
Summer 1970. Scale model of the upcoming coliseum in the Johnson Hall main entrance atrium … » More …

Winter 2003

A magnet for entertainment: Beasley celebrates 30th anniversary

As Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum marks its 30th anniversary this year, there’s been much to appreciate about the multi-purpose building. It has a great sound system and sightlines. The entertainment is big time and varied—Broadway shows (Jesus Christ Superstar, 1988) to Cougar basketball games and crafts and job fairs. One wonders how the University managed before the $8 million facility opened for commencement in 1973.

Capacity is 12,000, or 4,700 in a mini-arena configuration, and 2,500 in the theatre at the coliseum’s west end. Basketball made its debut in Beasley in 1973, and George Raveling’s 1982-83 Cougars (23-7) went undefeated in the coliseum.

Comedians, including … » More …