20 years ago: Black River Coliseum opened in May 1999

Thursday, April 25, 2019

May will mark The Black River Coliseum's twentieth year as Poplar Bluff's premiere event center. The building was originally designed to serve a number of purposes, including meeting rooms, a near-Olympic sized swimming pool, a fitness center and a full-sized kitchen facility. The Coliseum continues to host hundreds of events and concerts annually and currently houses the Poplar Bluff Municipal Court and the Poplar Bluff City Council chambers.

The Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff held its grand opening on May 15, 1999. (DAR/Paul Davis)
Poplar Bluff city leaders, prominent business persons and Coliseum management cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony on May 15, 1999. (DAR/Paul Davis)
A worker hangs the original scoreboard from an elevated platform at the new Black River Coliseum. (DAR/Paul Davis)
Worker Dewayne Henson is shown getting the bleachers ready for opening day at the Black River Coliseum. (DAR/Paul Davis)

The Poplar Bluff High School class of 1999 was the first to hold graduation ceremonies at the Black River Coliseum. (DAR/Paul Davis)
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy was the first concert event held at the Black River Coliseum. (DAR/Paul Davis)