History of Alliant Energy Center in Timeline

Alliant Energy Center is a multi-building complex in Madison, Wisconsin, encompassing 164 acres. It features the Exhibition Hall (255,000 sq ft), Veterans Memorial Coliseum (10,000 seats), Willow Island (29 acres), multi-use pavilions, and the Arena (22,000 sq ft). The center hosts over 500 events annually, attracting over a million visitors. Events range from local meetings and banquets to large sporting events and concerts.

1938: Dane County Fair halted

In 1938, the Dane County Fair was halted at the Lakeside Park Farm site due to financial difficulties.

1941: Mortgage paid off

In 1941, the Dane County Board managed to pay off the mortgage for the Lakeside Park Farm property.

1951: Dane County Fair moved back

In 1951, the Dane County Fair moved back to the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly the Expo Center).

1954: Arena Built

In 1954, the Arena was built at the Alliant Energy Center site; it is the only building still standing from that era.

1962: Youth Building Constructed

In 1962, the Youth Building was constructed and housed the offices for 4-H in Dane County. The building now serves as the administration building for the Alliant Energy Center.

1967: Veterans Memorial Coliseum Built

In 1967, Veterans Memorial Coliseum was built.

1967: Wisconsin Badgers Hockey

In 1967, the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team began playing at the Coliseum.

1971: State Hockey Tournaments Held in Coliseum

Since 1971, state tournaments for boys' hockey have been held in the Coliseum, except in 1974 and 1975.

1974: First Exposition Center Commission Appointed

In 1974, the first Exposition Center Commission was appointed to head construction and development for the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly Expo Center).

1974: State Hockey Tournament in Green Bay

In 1974, the state hockey tournament was held in Green Bay.

1975: State Hockey Tournament in Green Bay

In 1975, the state hockey tournament was held in Green Bay.

1977: Coliseum Schedule Reaching 160 Event Days

In 1977, the Coliseum schedule reached 160 event days, indicating a demand that trade and consumer shows and conventions were competing with other events.

1978: Youth Building Addition

In 1978, an addition to the Youth Building (now the Administration Building) was built and the new facility was named the Forum.

1990: Operated Without County Funds

Since 1990, the Alliant Energy Center has operated without the use of County general fund monies.

1992: Veterans Memorial Coliseum 25th Anniversary

In 1992, Veterans Memorial Coliseum celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking over 16 million visitors to the venue.

September 1995: Exhibition Hall Completed

In September 1995, Exhibition Hall was completed.

1995: Exhibition Hall Constructed

In 1995, Exhibition Hall replaced the Forum.

1995: Madison Monsters

In 1995, the Madison Monsters minor league hockey franchise began playing in the Coliseum until 1999.

1997: Wisconsin Badgers Hockey Moved

In 1997, the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team moved to the Kohl Center.

1998: Madison Mad Dogs

In 1998, the Madison Mad Dogs indoor football team played in the Coliseum until 2000.

1999: Wisconsin Badgers Women's Hockey

In 1999, the Wisconsin Badgers women's hockey team played a number of games on the Coliseum ice.

2000: Madison Kodiaks

In 2000, the Madison Kodiaks played in the coliseum.

2000: Naming Rights Sold to Alliant Energy Corporation

In 2000, the naming rights for the Dane County Exposition Center campus were sold to Alliant Energy Corporation for 20 years.

2001: Girls' State Hockey Tournaments

Since 2001, all state tournaments for girls' hockey have been held in the Coliseum.

2002: Willow Island Developed

In 2002, Willow Island was developed.

2003: Willow Island Debut

In 2003, Willow Island debuted as an outdoor venue.

2004: Coliseum Renovations

In 2004, Veterans Memorial Coliseum started a complete renovation project, completed in 2005.

2004: ESPN Great Outdoor Games

In 2004, Willow Island hosted the fifth year of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games.

2004: WJJO Band Camp

In 2004, the WJJO Band Camp music festival was held at Willow Island.

2005: Coliseum Renovations

In 2005, Veterans Memorial Coliseum completed the renovation project started in 2004.

2005: Brat Fest at Willow Island

Starting in 2005, Willow Island became the new location for the annual Brat Fest fundraiser.

April 19, 2007: Travel Green Wisconsin Certification

On April 19, 2007, the Alliant Energy Center was recognized by Travel Green Wisconsin.

2009: Wisconsin Wolfpack

In 2009, indoor football returned to the Coliseum as the Continental Indoor Football League's Wisconsin Wolfpack played the season there.

2013: Dane County Completed Plans

In 2013 Dane County completed plans for the construction of new multi-use pavilions at the Alliant Energy Center.

April 2014: Construction began on new multi-use pavillions

In April 2014, construction began on new multi-use pavilions at the Alliant Energy Center.

2015: Last WJJO Band Camp

In 2015, the last WJJO Band Camp music festival was held at Willow Island.

Mentioned in this timeline

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