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.
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.
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.
