Greg Byrne Comments On Coleman Coliseum Renovations
Tide fans have made their thoughts known about Coleman Coliseum. Many think that it's time for the Tide to either get a new stadium or for the current stadium to be renovated.
In 2018, UA Director of Athletics Greg Byrne brought to Tuscaloosa The Crimson Standard. A 10-year plan with a $600 million initiative. Phase 1 was the renovation of Bryant Denny Stadium. The renovation cost nearly $107 million.
Phase 2 of the process involves the long-discussed Coleman Coliseum. While maintaining its outside look, the inside will be given a complete overhaul. The interior will be redesigned and more seating options will be added.
However, the plans to renovate as soon as possible are in question due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Last Friday, Byrne spoke about the Coliseum's current progress of the renovation during a Q&A session with the Tuscaloosa Chamber.
After addressing the crowd, the question was asked. Byrne took the time to "debunk a few myths."
"You hear regularly, they've got the money," Byrne paused. "I haven't found that money yet, it's hiding somewhere."
While the crowd laughed at the Director of Athletics comment, he continued on.
"We have a lot of debt already," Greg continued: "COVID didn't help, now with that, (Coleman) it is still going to be part of Phase 2 of Crimson Standard. We are actively having fundraising conversations."
Byrne also touched on the fact that a renovation is long overdue and, if need be, a new arena could be constructed.
"We need to do it...Coleman is past its day and then some." Byrne went further into detail. "We'd like to have a 10,000 seat arena. We've talked more about renovating Coleman but to be honest, we're pretty open-minded on both right now. We've got our ideas on what a new arena would look like."
A variety of questions still remain, but Greg Byrne is still committed to his plan during unprecedented times.