Opened 1918 Phone +1 614-466-8346 | Capacity 5,003 Renovated 2005 | |
Former names Fairgrounds Coliseum, Ohio Expo Center Coliseum Owner Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Operator Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Surface hardwood basketball floor Address 716 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211, USA Similar Celeste Center, Covelli Arena, Toledo Sports Arena, Salt Palace, Louisville Gardens | ||
The Taft Coliseum is a 5,003-permanent seat multi-purpose arena located at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairground in Columbus, Ohio. It opened in 1918. Nicknamed "The Barn," the Coliseum has become a legendary and traditional High School Basketball venue. It continues to be home to the OHSAA central district and regional playoffs in boys' High School hoops. During each fall and winter the Coliseum is also home to CAHA youth hockey. It was also once home to the Ohio State University men's basketball team, Columbus Horizon CBA basketball team, Columbus Thunderbolts Arena Football League team, and the Columbus Stars and Columbus Chill ice hockey teams. The Barn was renovated in 2005 to include new scoreboards, the addition of shot clocks above the backboards, a fresh coat of paint, and new rest rooms.
On July 28, 2010, the Coliseum was renamed to honor Bob Taft, the 67th Governor of Ohio.