For information on upcoming events, purchasing tickets and planning your trip to Veterans Memorial Coliseum or the Moda Center, visit the official Rose Quarter website.
RoseQuarter.com
For more than half a century, Veterans Memorial Coliseum (VMC) has hosted some of Portland's most famous events — from the Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA championship to concerts by the Beatles and Elvis Presley. Owned by the City of Portland and operated by RIP City Management, this 12,000-seat arena and event venue continues to serve as a community gathering space in the Rose Quarter.
Renovations at Veterans Memorial Coliseum
The Coliseum has been a staple in the Portland community for six decades. To stay modern, relevant and financially viable, this iconic venue requires significant investment. Many critical building systems are original and in need of replacement and upgrades. Many amenities expected by event goers – comfortable seats, accessible restrooms and diverse food and beverage offerings – are also lacking. Over the past decade, the Spectator Venues Program has invested over $13 million in repairs and improvement projects at the VMC, and while these projects made strategic improvements, the building really requires more comprehensive renovation.
Funded by $53 million in bonds with all debt service from dedicated tourism resources, the building is now undergoing its largest renovation since opening. The build of the work will be constructed in two phases between 2024 and 2026. The project scope was informed by more than a year of work with a design and engineering team and consultation with a community advisory committee. That work produced a reinvestment strategy in October 2021.
Improvements to be implemented in phases from 2024 to 2026:
- Main electrical service switchgear and transformers
- Major plumbing upgrades
- New emergency generators
- Complete arena bowl seating replacement
- ADA platforms and premium group seating areas
- All restrooms expanded and upgraded
- Exiting upgrades for code compliance and concourse improvements
- Fire pump and other life/safety code upgrades
- Rigging enhancements
- Audio system replacement
- Loading area improvements
Possible additional upgrades from 2024 to 2026, depending on funding availability:
- Bowl curtaining system replacement
- Upgrades to Veterans Memorial Honor Roll
- Upgrades to select meeting rooms
- Locker room improvements
- Scoreboard replacement/enhancement
- Seismic strengthening at main column to roof connections