MEMPHIS, Tenn. –The Coliseum Coaltition announced they are planning a big community party for the Mid-South Coliseum.
They said they are fighting the city’s plans to tear it down and build a $230 million sports complex.
The Coliseum Coalition said they plan to have a “Roundhouse Revival” with wrestling, basketball and music which are all things that have brought millions of people to the coliseum over the years.
“It’s been a real education to us about who cares about the coliseum and the answer is a lot of people,” said Marvin Stockwell, a member of the coalition.
For the last few months, Stockwell and many other Memphians have been hard at work making sure the coliseum doesn’t go anywhere.
They’ve held rallies, have started a Facebook page and have been visible throughout Memphis.
“May 23, the Roundhouse Revival; it’s going to be a celebration of the three core brands that happened at the Mid-South Coliseum,” said Stockwell.
“In a main event we’re going to have Jerry the King Lawler and Superstar Bill Dundee wrestling,” he added.
The Coliseum Coalition surpassed their fundraising goals to host the event thanks to donations made from locals.
There was even some donations from people halfway across the world.
“A little over 90 donors helped us raise north of $6,200,” explained Stockwell.
The famous coliseum has hosted the Beatles, Elvis and was the birthplace of superstar wrestling.
Stockwell said the revival will allow parents to show their kids what the coliseum was all about and bring the history back.
“A lot of people who care about the coliseum are wrestling fans, Elvis fans, all over the globe,” said Stockwell.
Stockwell said they have city approval to use the coliseum parking lot, but they’re working on being able to be inside as well.
The group said the event will be free.