José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum
The José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, officially named "Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot" ( El Choliseo), is the biggest indoor arena in Puerto Rico dedicated to entertainment.
It can accommodate up to 20,000 persons. The coliseum opened its doors to the public in September 2004. Even though its history is full of political controversies, the coliseum has given the people of Puerto Rico the opportunity to experience special events that were almost impossible in the smaller arenas of the island. The coliseum, which is owned by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is located at the financial district of San Juan, and managed by SMG. It can be reached by train since there is a nearby Tren Urbano (Urban Train) station. Geographical Coordinates: 18°25′39.8″N 66°3′37.58″W / 18.427722°N 66.0604389°W.
History
The Coliseum was a project started during the administration of Governor Pedro Rosselló, and finished in 2004 during the administration of Governor Sila María Calderón. The construction cost millions of dollars and took many years to be finished. The facility was even relocated from its original location. The Coliseo was finally inaugurated in September 2004.
The naming of the structure caused a controversy by itself. At the beginning it was planned to be called El Coliseo de Puerto Rico (The Coliseum of Puerto Rico), but then some local senators came up with the idea of naming the coliseum after a Puerto Rican celebrity. Some of the names mentioned were that of singer Ricky Martin, boxer Félix Trinidad and actor Raúl Juliá. But it was the name of comedian José Miguel Agrelot ( Don Cholito ) that was finally chosen (he died shortly after).
Another controversy came about when a ticket a distributor was named. An exclusive contract was awarded to Banco Popular's Ticketpop, almost ignoring the bid by competitor TicketCenter. The problem almost went to trial, as both parties argued over who should sell the tickets for the events. Local producer Angelo Medina spearheaded a group that wanted the legislature to curb the managing powers of SMG, because they feared that the company's relationship with non-local T.V. companies would limit the participation of local talent in the arena.
Pollstar, the prestigious U.S. based Magazine has chosen the Puerto Rico Coliseum as "International large venue of the year 2005". Recognize as one of the most important venues in the world, competing with the Sydney Super Dome in Australia; Manchester Evening News in Manchester, England; The National Auditorium in Mexico City and the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Events at the Coliseum
Concerts
- Roberto Roena, Richie Ray, Bobby Cruz, Edwin Rosa - September 4, 2004
- Van Halen - September 13, 2004
- Robi Draco Rosa - September 18, 2004
- Ricardo Montaner - October 1, 2004
- Juan Luis Guerra - October 9, 2004
- Andrea Bocelli - November 19, 2004
- David Bisbal - December 4, 2004
- Scorpions - December 10, 2004
- KoЯn - December 15, 2004
- Daddy Yankee - December 18, 2004
- Luis Santiago - January 28, 2005
- Sin Banderas - February 5, 2005
- Duran Duran - February 8, 2005
- Toto, With Special Guest Star Saga - February 11, 2005
- Franco de Vita "Mil y una historias" - February 12, 2005
- Mötley Crüe - February 14, 2005
- Donna Summers - February 24, 2004
- Chicago & America - February 25, 2005
- Juanes "Mi Sangre Tour" - February 26, 2005
- Usher - March 5, 2005
- Alejandro Fernández "A Corazón Abierto" - March 12, 2005
- Santana - April 1, 2005
- Usher - April 4, 2005
- Lionel Richie - April 28, 2005
- Gloria Trevi - May 6, 2005
- Objetivo Fama 2da Edicion "El Concierto" - May 7, 2005
- Cristian Castro - August 6, 2005
- "Rock Never Stops Tour" with Cinderella, Quiet Riot, Ratt & Firehouse - August 20, 2005
- Journey - September 14, 2005
- Carlos Vives - October 1, 2005
- Megadeth - October 15, 2005
- Ednita Nazario - November 18 and November 19, 2005
- The Rolling Stones - February 11, 2006
- Ricky Martin - February 18 and February 19, 2006
- Dream Theater - February 24, 2006
Sporting events
- Boxing: Miguel Cotto vs. Kelson Pinto - September 11, 2004
- WWE New Year's Revolution - January 9, 2005
- WWE RAW Live - August 26, 2005
- WWE Survivor Series - November 26, 2006
Arts
- Carmina Burana Monumental Opera - February 19, 2005
- Art Exposition - July 27, 2005
Other events
- Sesame Street Live - September 12, 2004
- Barney & Friends y su mundo de colores - November 10 and November 14, 2004
- Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular - January 22, 2005
- Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus - December 18, 2005