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Extraco Events Center

Coordinates: 31°32′19″N 97°11′12″W / 31.53861°N 97.18667°W / 31.53861; -97.18667
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(Redirected from Heart O' Texas Coliseum)
Extraco Events Center
In August 2010, Waco's Heart O' Texas Coliseum was renamed Extraco Events Center
Map
Former namesHeart O' Texas Fair Complex (1953–2010)
Location4601 Bosque Boulevard
Waco, Texas 76710 U.S.
Coordinates31°32′19″N 97°11′12″W / 31.53861°N 97.18667°W / 31.53861; -97.18667
OwnerMcLennan County[1]
OperatorHeart of Texas Fair Inc.
Capacity9,000
Construction
Broke groundJanuary 1952
OpenedApril 11, 1953 (1953-04-11)
Renovated2000–2005
Construction costUS$1.2 million[2]
Tenants
Baylor Bears (NCAA) (1953–1988)
Waco Wizards (WPHL) (1996–2000)
Website
www.extracoeventscenter.com

The Heart O' Texas Fair Complex, now known as the Extraco Events Center, is located in Waco, Texas, United States. It was once the prime basketball facility for Baylor University. The H.O.T. Coliseum was constructed after McLennan County voters authorized a bond issue of $1.2 million in the early 1950s. Despite public criticism that might be directed toward the board and individual members, it was the board's unanimous decision to build portions of the entire plant that the available money would permit. The last of five contracts was signed on January 9, 1952, and construction of the complex began soon afterward. The complex, livestock barn, ticket booths and several small buildings were constructed, paving was done and fencing enclosed the grounds. In the spring of 1953, the complex was completed, and on April 11, the formal opening was held. The complex remained home to Bears basketball, and Waco's largest concert venue, until Ferrell Center, was built in 1988.

All facilities and grounds of the Fair Complex underwent renovations and/or reconstruction throughout the years of 2000 to 2005. The Complex now covers 50 acres (200,000 m2) of land containing modernized facilities, 700 stalls, 250 RV hook-ups and parking areas able to accommodate over 3,800 vehicles. Its facilities consist of the Heart O' Texas Coliseum, Back Porch Club, Show Pavilion, General Exhibits Building, Creative Arts Building and the recently constructed Stall Barn. The Events Center complex seats 6,000 for rodeos and up to 9,000 for concerts.

In August 2010, officials announced that Extraco Banks signed a long-term naming rights deal, officially changing the name of the grounds to the Extraco Events Center.

The Extraco Events Center also hosts yearly events such as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circuses, monster trucks, major concert acts, and has also hosted WWE Monday Night Raw on several occasions.

References

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  1. ^ Butts, Stephanie (January 8, 2014). "Extraco Events Center roof repair costs still unknown". Waco Tribune-Herald. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  2. ^ "Who We Are". Extraco Events Center. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
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