Saturday, July 25, 2020

Coliseum Renovations Completed Early

Ag Commish Andrew Gipson issued the following statement.


Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson announced the completion of the multi-million dollar renovation project to the Mississippi Coliseum five months ahead of schedule.

“I am excited to announce the early completion of renovations to the Coliseum on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” said Commerce Andy Gipson. “Initially, the renovation work was taking place in between scheduled events, but with event cancellations due to COVID-19, the contractors were able to complete the job five months early. I want to once again thank the Mississippi Legislature for their support that made these renovations possible.”


The $2.2 million renovation began in October of 2019 and was to be completed in January of 2021. Renovations included repairing and painting the floors and walls, installing new seating, and adding handrails and reflectors. The floors were equipped with an abrasive, slip-resistant paint to prevent falls and reflectors were specifically placed for the lighting of walkways. Wier Boerner Allin Architecture designed the renovation project and Paul Jackson and Son, Inc. was the general contractor.

This investment in the Coliseum provides new and safe aesthetics, conveniences and amenities that will attract new business and groups to the Mississippi Fairgrounds. The Mississippi Coliseum is attached to the new Trade Mart, which will make both facilities more marketable for hosting a wide array of events.

“The safety and security of our guests is our top priority, and these repairs have been completed with that goal in mind,” said Michael Lasseter, acting director of the Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex. “Now, we are looking forward to getting back to business and once again hosting some of the state’s largest events, in a safe and engaging environment.”

The Mississippi Legislature consolidated the Mississippi Fair Commission into the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce effective July 1, 2020. According to Commissioner Gipson, the Mississippi Fair Commission and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce have had a long, beneficial working relationship.

“We have worked so closely together that most in the public and many in state government didn’t realize they have been separate agencies. I expect our strong mutual commitment to promoting agriculture, commerce and industry to continue as we move forward together,” said Commissioner Andy Gipson.

Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/bureaus-departments/state-fairgrounds/ for more information.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

5 months ahead of schedule, but no events until 2022.

Anonymous said...

With a scheduled completion date of 2021 for a state project, I can understand why they didn’t schedule events until 2022.

Anonymous said...

There's your Covid warehouse all prettied up. Now we need a crematorium outback. I mean anyone who is positive is dead or soon to be dead and we need to dispose of them all.

Anonymous said...

Great job, and kudos to all involved.

But it seems like a waste of money.
Very few still use this ancient venue anyway.

I'm surprised the Dixie National Rodeo is still there.



Anonymous said...

The state fair is one event the Governor needs to cancel. Can you imagine all those people on the grounds - no social distancing. What about the fair rides - how are the going to disinfect each and every ride down there? Are they going to spray them down and the wipe each one off after a ride ends? As to the trade mart, I know of several vendors scared to be down there. Are you going to wipe every item off before letting someone else pick it up another time? And the food vendors - I would be scared to eat anything from them! The heat seems to be a factor in COVID 19 - the temperature sometimes get hot down there. Look for a big spike in the numbers 1-2 weeks after the fair begins and ends. Other state fairs have canceled their fairs, but not “White Hat”! Hell, he doesn’t even know when to take his hat off inside! The House members were glad to see him go when he was appointed by Cowboy Phil!

Anonymous said...

Gipson keeps saying the State Fair will take place even though every state fair in America since spring has been cancelled including the big Daddy Texas Fair scheduled for late September thru mid October. If the fair happens I'll shove a dozen pronto pups down my throat.

Anonymous said...

Coloseum finished just in time to facilitate the spread of coronavirus. What they should really do is set up a mobile tent hospital inside where is can be more easily imate controlled and given electrical power.

Anonymous said...

And now we know why the governor exempted construction projects in his executive orders.

Anonymous said...

" pronto pups "

Gawd I how I miss pronto pups ... nothing at all like a regular corn dog .

I think the last place in Jackson that had access to pronto pups, was the old Dairy Queen on West Capitol Street around 1969/1970 .

That DQ was almost to the Zoo, and across from Cedar Lawn Cemetery.

( I'm sure a few readers can remember when traveling down W. Capitol Street to the Zoo was a pleasant
way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon).



Anonymous said...

2:51 you missed the point of the article. Because events were cancelled due to the virus, the 15 month project was finished in 10 months. It doesn't make sense the other way. 'Other way' being the state cancelled a year's worth of events on a 2 mil renovation to get a lower price on the bid. 2 mil in a year is not a lot of work in a building that size. The project was bid to work around the events. No doubt the contractor had some extra expenses due to the virus, but becuase events were cancelled he must have made a healthy profit.

Anonymous said...

The state should build a new top notch facility that cOils host concerts, ice hockey and basketball. The coliseum is dreadfully outdated and lacks the modern sometimes that are expected today. Quality of life is important in attracting businesses and people to a metro area. Yes, it would take over a hundred million dollars. The Pavilion at Ole Miss cost nearly $100 million and it is state of the art in every way. The facility in Jackson though should seat 12,000 to 15,000.

Hoss Cartwrong said...

What events are scheduled for 2022? The venue will continue to be as much of a ghost town as the Jackson Convention Center. I hope to see a large flashing neon sign on High Street featuring a 15 gallon hat. Lipstick on a pig named Jackson.

Anonymous said...

renovating a facility that sits mostly dormant??? but then again, the trademart is busy enough to have raised the 2.2 mil...

Anonymous said...

Kingfish, this story has an error in it. The contractor is Fountain Construction Company. I know this because I am employed by the contractor! The renovation work to the coliseum was a change order to the new Trademart project. I don't care if you post this comment or not. I would prefer you correct the story. Thank you sir.

Anonymous said...

Another great achievement and photo op for the guy in the Big White Hat.
Get that “Running for Governor” portfolio in order, Yee hah! .
Easy to finish construction early when the place hasn’t hosted anything of value in years. Such a well-oiled machine.

Anonymous said...

What a colossal waste of money.

The load-in ability if that facility is so outdated that most current touring headlining bands can’t even play there. It’s so outdated and quite frankly, a relic.

Even the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi has fallen behind with new competition in both New Orleans and Pensacola. But Jackson’s situation is a joke.

The state leaders truly have their heads up their asses when it comes to the fair grounds. They think rodeos and monster truck rallies are all that tax payers want.

But maybe changing the state flag will bring in the BIG TIME entertainment!

Anonymous said...

Referring to 9:22’s comment, is that Ole miss has a 700+ million endowment. Jackson has a corrupt administration that is the worst this city has ever seen. I’ve been wondering for a few weeks as to why Madison or Brandon don’t have a Television station or an event venue like the coliseum. But, with the current issue with COVID-19, it wouldn’t make sense to even begin with a venue. But I really think on of those cities could have a much better news station than what we have in Jackson. I’m tired of the disproportionate views and staffing of he current news stations. It’s time for a change.

Anonymous said...

"Photo op for the guy in the Big White Hat.
Get that “Running for Governor” portfolio in order, Yee hah! . "

Gipson is really a nice guy and means well.
But he has no PR people.

I don't think he realizes that "Hoss Cartwright"
persona only works within a few rural communities.

And no, I'm not a $1.50 member of Donna Ladd's JFP/VIP group.

Just saying that ten gallon hat and "aw shucks"
act might work in some HWY 49 villages, but it won't work on the Gulf Coast or in the Mississippi suburbs south of Memphis.

But what do I know ?
Andy did win !






Anon-E-Mouse said...

Does this mean Trans Siberian Orchestra will come here again?

Anonymous said...

This is/was not needed as the end of the world, as we know it, is at hand. Hopefully any and all sport contests will be banded for the next 5 years, and no one need ever eat at a restaurant again and alcohol needs to be banned along with all tobacco products. We need to wear the same clothing and follow the new Government/Medical Complex diet regimens. This needs to be forcefully enforced, at gun point, if need be. Enforcement with executions' of sentence to be swift and without hesitation.

Ima Grinnin said...

I can't get the vision out of my head!

The Coliseum lights go to dark. Cindy and Phil are riding galloping steeds, standing on the saddles. Cindy is doing a lit-up Hula-Hoop and Phil is holding a sparkler in each hand. Spotlights scan the crowd and everybody is cheering. Suddenly a light shines on the south end...Andy Gibson appears, riding a squealing pig while waving that hat. The crowd erupts. The smell of popcorn permeates the venue.

Making The Coliseum Great Again...

Anonymous said...

2:52's obviously a VERY disgruntled ex-employee.

Anonymous said...

What happened to the original renovations for the coliseum designed by Wier Boerner Allin that included expanded concourse/concession areas, a club level, a new main entrance, and updates to the exterior? https://wbaarchitecture.com/projects_wba/mississippi-coliseum/

If what is described in the press release is all that was done, this place is still a dump.

Anonymous said...

Two million dollar renovation. That's (in ag terms) chicken-feed. They painted some walls and the floor and replaced some seats. What the hell is renovated? The bathrooms still resemble stadium urinals at Mississippi State. Who the hell over the age of forty likes climbing those damned concrete stair-steps? The entrance door protocol is atrocious (ten door and three work). The ticket window resembles a 1955 picture-show venue...

But this state pig now has a bit of fresh lipstick. Not much, but a bit.

Anonymous said...

Great job. Maybe they can share how this was completed in a reasonable amount of time with the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, JMAA. JMAA has never been able to complete a substantial project on time.



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.