It is almost a pity these days to drive past by the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum and see it dwarfed by the huge A-T-&T Center. I have nothing against the home of the Spurs. I can remember, however, a time when the old coliseum was the largest venue of its kind here and was best known for hosting the annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, which is now, of course, held under its big brother's roof next door.
Still, the old coliseum remains a functional venue for many other events including concerts, trade shows, circuses, hockey and wrestling. My earliest recollection of going to the Coliseum was to see Roy Rogers and Dale Evans perform at the the rodeo. Years later, I would see the great James Brown and an up-and-coming group called The Rolling Stones rock the jam-packed crowds. What about you? Do you have any favorite memories of the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum? And, if so, do you have any photos you might have taken at that particular event?
November marks the 60th anniversary of the Freeman Coliseum. In celebration, a commemorative photo mosaic is being created. When it is completed, the mosaic will be comprised of pictures taken at the Coliseum by people who have visited it over all those years. Executive director Derrick Howard says the plan is to memorialize all those who submit a photo. "With such a variety of events that take place at the Freeman, everyone has a memory here. Whether it is a picture of your graduation, the circus or a rodeo, we want to celebrate your memories," he says.
To create the mosaic, The Freeman Coliseum is asking for photos taken at the Freeman -- pictures of, say, a favorite concert, a monster truck crushing a car or kids laughing at the circus clowns.
The Freeman Coliseum will unveil its 60Th Anniversary photo mosaic in January. Posters will then be made available for purchase.
You can mail your picture to cadye@grecreative.com or by envelope to Freeman Coliseum Photo Mosaic, c/o GRE Creative Communications, 314 E. Commerce, Ste. 800, San Antonio, Texas 78205. Photos must be submitted by December 31, 2009. Vertical or horizontal photos will be accepted. No photos will be returned to the original owner.
If you need more information, visit www.freemancoliseum.com.
