February 23, 2010

The Britt Brown Arena has closed for good.  Funny,  I never called it by that name,  for me it was always going to an event at the Kansas Coliseum.  Over the years I had many great times inside the facility, whatever you choose to call it.

I attended my share of concerts in the arena,  from The Eagles, to James Taylor to Elton John.    I remember going to see Huey Lewis & The News when they were at the height of their popularity.  Many people got up and left the show after the opening act.  The legendary Stevie Ray Vaughn opened for Huey that night.

The arena played host to many sporting events,  from hockey to indoor football to hoops.  I'll never forget sitting in the arena for the NCAA basketball tournament in 1994.   Michigan, with Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose,  UMass with Marcus Camby,  a gutty Pepperdine team coached by Tom Asbury.  I remember sports guy Van Earl Wright (remember him?) covering the games for a Detroit TV station and making fun of the steer statues that stand outside the arena.    Van Earl seemed more cut out for Hollywood than Park City. 

I also enjoyed many fun outings with my kids at the arena.  Whether is was the circus or the rodeo we always arrived early enough to take advantage of the "fan friendly" activities on the arena floor. 

So thanks Britt Brown Arena.  You served this community well, and you won't be forgotten.

What are your favorite memories of Britt Brown Arena?  Feel free to share them here.

--Dave Grant