Remembering the Coliseum, a golden era of entertainment: Talk of the Towns

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio – Fifty years ago, on October 26, 1974, the Richfield Coliseum opened its doors with a legendary concert headlined by Frank Sinatra. Over the next two decades, the venue in Richfield Township, Summit County, became a beacon for entertainment, hosting a dazzling array of sports, music, and cultural events that left an indelible mark on Northeast Ohio.

Built by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Nick Mileti, the Coliseum served as the home court for the NBA team. Yet, its reach extended far beyond basketball, becoming a premier destination for the golden age of arena rock. Just two days after Sinatra’s inaugural performance, Stevie Wonder graced the stage as the first “rock” act, setting the tone for decades of iconic concerts. The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Jackson are just a few of the superstars who lit up the Coliseum.

The venue also played host to unforgettable moments in sports history. The Cleveland Force of the Major Indoor Soccer League called it home, and fans still reminisce about the “Miracle of Richfield” during the Cavaliers’ 1975-76 season. Even Muhammad Ali stepped into the Coliseum ring for a bout against Chuck Wepner in 1975.

However, the Coliseum’s journey came to an end when voters approved funding for the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex in Cleveland, leading to the Cavaliers’ relocation to Gund Arena in 1994. After sitting unused for years, the venue was purchased by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and demolished in 1999, with the land restored to its natural state.

This January, local historian Gerry Nemeth will celebrate the Coliseum’s 50th anniversary with two special presentations at the Strongsville and North Royalton libraries. Attendees will revisit the highlights of the venue’s storied history, including rare video and audio clips of unforgettable events. Prizes and surprises are also on the agenda for these nostalgic evenings.

• Strongsville Library: Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., 18700 Westwood Dr., Strongsville
• North Royalton Library: Monday, Jan.27, at 7 p.m., 5071 Wallings Rd., North Royalton

From Sinatra to Roger Daltrey, the Richfield Coliseum was more than a building—it was a cultural cornerstone for a generation. Fifty years later, its legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the vibrant energy it once brought to Northeast Ohio.Bottom of Form

Holiday lights: When you’re done with the old lights, recycle them. During the month of January, you can drop off unwanted holiday lights at the Broadview Heights Community Center Service Garage off Oakes Rd.

After January the Solid Waste District collects broken, burned out or tangled strings of holiday lights year-round for recycling. Drop unwanted light strings, power cords and power strips at 4750 East 131 St. in Garfield Heights. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; closed on holidays.

No bags or boxes in the recycling bin. Place items loose in the marked lobby box and take all bags, boxes and containers home with you. They cannot accept pre-lit trees or garland. Lights must be removed from the item for proper recycling. Lights collected are processed by a Cleveland company to benefit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Lights for Lions conservation program.

Brecksville talks: Just one of the many activities at the Brecksville Human Services Center is “Brecksville Human Services Talks.” Here’s what’s coming up in the Gathering Room.

• Friday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. – The Great East Ohio Gas Fire will be presented by retired East Ohio Gas employee, Terry Meehan. He has the company history book and will take us back to one of the most extraordinary conflagrations in Cleveland’s history – the incredible East Ohio Gas fire that leveled much of the area around East 55th and East 61st Streets. Even if you’re not a Cleveland history buff, you’ll want to to experience a story for the ages.
• Friday, Jan. 23 at 1 to 3 p.m. – The Cuyahoga County Library presents the “Digital Navigators.” Skilled people from the library will show you how to sign up for an email account, how to use email, how to use your phone to text, make calls and take pictures and safely browse the internet. Bring your phone, laptop, iPad or Kindle.

This is by appointment only. Call the Center for your one-hour time slot at 440-526-2499. Brecksville residents only.

• Friday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. – The Lighter Side of Real Estate through comedy will be presented by realtor and comedian Nancy Abraham. She will do a comedy routine followed by real estate-related specialists with short presentations on their expertise. The specialists include a senior advisor that helps people who need assisted living advice, a moving specialist, a teacher who will help you write a memory book and a title escrow officer/probate paralegal advising on the different kinds of deeds. Cake and coffee will be offered as well as a door prize.

All programs are at the Brecksville Human Services Center at 2 Community Dr. Register by calling 440-526-2499.

Live music: Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon is a modern spin on your traditional neighborhood hangout that features an all-American good time. You are in control at Wild Eagle with the power to control your own drinks, what you eat, when you eat it, and where you eat it.

Wild Eagle is the ultimate destination for ultimate fun. Wild Eagle features several self-serve draft beer walls, varieties of gaming, high-definition televisions, and live entertainment.

Live music is every Saturday, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. January ‘s lineup includes:

• Boaterhead, Jan. 11, genre 70’s yacht rock
• The Ladies Night – Jan. 18, genre 90’s, 00’s diva pop
• Jimmy Jack – Jan. 25, 90’s, 00’s rock

Get your live entertainment fix while watching some of your favorite local cover bands perform on stage at 5001 East Royalton Rd., Broadview Heights, www.wildeaglestaeakandsaloon.com.

Library lineup: The following events are presented by the Cuyahoga County Public Library Strongsville Branch. Call 440-238-5530 or visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and for more event information. The Strongsville Branch Library is located at 18700 Westwood Dr.

• Digital Navigators Drop-in. Thursday, Jan. 9, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  The Digital Navigators will be at the Strongsville branch for a drop-in on a first come first serve basis. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you or someone you know connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more.
• Toddler Sensory Art Play. Ages 1 – 3 with a caregiver, Friday, Jan. 10, 10 – 11 a.m. Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.
• Rubber Ducky Day Scavenger Hunt. All ages with a caregiver. Saturday, January 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Can you find all the rubber ducks hidden around the library? Take the challenge and earn a small prize.
• Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. after School. Grades 1 – 4, Wednesday, January 15, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ignite your curiosity and creativity through this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on activities and exploration. Boost your problem solving and teamwork skills in this program.
• Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. The Evening Book Discussion meets at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. All adults interested in reading and discussing great books are welcome. The next discussion title will be Middle of the Night by Riley Sager. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the library.

Read more news from the Sun Star Courier here.

Let the Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville communities know what is going on with your organization, church, school, business or family. Email me at shirleymac48@att.net.