End of an era at the New Haven Coliseum
(New Haven-WTNH, July 27, 2002 11:15 PM) _ It's the final play for the New Haven coliseum. Tonight is the last sporting event ever to be held at the Elm City landmark.
Financial struggles over the past few years is forcing the coliseum to close for good.
It's a real bitter sweet night for fans. The Ninjas pulled out a win tonight over Rochester, but they won't ever play at the coliseum again.
Even though games rarely sold out, fans and players were hoping the coliseum would always be there. But the venues days are numbered and it was evident tonight that the Ninjas and the coliseum will be missed.
It was the last grand entrance for the New Haven Ninjas.
The place they've called home field this season, the New Haven Coliseum is closing for good.
While it's a special game because it's the last ever, it's also a sad game for fans.
"I'm hurt. I've been here all my life my grandfather used to take me here for the Nighthawks," says Bob Moon, fan.
It's not only the fans who are sad to see the place go.
Damon Richardson says, "A lot of emotions going through me right now."
Damon Richardson grew up in New Haven, and spent many days here sitting in the stands himself.
"When I was younger coming here for different events. I said I want to be out there and I am. This arena helped me showcase my skills," says Richardson.
The reason the coliseum is closing was obvious when you looked in the stands. Sporting events here haven't been big money makers.
Coach Rich Buffington says, "We did start off about 6,000 at the first game and it did steadily decline."
It's gotten so bad the owners and city officials decided it would be less expensive to tear it down rather than keep it running.
Not a popular decision with fans.
"It's sad because we have to travel up to Boston now or New York. It's 2 hour drive and ticket prices are outrageous . This is a nice family situation," says Richard Florentine.
James Florentine says, "It is an old building. I think they should take it down and build a new one before the Ninjas come back next season."
Nice thought but unfortunately not gonna happen.
After 30 years the New Haven coliseum will close for good on September 1st and will be torn down soon after.