Cowtown Coliseum

In preparation for a full investigation, a preliminary visit was made to the Cowtown Coliseum for background information.

The Fort Worth Stockyards area was a natural development because of the location of Fort Worth in relation to the cattle trails and railroads. The Coliseum was actually built out of necessity, though it is graced with a romantic Spanish-style exterior.  Finished in 1907 at a cost of $250,000, the Coliseum gave Texas “the largest, most elegant and perfectly appointed livestock exhibition building in the South, without a superior in the U.S.”

While picturesque on the outside, the Coliseum is utilitarian inside.  It is basically a dirt arena enclosed by concession stands topped by bleacher style seating all under a single red-tiled roof.  This has not kept it from being a venue for numerous celebrities of all ilks. The project started in 1907 and was completed in 1908 (after only 88 days of construction!) and began as a livestock exhibition facility and was built by the Swift and Armour meat packing companies.  In 1918, it hosted the first indoor rodeo.  It was also the home of the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show, as well as performances by Enrico Caruso, Indian Chief Quannah Parker, the Ballet Russe, and Elvis Presley, just to name a few.

The Stockyards area and the Coliseum have seen booms and busts and the economy of the area went through a marked decline in the 60s and 70s as the meat packing industries left.  However, in 1976, the Stockyards was recognized as a national historic site and tourism brought new energy to the area and the North Fort Worth Historical Society was formed the same year to revitalize the area.

With the infusion of new interest, new faces, and (most importantly) new capitol, the Coliseum made a comeback.  It was renovated and brought to modern-day standards in 1986, including a total overhaul of heat, air conditioning, production, lighting, and sound systems.  Championship rodeos, bull riding and celebrity performances still feature there often.  The Stockyards consistently rank in the Top 20 tourism attractions in the state and the Coliseum is considered to be a historic jewel that features prominently in the Stockyards mystique.

While the structure has a proud heritage, it has more history that is somewhat less touted.

During interviews with various personnel involved in the daily operation, several things came to light:

l        A rodeo clown, that also often appeared at Billy Bob's, is said to frequent the building in the guise of a cat.  While not necessarily a shocking development that a cat might show up in a building with as many doors as the Coliseum, this one wears the favorite neck tie of Joe, the rodeo clown

l        Sources were unsure of the number, but people have died at the Coliseum.

l        Sources also reported animals have died at the Coliseum.  One particular rumor was that a hide displayed in Billy Bob's was supplied by a bull sold at the Coliseum.  It is unknown where the bull was actually slaughtered.

l        There are bodies buried at the Coliseum.  The exact location was not disclosed.

l        There are multiple instances of people requesting cremation followed by having their ashes deposited at the Coliseum, usually by scattering them over the dirt arena.

l        Lastly, and most interesting, one person related that after reentering the building after locking up for the day, an odd feeling descended on this person whom then saw a dark man-shaped object on the far side of the arena.  There was also faint voices heard.  As the voiced faded, so did the object.  The person then encouraged who ever was there to carry on and left without further delay.

These instances are recorded as anecdotes and are all unconfirmed.