Staff at the Black River Coliseum expect to wrap up $70,000 in roof repairs by the end of this month, just in time for a concert from region favorite Gary Allan.
Allan will make his third appearance in Poplar Bluff with the performance Nov. 29. Ticket sales have already topped 1,400, said Bobby Godwin, Coliseum director.
The venue is in the process of making repairs following a windstorm at the end of July, he said. The damage was first noticed with rains at the end of August. Covers for the flat roof had been blown loose, allowing water to infiltrate the roof deck.
Leaks have been found in the pool area and an area used for Poplar Bluff City Council meetings. Reeves Roofing Company of Malden has been hired to make the repairs, all of which will be covered by the city's liability insurance, Godwin said.
The Coliseum expects to host more than 6,000 people through the middle of December. In addition to the concert, a coat drive is scheduled for tomorrow, the annual Santa Land youth event will be held Dec. 4 and corporate Christmas parties for Gates, First Midwest Bank and Mid-Continent Nail are also planned.
Poplar Bluff was able to secure the Gary Allan concert because of its location between two other performances, Godwin explained. Allan is scheduled to perform in Corbin, Kentucky on Nov. 17 and in Enid, Oklahoma on Nov. 30.
While a Thursday event may not be ideal, Godwin said, "In order to get some of these acts, that's what we're going to have to do."
It's been about eight years since the last performance by Allan in Poplar Bluff, where the singer has other connections to local residents, said Godwin.
"He has a huge following in this area," Godwin said.
Proceeds from this event will be split evenly between the Coliseum and the tour. Godwin expects ticket sales to reach 2,000, but said the venue is already making a profit.
A busy spring will follow the holiday season, according to Godwin. Reoccurring events that brought 50,000 residents to the venue between January and March of last year have already been scheduled, he said. This includes 11 weekends in a row of activities, with Ag Expo in January, the VA Valentine for Veterans concert in February, a professional rodeo and circus. A wrestling event is also expected to be added in February.