Fifty years ago, the Richfield Coliseum opened its doors with a legendary concert featuring Frank Sinatra.Gerry Németh
STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Fifty years ago, on October 26, 1974, the Richfield Coliseum opened its doors with a legendary concert featuring Frank Sinatra.
Over the next two decades, the venue in Richfield Township, Summit County, became a beacon of entertainment, hosting a dazzling array of sporting, musical and cultural events that left an indelible mark on northeastern Ohio.
Built by Nick Mileti, then owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Coliseum served as the NBA team’s home court. 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 took the stage as the first “rock” band, 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 have lit up the Coliseum.
The venue has also hosted unforgettable moments in sporting history. The Cleveland Force of the Major Indoor Soccer League called it home, and fans still remember the “Richfield Miracle” during the Cavaliers’ 1975-76 season.
Even Muhammad Ali stepped into the Coliseum ring for a boxing match against Chuck Wepner in 1975.
However, the Coliseum’s journey ended when voters approved funding for the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex in Cleveland, leading to the Cavaliers’ move to Gund Arena in 1994.
After lying unused for years, the site was purchased by 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.
Participants will revisit highlights of the venue’s history, including rare video and audio clips of unforgettable events.
Prizes and surprises are also on the program for these nostalgic evenings.
• Strongsville Library: 7 p.m., Jan. 13, 18700 Westwood Drive in Strongsville
• North Royalton Library: 7 p.m., Jan. 27, 5071 Wallings Road in North Royalton
From Sinatra to Roger Daltrey, the Richfield Coliseum was more than a building; it was a cultural touchstone for a generation.
Fifty years later, his legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the vibrant energy he once brought to Northeast Ohio.
Christmas lights: When you’re done with your old Christmas lights, recycle them.
During the month of January, you can drop off unwanted Christmas lights at the service garage at the Broadview Heights Community Center off Oakes Road.
After January, the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District collects broken, burned or tangled Christmas light strings year-round for recycling.
Drop off unwanted string lights, power cords and power strips at 4750 E. 131 St. in Garfield Heights. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (closed on public holidays).
Do not put bags or boxes in the recycling bin. Place loose items in the designated lobby box and take all bags, boxes and containers home.
They cannot accept pre-lit trees or garlands. Lights should be removed from the tree or wreath for proper recycling.
The collected lights are processed by a Cleveland company to benefit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Lights for Lions conservation program.
Brecksville Discussions: Brecksville Human Services Talks are one of many activities held at the Brecksville Human Services Center.
Here’s what’s happening in the assembly hall.
• 11 a.m. Jan. 17 – A talk on 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 fires in Cleveland history.
The East Ohio Gas Fire razed much of the area around 55th and East 61st streets.
Even if you’re not a Cleveland history buff, you’ll want to relive this history through the ages.
• 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. January 23 –– Cuyahoga County Library introduces “Digital Navigators.”
Knowledgeable library staff will show you how to create an email account, how to use email, and how to use your phone to text, make calls, take photos, and browse the Internet safely.
Bring your phone, laptop, iPad or Kindle.
This is done by appointment only. Call the center for your one-hour time slot at 440-526-2499. Brecksville residents only.
• 11:31 a.m. Jan. — The lighter side of real estate through comedy will be presented by real estate agent and comedian Nancy Abraham.
She will perform a comedy routine followed by lectures from specialists in the real estate sector with short presentations on their areas of expertise.
Specialists include a Senior Advisor who helps those in need of assisted living advice, a Moving Specialist, a Teacher who will help you write a Memory Book, and a Deed Agent/Probate Paralegal who will advise on the different types of acts.
Cake and coffee will be offered, as well as a door prize.
All programs are held at the Brecksville Human Services Center at 2 Community Drive. Register by calling 440-526-2499.
Live music: Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon is a modern take on your traditional neighborhood hangout, offering an all-American good time.
At Wild Eagle, you’re in control, 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. It features multiple walls of self-serve draft beer, a variety of games, high-definition televisions and live entertainment.
Live music is offered from 9 p.m. to midnight every Saturday. The January program includes:
• Boaterhead, January 11, 1970s yacht rock
• The Ladies Night, January 18, 1990, pop diva of the 2000s
• Jimmy Jack, January 25, 1990s and 2000s rock
Get your fix of live entertainment while watching some of your favorite local cover bands perform live at 5001 E. Royalton Road in Broadview Heights.
For more information, visit www.wildeaglestaeakandsaloon.com.
Range of libraries: The following events are presented by the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Call 440-238-5530 or visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and for more information about the event. The Strongsville Branch Library is located at 18700 Westwood Drive.
• Digital Navigators walk-in — 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9.
Digital Navigators will be at the Strongsville branch for a walk-in on a first-come, first-served basis. The service provides one-on-one assistance to help you or someone you know connect to the internet, get a device, make a telehealth appointment and more.
• Sensory art play for toddlers – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. January 10. For ages 1 to 3 with a caregiver.
Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections through open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.
• Rubber Duck Scavenger Hunt – Anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on January 11. For all ages with a caregiver.
Can you find all the rubber ducks hidden in the library? Take the challenge and win a small prize.
• Let off some STEAM after school – 4:30-5:30 p.m. on January 15. For levels 1 to 4.
Ignite your curiosity and creativity with this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through hands-on activities and exploration.
Improve your problem-solving and teamwork skills in this program.
• Wednesday evening book discussion – 7 p.m. January 15.
Book Discussion Night meets at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. All adults interested in reading and discussing good books are welcome.
The next title in the discussion will be “Middle of the Night” by Riley Sager. Copies of the book will be available for checkout at the library circulation desk.
Let the Brecksville, Broadview Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville communities know what’s happening in your organization, church, school, business or family. Send me an email to shirleymac48@att.net.
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