Hubbry Logo
Alliant Energy CenterAlliant Energy CenterMain
Open search
Alliant Energy Center
Community hub
Alliant Energy Center
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Alliant Energy Center
Alliant Energy Center
Alliant Energy Center
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Alliant Energy Center is a multi-building complex located in Madison, Wisconsin. It comprises 164 acres (0.66 km2) of greenspace and includes the 255,000-square-foot (23,700 m2) Exhibition Hall, the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 29-acre (0.12 km2) Willow Island, several multi-use pavilions, and the 22,000-square-foot (2,000 m2) Arena. The Center welcomes more than one million people attending more than 500 events annually, ranging from local meetings and banquets to large sporting events and major concerts.

Key Information

2006

Location

[edit]

The Alliant Energy Center campus is located on the south side of Madison, Wisconsin, off of John Nolen Drive and Rimrock Road.

History

[edit]

In 1895 the Agricultural Society and Dane County purchased 250 acres (1.0 km2) of land at the current site to provide an area that could be used for the Dane County Fair. This area was known as "Lakeside Park Farm", but some thought it merely represented a worthless swampland. Because of financial difficulties, the Dane County Fair was halted on the site in 1938 and did not return until 1951. During this time, even though the Dane County Fair was held in an alternate location, the County board did not abandon the site and Dane County managed to pay off the mortgage for the property in 1941.

As a major turning point towards the advent of a full-service venue, roads, parking lots, sewer and water, a heating plant and kitchen/bathroom facilities were built on the grounds in 1949–51. In 1951, the Dane County Fair moved back to the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly the Expo Center) and remains there today.

Over the ensuing years, the first buildings were erected on the site. In 1954, the Arena was built; it remains the only building still standing from this era. The Youth Building was constructed in 1962 and housed the offices for 4-H in Dane County. This area now serves as the administration building for the Alliant Energy Center. In 1967, Veterans Memorial Coliseum was built.[1] Its early clientele included the Zor Shrine Circus, World Dairy Expo, the Ice Capades, Dane County Junior Fair, The ABC National Bowling Tournament, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, The Who, Elvis Presley and the Grateful Dead.

In 1974, the first Exposition Center Commission was appointed. This Committee headed construction and development for the present Alliant Energy Center (formerly Expo Center). With the Coliseum schedule reaching 160 event days in 1977, it was clear that the demand for trade and consumer shows and conventions was competing with concerts, sporting events and family shows. Over time, the market area had expanded well beyond Wisconsin and the committee recognized the need for expansion. In 1978, an addition to the Youth Building was built (now the Administration Building) and the new facility was named the Forum. At the time, this facility offered the area's largest facilities for trade shows, banquets and other public functions. The forum was replaced with the construction of Exhibition Hall in 1995.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1992. At this point, over 16 million people had entered the Coliseum doors to attend a vast array of events.

As a consequence of the large demand for exhibit space, the 255,000-square-foot (23,700 m2) Exhibition Hall was built at Alliant Energy Center in 1995 as the largest unobstructed facility for trade/consumer shows and conventions in the state.

The naming rights for the campus, previously the Dane County Exposition Center, were sold in 2000 to Alliant Energy Corporation, which holds the naming rights to the Expo Center for 20 years. The agreement does not include the naming rights of individual buildings on the campus, which have all retained their original names.

Although the naming rights belong to Alliant Energy, the center is owned and operated by Dane County. The Alliant Energy Center operates without the use of County general fund monies - it is run as a business using facility-generated revenues to cover the expenses incurred to operate the center and its facilities. The center has operated in this manner since 1990.

In 2013 Dane County completed plans for the construction of new multi-use pavilions at the Alliant Energy Center.[2] Pavilions totaling 290,000 square feet (27,000 m2) replaced nine agricultural barns. Construction began in April 2014 and was completed by late September for the 2014 World Dairy Expo.[3][4] A multimillion-dollar naming rights deal for the facilities with New Holland Agriculture & Construction, along with other public/private funding partnerships with the State of Wisconsin, World Dairy Expo, the Midwest Horse Fair/Wisconsin Horse Council, and AEC food service provider, Centerplate, financed the expansion.[5]

Veterans Memorial Coliseum

[edit]

Veterans Memorial Coliseum (formerly known as Dane County Coliseum), built in 1967, is a 10,231-seat (7,432 seats for basketball and hockey) multi-purpose arena that is the centerpiece of the Alliant Energy Center campus. It is a site for concerts, family shows, sporting events, consumer shows, conventions and assemblies. The building was completely renovated in 2004–2005.

The Coliseum during the 2004 WIAA Girl's State Basketball Tournament

The Coliseum has a long-standing history as a hockey venue. The building was home to the Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey team from the 1967–68 season to the 1997–98 season, when they moved to the Kohl Center on campus. It was one of the largest college hockey arenas in the nation, as well as one of the loudest. Reportedly, the "sieve chant," which is now commonly heard in nearly every arena to taunt the opposing goalie after a goal, was first started at the Coliseum. The environment for Badger hockey games was such that it was nicknamed "the Montreal Forum of college hockey."[6] Badger fans still call the arena "the Great Dane."

The Wisconsin Badgers women's hockey team also played a number of games on the Coliseum ice in their first two seasons (1999-00 and 2000–01). The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) boys' and girls' state hockey tournaments also take place each year in Veterans Memorial Coliseum. State tournaments for boys' hockey have been held in the Coliseum since 1971, except in 1974 and 1975 when they were held in Green Bay. All state tournaments for girls' hockey have been held in the Coliseum since 2001–02. The Coliseum was also home to two minor league hockey franchises, the Madison Monsters from 1995 until 1999, and the Madison Kodiaks in 1999–2000. The Madison Mad Dogs, an indoor football team, also played in the Coliseum from 1998 to 2000. In 2009, indoor football returned to the Coliseum as the Continental Indoor Football League's Wisconsin Wolfpack played the 2009 season there. However, the following season the Wolfpack moved to the Hartmeyer Ice Arena. It was also the home ice of the Madison Capitols hockey team until their move to the Capitol Ice Arena, a separate, smaller facility.

Exhibition Hall

[edit]
Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center

Exhibition Hall, on the Alliant Energy Center campus, has 255,000 square feet (23,700 m2) of exhibit space. This building hosts conventions, trade shows, consumer shows, meetings and conferences. Completed in September 1995, Exhibition Hall consists of 14 meeting rooms totaling 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2), a lobby and four exhibit halls from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2).

Directly connected to Exhibition Hall by a climate-controlled walkway is Clarion Suites Madison - Central with 140 guest rooms.

The building allows light from the outside to enliven a multi-leveled lobby with a lounge area overlooking the exhibition halls. Two three-dimensional statues, 'The Farmer's Market Cow' and 'Gallop to Glory Horse', that were painted by local artists to represent community connections and long-time events at the venue, are perched atop the entrance doors.

Geologic Time

[edit]

Geologic Time, created by artist Michele Oka Doner, consists of over 900 bronze medallions inlaid in the terrazzo floor of Exhibition Hall's lobby. The images tell a story through pictures. Elements of many eras, past and present are depicted, including Wisconsin corn, Native American effigy mounds, and the state's lake and rivers. The medallions signify the passage of time and the connection between past and present.

Some of the medallions represent the natural and cultural environment of Dane County and Wisconsin, such as fish, turtles, cattails, water lilies, and salamanders. Connecting the natural elements to cultural developments in the region are images of artifacts left by the first inhabitants. These artifacts were used for hunting and gathering. Wisconsin industries are also incorporated into the design. Other elements represented in bronze are the state bird (robin), flower (violet), and tree (maple).

As an extension of Geologic Time, a podium displays the cast bronze form of Chief Black Hawk, which adorns the lobby of Exhibition Hall.

Willow Island

[edit]

Willow Island is a 29-acre (120,000 m2) natural area with two ponds encircling a 7-acre (28,000 m2) isthmus. It was developed in 2002 and made its debut as an outdoor venue in 2003.[7] Willow Island is used for outdoor festivals, consumer shows, corporate events, music events, auctions and more.

In 2004, Willow Island hosted the fifth year of the ESPN Great Outdoor Games, which feature athletes competing in outdoor activities including fishing, sporting dog events, target shooting, and timber events.

Starting in 2005, Willow Island became the new location for the annual Brat Fest fundraiser that takes place on Memorial Day weekend.

The WJJO Band Camp music festival was held at Willow Island from 2004 - 2015. The one-day hard rock music festival was known to draw upwards of 10,000 fans.[8]

Environmental impact

[edit]

On April 19, 2007, the Alliant Energy Center was recognized by Travel Green Wisconsin as a recipient of the Travel Green Certification.[9] Sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Travel Green Wisconsin recognizes tourism-related businesses that are reducing their environmental impact through operational and other improvements.

Through the center's use of green space on Willow Island and environmentally friendly purchasing practices, the Alliant Energy Center has helped build sustainable tourism in Wisconsin. The Center implemented energy-saving measures in Exhibition Hall, which included energy-efficient lighting and upgrades to reduce gas emissions.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alliant Energy Center

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Alliant Energy Center is an award-winning, multi-building complex owned by Dane County and located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in , serving as a premier venue for conventions, trade shows, concerts, sporting events, and agricultural expositions on 164 acres of greenspace. It features versatile facilities including the 255,000-square-foot Exhibition Hall, the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the 22,000-square-foot Arena, the 290,000-square-foot New Holland Pavilions, and the 29-acre outdoor Willow Island, accommodating events from small meetings of 12 people to large gatherings of up to 12,000. The center hosts over 500 events annually, attracting more than 1 million visitors and generating significant economic impact by filling over 60,000 hotel rooms each year. The site's origins trace back to 1896, when the Dane County Agricultural Society and the county purchased 250 acres of land to establish an agricultural fairground, with the first Dane County Fair held there in 1897. Infrastructure development accelerated in the late 1940s and early 1950s, including roads, parking, utilities, and facilities, leading to the fair's return in 1951; subsequent milestones included the construction of a 22,000-square-foot arena in 1954, the Youth Building (now the Administration Building) in 1962, and the official naming as the Dane County Exposition Center in 1965. The Veterans Memorial Coliseum opened in 1967 as the Dane County Coliseum, initially hosting University of Wisconsin men's hockey games until 1998, as well as the World Dairy Expo and performances by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Duke Ellington. Further expansions in the 1970s and 1990s added the Forum (later replaced) and the expansive Exhibition Hall in 1995, while the arena underwent renovation in 1996. In 2000, the complex was renamed the Alliant Energy Center following a agreement with Corporation, which was renewed in 2019; this period also saw the development of Willow Island in 2002–2003 as an outdoor event space and energy efficiency upgrades in 2005, earning the center Travel Green Certification in 2007. Major modernizations continued with the replacement of nine aging agricultural buildings by the New Holland Pavilions in 2014, enhancing capacity for diverse uses like the annual Dane County Fair—now in its 175th year—and international events such as the World Dairy Expo. Today, the center supports Madison's economy as a hub for community gatherings, with amenities including 5,800 parking spaces, free , accessible facilities, and catering services, all connected to nearby accommodations like the Spark by Hilton Madison Central via a climate-controlled walkway.

Location and Overview

Site Description

The Alliant Energy Center is situated on the south side of , at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713, accessible off Drive and Rimrock Road near the Beltline Highway (US 12/18). This positioning places it at the gateway to downtown Madison, providing a strategic urban edge while maintaining separation from the city's core density. The campus spans 164 acres of greenspace, developed from an original 250 acres acquired in 1896 by the Dane County Agricultural Society and Dane County for the Dane County Fair. This expansive site functions as a multi-building complex, encompassing indoor venues such as the Exhibition Hall and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, outdoor areas like Willow Island, and supporting infrastructure including 5,800 paved and lighted parking spaces, pedestrian walkways, and integrated amenities for events. Geographically, the center borders to the east, offering scenic waterfront proximity enhanced by the adjacent Lake Monona bike path system. To the north lies the urban fabric of Madison, while the surrounding landscape integrates with local parks and trails, such as the Wingra Creek Path connecting to Olin Park and the broader Loop for recreational access.

Accessibility and Surroundings

The Alliant Energy Center is accessible via major roadways, including U.S. Highway 151, which connects to the South Beltline Highway (U.S. Highways 12 and 18 eastbound), with exits at Rimrock Road (Exit 262) or Drive (Exit 263). Public transportation options include Madison Metro Transit bus routes such as lines O, 63, G, 61, 64, and 65, with stops located on Rimrock Road, Drive, and Olin Avenue adjacent to the center. For cyclists, the center connects to the Lake Monona bike path system along the east side of Drive, as well as the Wingra Creek Path, which offers a spur leading directly to the site. is approximately 8 miles away, reachable in under 15 minutes by car. The center provides over 5,800 paved on-site parking spaces, including options for general, premium, and event-specific lots, with daily rates of $8 per and $24 per bus; payments are cashless via major credit cards and digital wallets, and same-day reentry is permitted with a parking stub. Reservations for are not typically required but can vary by event. Situated on Madison's southwest side, the Alliant Energy Center lies about 2 miles south of downtown Madison and the , integrating seamlessly with the city's urban fabric. It connects directly to the Lake Monona Loop trail, a 13-mile that encircles the lake and supports pedestrian and cycling access to nearby parks and waterfront areas. For accommodations, the adjacent Spark by Hilton Madison Central hotel, rebranded and renovated after 2020 from the former Clarion Suites, offers direct access via a climate-controlled to the Exhibition Hall, enhancing convenience for visitors.

History

Origins and Early Development

The Dane County Agricultural Society, formed in 1851, organized the inaugural Dane County Fair that October near the Yahara River in Madison, marking the beginning of a tradition focused on agricultural exhibitions and community gatherings. Over the subsequent decades, the fair rotated among temporary locations in Madison, including and , but faced interruptions such as the Civil War from 1861 to 1870. By the late , the need for a dedicated venue became evident amid growing attendance and the society's financial challenges. In 1896, the Dane County Agricultural Society and Dane County jointly purchased 250 acres of land south of Madison along for a permanent fairgrounds, initially known as Lakeside Park Farm and envisioned as agricultural exposition grounds. This acquisition provided open fields suitable for livestock displays and crop exhibits, setting the foundation for formalized operations despite the site's initial perception as underutilized swampland. The fair's agricultural emphasis persisted, with events highlighting local farming innovations and rural life as Madison's urban expansion encroached on nearby areas. Throughout the early , the fairgrounds evolved with the construction of basic , including livestock barns and a , to accommodate horse shows, judging competitions, and seasonal fairs held irregularly due to ongoing financial difficulties. These developments in the 1920s marked a key milestone by introducing permanent buildings that enabled limited year-round community use beyond the annual event, such as local agricultural meetings and gatherings. Prior to the 1950s, the site remained primarily an agricultural hub, fostering Dane County's rural heritage amid the region's growth into a burgeoning state capital.

Major Construction Phases

The major construction phases at the Alliant Energy Center began in the mid-20th century, building upon the site's earlier establishment as fairgrounds in 1896. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, infrastructure development accelerated with the addition of roads, parking, utilities, and facilities, enabling the Dane County Fair to return in 1951 after years of irregularity. In 1954, the original Arena was constructed, providing 22,000 square feet of space dedicated to indoor events and marking the first significant permanent structure for year-round activities on the grounds. In 1970, the Coliseum Forum addition was built, expanding facilities for events. The development continued in 1962 with the addition of the Youth Building, designed to support educational and community programs, including facilities for offices and administrative functions (now the Administration Building). A pivotal expansion occurred in 1967 with the opening of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, which introduced a 10,231-seat venue tailored for major sports and entertainment events, significantly enhancing the site's capacity for large-scale gatherings. The arena underwent renovation in 1996. By 1995, the Exhibition Hall debuted as a 255,000-square-foot facility, establishing it as the largest convention space in at the time and enabling the hosting of regional, national, and international events. The most recent major phase culminated in 2014 with the completion of the New Holland Pavilions, totaling 290,000 square feet of multi-use indoor space developed through a public-private that replaced nine older agricultural buildings and expanded options for diverse programming.

Renaming and Modern Developments

In 2000, the complex, previously known as the Dane County Coliseum and Exposition Center, was renamed the following a 20-year agreement with Corporation, which provided financial support for facility enhancements and operations. This corporate partnership underscored the center's evolving role as a key regional venue, with the extending the brand's visibility in Madison. The agreement was renewed in 2019 for an additional decade, effective July 1, 2020, ensuring continued sponsorship beyond the original term and allocating annual payments starting at $440,000 to Dane County. Between 2002 and 2003, Willow Island was developed as a 29-acre outdoor event space. In 2005, energy efficiency upgrades were implemented, contributing to efforts. In 2007, the Alliant Energy Center achieved Travel Green Certification from Travel Green , recognizing its initiatives to minimize environmental impact through reduced waste, energy efficiency, and sustainable event practices. This certification highlighted early commitments to eco-friendly operations amid growing emphasis on green tourism in the state. (Note: While Wikipedia is avoided as primary, the press release referenced therein aligns with official .) From 2014 onward, the center integrated sponsorship from , which acquired for the newly constructed pavilions as part of a broader expansion to support agricultural and events. This partnership facilitated the development of 290,000 square feet of multi-use space, enhancing connectivity with adjacent facilities and contributing to the site's appeal for trade shows and expos. The pavilions' integration supported related infrastructure growth, including direct connections to the onsite Spark by Hilton Madison Central hotel, which opened in September 2025 and links to the Exhibition Hall via a climate-controlled walkway. By 2025, modernization efforts advanced with a focus on infrastructure upgrades. Dane County allocated $3 million in its budget for planning renovations to the Exhibition Hall, alongside stormwater management and traffic flow improvements, as part of a comprehensive redevelopment strategy to boost capacity and accessibility. Concurrently, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum underwent initial revitalization, including updates to seating, lighting, and stage systems, with proposals for further public-private partnerships issued in September 2025 to address long-term needs estimated at $150 million. The center remains under Dane County ownership and direct management since its founding, with operations overseen by county personnel to maintain its status as a premier multi-purpose venue.

Facilities

Veterans Memorial Coliseum

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum, constructed in 1967, serves as the flagship indoor arena of the Alliant Energy Center in . This multi-purpose venue features a circular layout with a main seating area measuring 312 feet in and no interior columns, providing unobstructed 360-degree views for spectators. The structure stands approximately 100 feet high and utilizes a with walls, enabling its versatile configuration for various events. With a of 10,231, it accommodates large audiences in a dome-shaped design that enhances acoustics and visibility. In 2025, a facelift for the coliseum was proposed as part of broader revitalization efforts through a public-private partnership, including plans for updated seating with refurbished, upholstered, and padded chairs, installation of LED lighting and video scoreboards with dimming capabilities, and improvements to the sound system for better acoustics. Technically, the arena rises to about 102 feet at its peak and offers 20,000 to 75,000 square feet of flexible floor space, convertible to multiple surfaces such as an for hockey games or a . It supports full stage setups up to 4,000 square feet with theater curtains, borders, and legs, ideal for performances, and includes nine dressing rooms along with adjacent administrative offices on the Alliant Energy Center campus. Primarily used for large-scale concerts, sporting events, and conventions, the coliseum hosts over 100 events annually, drawing national touring acts and local gatherings. Its two lobbies (east and west) and updated suites and locker rooms facilitate smooth operations for diverse programming, from family shows to exhibitions with space for up to 360 booths. A distinctive element honoring its name, the coliseum features memorial plaques dedicated to veterans located at the entrances, particularly in the east lobby, symbolizing its tribute to . This naming and commemorative aspect underscores the venue's role as a community landmark since its opening.

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center opened in 1995 as the largest convention facility in at the time, spanning 255,000 square feet in total. It features 100,000 square feet of unobstructed exhibit space on a column-free main floor with 30-foot ceilings, designed for flexibility in hosting trade shows, conventions, and large-scale events. The space is divisible into five halls (A through E), allowing for customized configurations that accommodate up to 650 standard 10-by-10-foot booths or seating arrangements such as 8,800 in theater style and 4,650 for banquets. Key amenities enhance its suitability for diverse gatherings, including color-corrected, dimmable lighting with touch-pad controls, built-in sound systems throughout the halls and meeting rooms, and full-service catering kitchens operated by . The facility also includes 14 meeting rooms totaling 20,000 square feet for breakout sessions or conferences. Additional features support logistics, such as a 30-foot electrical and phone service grid, multiple 20-by-20-foot load-in doors, and a 75,000-square-foot secured freight yard with no weight restrictions on the exhibit floor. A notable artistic element graces the lobby: the 1995 installation "Geologic Time" by Michele Oka Doner, comprising over 900 bronze fossil sculptures embedded in the floor to illustrate an evolutionary timeline from ancient to modern forms. The Exhibition Hall connects directly to the onsite Spark by Hilton Madison Central via a climate-controlled , facilitating seamless access for attendees and integrating lodging with event spaces. As part of broader campus enhancements, minor renovations to the hall are planned for 2025 to improve functionality.

New Holland Pavilions

The New Holland Pavilions consist of two connected multi-purpose indoor facilities at the Alliant Energy Center, completed in 2014 to replace outdated agricultural barns and enhance capabilities for shows, equine events, and expositions. The structures total 290,000 square feet, with Pavilion #1 measuring 90,000 square feet and Pavilion #2 encompassing 200,000 square feet, both featuring 120-foot clear spans and durable concrete floors designed to support heavy loads from equipment and animals. These pavilions integrate seamlessly for flexible configurations, including office spaces, restrooms, concessions, and access, allowing adaptation from agricultural displays to general shows. In terms of capacity, the pavilions can accommodate up to 1,800 head of or 900 across their combined space, with Pavilion #1 supporting 800 or 400 and Pavilion #2 handling the larger share, making them ideal for major agricultural expos. The design emphasizes agricultural adaptability, including covered wash bays, storage, and a dedicated milking parlor accessible from both pavilions, which facilitates efficient animal care during events. The naming rights were secured by in 2013 through an agreement with the Alliant Energy Center, reflecting the brand's focus on innovative farming solutions. The pavilions were officially unveiled during the 2014 World Dairy Expo, marking their debut as a centerpiece for the event and underscoring their role in hosting large-scale and gatherings. Key features include an energy-efficient chiller system and a state-of-the-art pressurized ventilation setup that ensures even air distribution for optimal control and , with Pavilion #1 fully heated for year-round usability. Additionally, the facilities incorporate 30 overhead garage doors connected to outdoor loading ramps, enabling straightforward access for transporting heavy agricultural equipment and exhibits. This integration supports the pavilions' versatility while prioritizing sustainability in design.

Willow Island

Willow Island is a 29-acre greenspace within the Alliant Energy Center campus, featuring a 6-acre encircled by two ponds, paved pathways including weather-resistant walkways, and shaded areas provided by towering trees and lush greenery. This natural area acts as a buffer between the center's indoor facilities and surrounding urban development, offering a serene oasis amid the 164-acre site. The space supports a variety of recreational and event uses, including outdoor concerts, festivals, corporate gatherings, and agricultural demonstrations, with spots and areas for event staging that can accommodate large crowds. It also includes 99 overnight campsites equipped with electric and water hook-ups, accessible via three entry points and integrated with the Capitol City Bike Path for and connectivity. Key features emphasize its natural character, with native plantings drawn from the southwest glacial plains ecological region, enhanced trail systems linking to broader campus paths, and minimal permanent structures limited to basic shelters, portable ticketing booths, trash receptacles, and picnic tables. Restrooms and showers are available nearby at the New Holland Pavilion 1. Maintenance efforts prioritize through native landscaping and stormwater management, including seasonal flooding of the surrounding ponds to create for waterfowl. Overstory trees are clustered to provide additional shade while supporting ecological functions like urban heat reduction.

Other Amenities

The Alliant Energy Center features several ancillary buildings that support operations and smaller-scale activities. The Youth Building, constructed in 1962, originally housed offices and now serves as the primary administration building for the center, facilitating classes, small events, and administrative functions. Maintenance facilities on the campus handle storage, operations, and service needs, with plans for new structures to enhance efficiency as part of ongoing redevelopment. On-site services enhance visitor convenience and event execution. Catering is provided exclusively by Sodexo Live!, offering customizable menus from concessions to full banquets for up to 12,000 guests. Box offices, including the Coliseum Box Office open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., handle ticket sales alongside online options through Ticketmaster. First aid stations are available, with events required to have emergency medical services or first aid personnel on site as needed. Complimentary Wi-Fi covers the entire campus, accessible to attendees, exhibitors, and staff. Parking and accommodate large crowds efficiently. The provides over 5,800 paved and lit spaces, with fees of $8 per car and $24 per bus per day, payable via card or mobile methods. Shuttle services operate for select events, such as routes from , running every 20 minutes to ease access. Dedicated loading areas and docks support exhibitors, with restrictions on in these zones to maintain flow. Additional features include 14 conference rooms totaling 20,000 square feet, equipped with built-in sound systems for meetings and banquets. Restrooms are distributed throughout the facilities, including 24-hour access in areas like the New Holland Pavilions. Accessibility accommodations align with ADA standards, featuring designated parking, ramps, and elevators; special arrangements can be coordinated via the center's contact line. The center is adjacent to the Suites for seamless lodging integration.

Events and Tenants

Notable Events

The Alliant Energy Center serves as a premier venue for signature annual events that underscore Madison's agricultural and equestrian heritage. The World Dairy Expo, held annually since 1967, is recognized as the world's largest show and trade event, attracting nearly 75,000 attendees from over 100 countries each October. This staple expo features dairy industry seminars, equipment displays, and livestock judging in facilities like the Coliseum and Exhibition Hall, drawing global professionals and boosting the local economy through its scale. Another key annual tradition is the Midwest Horse Fair, the largest three-day horse event in the United States, which returned to the center in April 2024 with record-breaking attendance exceeding 60,000 visitors over the weekend, including nearly 23,000 on the opening Friday alone. The fair offers over 300 clinics, seminars, and demonstrations by top equine experts, utilizing the full campus including Willow Island for outdoor activities. The Dane County Fair, a longstanding summer highlight since relocating to the center in the , runs for four days in July and emphasizes family-friendly exhibits, free concerts, and agricultural displays, fostering community engagement across the 164-acre grounds. Beyond recurring staples, the center hosts diverse one-off events that enhance its role as a cultural hub, including major concerts by national touring acts in the 10,000-seat Veterans Memorial Coliseum, such as comedian Nate Bargatze's sold-out Be Funny Tour in 2024. Trade shows like the Madison Card Show, which draws collectors for sports memorabilia and broke its previous attendance record with over 2,000 visitors during its 2025 edition in the Exhibition Hall, exemplify the venue's appeal for niche gatherings. Collectively, these activities contribute to the center's annual programming of over 500 events, welcoming more than one million visitors and generating substantial economic benefits, including an estimated $11 million from the 2024 Midwest Horse Fair alone. Looking ahead, the 2025 schedule previews continued vibrancy with events like the Madison Gem & Mineral Show on November 22-23, featuring vendors showcasing fossils, rock specimens, jewelry, and beads in the Exhibition Hall, tying into educational themes of geologic history through interactive displays.

Sports and Entertainment Tenants

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center has a storied history as a hub for professional and collegiate sports teams. From 1967 to 1998, it served as the primary home arena for the University of Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team, hosting numerous games before the team's transition to the Kohl Center. In the realm of professional hockey, the Coliseum hosted the Madison Monsters of the Colonial Hockey League (later rebranded as the ) from 1995 to 1999, providing a 10,000-seat facility for their home games. Later, from 2014 to 2017, it was the home ice for the of the (USHL), until the team relocated to a smaller dedicated arena. More recently, the Coliseum has welcomed new sports tenants, including the LOVB Madison professional team, which began its inaugural season there in January 2025 as part of the League One Volleyball professional circuit. Beyond sports teams, the Alliant Energy Center has long been a venue for entertainment residencies and touring productions, including family-oriented shows such as circuses and wrestling events. These bookings are handled through the center's under Dane County oversight. As the center's legacy venue for , the Coliseum features an on-site ice plant that enables efficient conversions from or floors to hockey rinks, supporting its multi-sport adaptability; the system is replaced approximately every 20 years to ensure reliability during seasons.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Certifications and Awards

In 2007, the Alliant Energy Center received Travel Green Certification from Travel Green Wisconsin, recognizing its implementation of energy-efficient practices, waste reduction strategies, and other measures to minimize its as part of the state's initiative. This accolade positioned the center as the largest organization in Madison to achieve this certification, highlighting its leadership in promoting environmentally responsible operations within the events and tourism sector. The certification process involved assessments of the center's policies on resource conservation, including energy management systems, recycling programs, and sustainable procurement, which aligned with broader goals of reducing environmental impact at public venues. To maintain compliance, the center undergoes periodic evaluations and continues to integrate sustainable practices, such as partnerships for energy-efficient upgrades like LED lighting and automated controls in facilities including the Exhibition Hall. These efforts have established the Alliant Energy Center as a model for other public venues, demonstrating how large-scale facilities can balance event hosting with through targeted recognitions and ongoing adherence to green standards.

Ongoing Initiatives and Redevelopment

The Alliant Energy Center implements several programs to minimize environmental impact during operations and . These include LED lighting retrofits, such as the 2015 replacement of over 200 exterior lights in lots and roads to enhance energy efficiency, and a 2019 proposal for further exterior upgrades funded through Dane County's SMART Fund. emphasizes reduction, with ongoing efforts to develop comprehensive recycling and diversion policies modeled after successful facilities like the Center. In 2025, key initiatives focus on infrastructural improvements with . The Veterans Memorial Coliseum is undergoing a revitalization through a Request for Proposals process, emphasizing upgrades to systems for enhanced efficiency, with proposals due in late 2025 and potential construction starting soon after. The Exhibition Hall expansion includes a $3 million allocation for , stormwater management upgrades to mitigate flooding and improve runoff quality, and traffic flow enhancements, aiming to increase exhibit space while bolstering . Broader redevelopment plans, guided by Dane County's ongoing study initiated with market assessments in 2023 and updated in 2024, prioritize energy-efficient expansions and site improvements for . These efforts include enhancements and to support ecological integration, with a work plan extending through 2026 to address post-pandemic needs and long-term viability. Although specific natural gas conversions are not detailed for the campus, the initiatives align with regional energy transitions. The redevelopment fosters community impact through partnerships, notably the naming rights sponsorship by , which supports broader carbon reduction objectives such as a 50% cut from 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero operations by 2050. These goals indirectly benefit the Center by promoting integration and resilience in Dane County.

References

  1. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/entertainment-and-attractions/alliant-energy-center-199231
  2. https://alliantenergycenter.com/
  3. https://alliantenergycenter.com/about-us/history
  4. https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/alliant-energy-center-of-dane-county/175778/
  5. https://alliantenergycenter.com/contact-us
  6. https://alliantenergycenter.com/directions-accommodations/locations-maps
  7. https://alliantenergycenter.com/about-us/center-overview
  8. https://www.traillink.com/trail/wingra-creek-path/
  9. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/wisconsin/lake-monona-loop
  10. https://alliantenergycenter.com/about-us/faq
  11. https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Alliant_Energy_Center-Madison_WI-site_9274327-1503
  12. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Madison-Airport-MSN/Alliant-Energy-Center
  13. https://www.visitmadison.com/blog/stories/post/lake-monona-bike-loop/
  14. https://alliantenergycenter.com/contact-us/spark-by-hilton
  15. https://www.visitmadison.com/listings/spark-by-hilton-madison-central/185874/
  16. https://alliantenergycenter.com/exhibitors/accommodations
  17. https://www.danecountyfair.com/p/about/fair-history
  18. https://alliantenergycenter.com/facilities/veterans-memorial-coliseum
  19. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/county-executive-announces-naming-rights-agreement-with-new-holland-agriculture-construction-for-new-aec-pavilions
  20. https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0114/ML011430224.pdf
  21. https://oei-exec.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/10523
  22. https://danecounty.gov/PressDetail/10546
  23. https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/9468-new-holland-acquires-naming-rights-to-new-alliant-energy-center-pavilions
  24. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/historic-partnerships-make-state-of-the-art-expansion-reality
  25. https://madison.com/news/local/business/development/article_4ebbe3a0-17f5-406e-af0c-136811ba8f4b.html
  26. https://www.hngnews.com/tribune_enterprise/news/regional/dane-county-moves-forward-on-future-of-alliant-energy-center-campus/article_1f833eb4-1f83-48a3-b01a-a92b138127ab.html
  27. https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/coliseum-facelift
  28. https://www.wmtv15news.com/2025/09/24/dane-co-accepting-renovation-proposals-veterans-memorial-coliseum-alliant-energy-center/
  29. https://exec.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/9345
  30. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Property/HI108153
  31. https://govmarketnews.com/dane-county-officials-seek-p3-for-150m-coliseum-renovation-project/
  32. https://www.danecounty.gov/PressDetail/11709
  33. https://www.facebook.com/groups/159700503902/posts/10163141881343903/
  34. https://aecstudy.danecounty.gov/documents/AEC-Market-Report-02-13-24.pdf
  35. https://alliantenergycenter.com/facilities/exhibition-hall
  36. https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Meeting-Event-Venues/Madison/Convention-Center/Alliant-Energy-Center-Exhibition-Hall-p52667016
  37. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/553f5894e4b0abb691ba303a/t/565dc355e4b03e8549e88626/1448985487728/DAVIDGILL%2BMichele%2BOka%2BDoner%2BCV.pdf
  38. https://alliantenergycenter.com/facilities/new-holland-pavilions
  39. https://media.cnh.com/north-america/nhc-latest-news/construction-underway-on-new-holland-pavilions/s/28fea6a1-6d35-41f2-8b6e-a2b21641bdff
  40. https://strang-inc.com/projects/new-holland-pavilions-at-alliant-energy-center/
  41. https://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/articles/3662-new-holland-pavilions-unveiled-at-world-dairy-expo
  42. https://alliantenergycenter.com/facilities/willow-island
  43. https://aecstudy.danecounty.gov/documents/AEC-Master-Plan-Document---12-21-2018-Final.pdf
  44. https://alliantenergycenter.com/catering
  45. https://alliantenergycenter.com/directions-accommodations/parking
  46. https://wtaq.com/2024/10/06/844148/
  47. https://worlddairyexpo.com/
  48. https://www.wkow.com/news/midwest-horse-fair-breaks-attendance-record/article_bf97a59c-043a-11ef-9195-3377edab4d89.html
  49. https://www.danecountyfair.com/
  50. https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/upcoming-events/events-details/754/nate-bargatze-the-be-funny-tour-8-feb-2024
  51. https://x.com/madisoncardshow?lang=en
  52. https://aecstudy.danecounty.gov/documents/AEC---A-Strong-Economic-Driver.pdf
  53. https://www.channel3000.com/news/midwest-horse-fair-breaks-friday-attendance-record/article_cfe7d632-040e-11ef-84e8-d72deb13e594.html
  54. https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/upcoming-events/events-details/934/madison-gem-mineral-show-and-sale-22-nov-2025
  55. https://uwbadgers.com/news/2013/3/7/Wild_nights_were_a_staple_at_Coliseum.aspx
  56. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/2024/07/16/the-arenas-of-wisconsin-sports-past-and-present/74060940007/
  57. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/806/madison-monsters
  58. https://arenadigest.com/2017/07/28/madison-capitols-move-hartmeyer-ice-arena/
  59. https://www.lovb.com/teams/lovb-madison-volleyball/venues/alliant-energy-center
  60. https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/upcoming-events/events-details/842/lovb-madison-vs-lovb-houston-29-jan-2025
  61. https://www.alliantenergycenter.com/upcoming-events/events-details/632/wwe-sunday-stunner-13-nov-2022
  62. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/new-alliant-energy-center-director-announced
  63. https://wzbd.com/index.php/2025/08/01/coliseum-floor-getting-a-new-ice-plant/
  64. https://www.visitmadison.com/meetings/alliant-energy-center/
  65. https://www.travelwisconsin.com/plan-your-vacation/travel-green-wisconsin
  66. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/county-board-going-greener-on-veterans-memorial-coliseum-upgrades
  67. https://www.visitmadison.com/meetings/green-meetings/
  68. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/dane-county-alliant-energy-center-grounds-to-get-new-look-by-night
  69. https://dane.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3856079&GUID=3CC12F39-5393-49E2-B784-E3815F0BCB5C
  70. https://board.danecounty.gov/documents/FINAL-REPORT-AEC-Intern-2023.pdf
  71. https://alliantenergycenter.com/media-room/news-press-releases/post/dane-co-accepting-renovation-proposals-for-the-veterans-memorial-coliseum-at-alliant-energy-center
  72. https://citizenportal.ai/articles/6686960/Dane-County/Wisconsin/AEC-redevelopment-committee-presents-exhibitionhall-expansion-plans-explores-Coliseum-rehab-and-publicprivate-partnerships
  73. https://aecstudy.danecounty.gov/
  74. https://www.alliantenergy.com/news/news-center/2023/07/071823-crr
  75. https://www.utilitydive.com/news/alliant-energy-to-operate-at-100-net-zero-emissions-by-2050/582136/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.