UWG Stories
The Coliseum
"This venue is used everyday by academic classes and different varsity sports," Hatfield said.
Athletics, like academics, is an important part of any student’s collegiate career. However, space often becomes an issue when creating and fostering different athletic teams. Fortunately, the creation of The Coliseum gives athletics at the University of West Georgia a place to grow and thrive.
Home to the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sport Studies, and the Wolves basketball and volleyball teams, The Coliseum is split up into two sections that provide ample space for different purposes. Built in two sections, the first section can be adjusted to allow five instructional spaces or a single arena for larger events. The second section houses academic offices and classrooms, featuring a unique state-of-the art human performance lab.
Dr. Lance Hatfield, assistant professor of sport management and the interim director of The Coliseum, serves as the only full-time employee managing the building. This, according to Hatfield, has been a bit challenging.
“My biggest challenge is a toss-up,” said Hatfield. “Coordination is one. This venue is used everyday by academic classes and different varsity sports. Coordinating schedules with these primary users is sometimes a challenge, especially when outside prospective clients want to use the facility too.”
Serving on the academic side of The Coliseum is Dr. Deborah Jenkins, interim chair of the department. For Jenkins, the building itself has provided a great deal of positive change.
“The instructors in the department have taught under some adverse conditions over the past four years while they were without a permanent home,” said Jenkins. “The aerobics room is so beautiful. I love to see the absolute joy on the face of the instructors when they use that incredible room.”
For UWG, The Coliseum has given faculty, staff and students a new place to enjoy and take part in the athletic realm of the university for many years to come. For general information, call 678-839-5105 and for inquiries for use of The Coliseum, call 678-839-5141.
