Study says Coliseum needs $117M renovation

A new study from the Hammes Company indicates the county should look to replace the aging Dane County Coliseum with a new arena.

A number of county leaders reportedly support the plan, which could include bringing more visitors to Madison through new hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments.

However, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi thinks there are better uses for county funds.

“We think we can do this incrementally and get the bang for the buck that we need, but the bottom line is that $120 million is way too much,” Parisi said.

Parisi reportedly supports smaller improvements to the facility at the Alliant Energy Center, which would allow the county to use remaining funds to clean up Dane County’s lakes or upgrade another venue.