Coliseum (also known as: Chicago Coliseum)

Years of operation:  1935 & 1948

Location: 15th St. and Wabash Ave. ( 1513 S. Wabash Ave. ), Chicago

Notes: Two midget races held in 1935 with Tony Willman and Marshall Lewis winning October events…in 1948, United Auto Racing Association (UARA) sanctioned three indoor events with Ray Elliott winning the “opener” on 1/9/48 with the crowd being reported at around 3,000 fans – years later announcer Wayne Adams commented that “the crowds weren’t very good – no people”…Earl Simmons won on 1/30/48 with Elliott repeating on 2/6/48…Frank Harmon, son of Chicago pioneer sports promoter Patrick “Paddy” Harmon, was the promoter of the UARA events…the elder Harmon (D: 7/22/30) was the “driving force” behind the building of the Chicago Stadium…Frank Harmon unsuccessfully attempted to get the “OK” from the Chicago Board of Education to promote midget races at Hanson Park in 1948…the building was demolished in the early 1980’s.

UARA midget drivers pose around Paul Ambrose and his midget racer at Chicago's Coliseum in 1948.
(Raymond "Red" Boscher Family Photo Collection)

Posing at Chicago's Coliseum before an indoor UARA midget race in 1948, Paul Ambrose sits behind the wheel of his No. 33 with Red Boscher (left) and Frank "Ham" Lobaza in the background. 
(Raymond "Red" Boscher Family Photo Collection)