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City council offered a thin thread of a lifeline Thursday to the Coliseum, asking administration to look at issuing a formal request for proposals that could include demolition or a new use for the building.

“Hail Mary. There might be someone out there that has an idea that wouldn’t infringe on those (downtown arena) agreements,” said Coun. Tony Caterina.

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City officials believe previous council votes to permanently close the structure have already pretty much shut that door, especially since the Rogers Place agreement with the Katz Group prohibits further use for sports or entertainment.

Operated by Northlands since 1974, the Coliseum will be transferred to the city and close on Jan. 1. Northlands is planning a free farewell weekend with a hockey game, public skate and multicultural round dance for the weekend of Dec. 15-17.

“It’s pray for the Coliseum at this point,” agreed Mayor Don Iveson, saying in his mind there is no alternative that has an economically viable use for a cavernous, asbestos-ridden, 44-year-old building.