Coleman Young took office in 1974, his goal was to keep building Detroit's assets and to improve racial equality within the city. Coleman Young was re-elected 5 times, for a total of 20 years as mayor. Mayor Young was able to continue the revival well into the 80’s giving way to many new projects that sought to boost the economy. The first project that he approved was the Joe Louis Arena which was built in 1979. The Joe Louis Arena replaced the old Olympia Stadium which was seen as out of date and failed at accommodating big events. Shortly after its opening it was host to its first big national event, the Republican National Convention