Music and Sports Venues

Bojangles Coliseum

2700 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28205

 

 

Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC has a lot of history. This arena originally opened in 1955 and has seen many changes throughout the years. The venue features a domed roof that was very unique when the coliseum was built. It was the first free-spanning dome in the US and the largest unsupported dome in the world. The dome spans 332 feet in diameter and is made of tin. Ovens Auditorium sits adjacent to the coliseum and it opened at the same time. The opening of these two building put Charlotte on the map in the world of entertainment. The Chrysler/De Soto Car Show was the first event to take place at the coliseum. Since then the venue has hosted thousands of events which includes basketball, concerts, wrestling, boxing, tennis, roller derby, indoor motorcycle racing, ice capades, circus, hockey, graduation ceremonies, consumer shows and many, many more.

 

The coliseum has had multiple names over the years. When it opened in 1955 it was called the Charlotte Coliseum and had a seating capacity of 10,000 to 14,000 (depending on the event). It remained the Charlotte Coliseum until the venue closed in 1988 when the new Charlotte Coliseum was opened as the home of the Charlotte Hornets. Soon after closing the city determined the building was still needed and began major renovations which lasted 5 years. The building reopened in 1993 as Independence Arena with a seating capacity of just under 10,000 and became the home of the Charlotte Checkers (minor-league hockey team). It was also used for smaller events that didn’t need the space or seating the new coliseum provided. In 2001 Cricket Communications purchased the naming rights for the venue and it became Cricket Arena. The Checkers remained the primary tenant until 2005 when they moved to the new Charlotte Bobcats Arena (currently known as the Spectrum Center). Cricket Arena was left without a core tenant when the Checkers moved. It remained opened and was used for smaller concerts, stage shows and some high school and college sporting events. In 2008 Bojangles Restaurants, Inc bought the naming rights and once again the venue was renamed. This time it became Bojangles Coliseum and has remained unchanged since then.

 

 

Bojangles Coliseum remained without a primary occupant for another seven years until the Checkers tentatively agreed to return in 2014 providing the city of Charlotte would agree to major renovations. The city agreed to fund the renovations and the Checkers returned to the arena for the 2015-2016 season. The renovations included new seats throughout the arena, new scoreboards, a new sound system (the building still had the original sound system from 1955), updated locker rooms and concessions as well as a restaurant. The city made additional renovations in 2016 that included heating and cooling, new lighting and replacement of the ice floor. The Checkers have continued to play their home games in the venue to this day.

 

Bojangles Coliseum is over 60 years old now and is still going strong. There is so much history in this building. Thousands of famous people and performers have taken the stage here over the years and have provided memories that will last a lifetime. The city of Charlotte has grown into a major city over the years and Bojangles Coliseum has played an important role in the growth and success of the Queen city. You can visit this venue for a game or a show and become part of the history of a long lasting dynasty.

 

If you’re planning to attend an event at the Bojangles Coliseum there is plenty of parking and lots open two hours before events. Access is easy to the coliseum as it is located on Independence Blvd which is a main thoroughfare in Charlotte. However, traffic is always heavy on this road so allow plenty of time to get in and out.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this article. Please feel free to leave a comment below.