Spectrum Center
The Charlotte Bobcats Arena opened its doors on the 21st of October 2005. This new venue replaced the aging Charlotte Coliseum, which had hosted the original Hornets franchise since the early 1990s. City leaders hoped the building would bring the community together through its location and large outdoor plaza. The arena cost $265 million to build and seated 19,444 spectators for NBA games. It could expand to 20,200 seats for college basketball events. The facility was originally named after the city's new NBA team, the Bobcats. In 2008, Time Warner Cable purchased naming rights and renamed it Time Warner Cable Arena. Charter Communications acquired Time Warner Cable in 2016 and changed the name again to Spectrum Center. This rebranding reflected the company's trade name for its cable services.
A non-binding public referendum appeared on the ballot in 2001 to gauge support for a new arena. Polls suggested the measure would pass until then-mayor Pat McCrory vetoed a living wage ordinance days before the vote. Helping Empower Local People launched a campaign opposing the arena because city workers did not earn enough to make a living. The referendum failed with 43% supporting construction and 57% opposed. City leaders devised a way to fund the project without voter approval. They made it clear they would only proceed if George Shinn sold the Hornets franchise. The NBA approved the team's move to New Orleans but promised Charlotte a new expansion team. The league acknowledged that Shinn had alienated fans during his tenure. The total cost remained unknown initially but eventually reached $265 million. The city council approved construction without presenting another referendum to the public.
In September 2014, the Charlotte city council allocated $34 million for arena renovations ahead of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. That game moved to New Orleans due to controversy surrounding HB2 legislation. The Spectrum Center hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star Game instead to compensate. On the 24th of January 2015, officials unveiled plans for a massive new scoreboard costing $7 million. The screens measured approximately 25 feet high by 42 feet wide and featured 1080p resolution. Two smaller underbelly screens joined four retractable auxiliary scoreboards in the upper corners. A 360-degree ribbon board completed the visual overhaul before the 2016-17 season began. City leaders approved a $275 million renovation plan in June 2022 covering both the arena and surrounding area. Construction started in summer 2022 with completion expected by 2027. The project included new HVAC units and an outdoor entertainment space similar to other NBA venues. A separate practice facility would be built across the street from the main arena.
The venue has hosted multiple NCAA tournament games since its opening in 2005. UNC Charlotte organized events in 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2024. On the 16th of March 2018, the UMBC Retrievers defeated the Virginia Cavaliers 74-54 in the first 16-seed upset since the 64-team field format was adopted. The ACC men's basketball tournament appeared here in 2008 and 2019. Southern Conference tournaments took place in 2010 while CIAA championships ran annually from 2006 through 2020. Mixed martial arts arrived on the 27th of January 2018 when UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 filled the building. The promotion returned on the 13th of May 2023 for UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida. The arena also accommodated NHL-sized ice hockey rinks with seating capacity of 14,100. The Charlotte Checkers played there from fall 2005 until the 16th of December 2014 when they moved back to Bojangles' Coliseum due to obstructed sightlines affecting over 4,000 seats.
Musical acts have performed at Spectrum Center since its opening day in October 2005. Elton John held a Peachtree Road Tour concert on the 12th of November 2005 during the venue's first year. Taylor Swift brought her Fearless Tour to Charlotte on the 5th of September 2009. Beyoncé appeared the 29th of July 2007 as part of The Beyoncé Experience tour. Coldplay performed their Mylo Xyloto Tour on the 3rd of July 2012 while Metallica played World Magnetic Tour on the 18th of October 2009. Comedy shows included Adam Sandler Live on the 18th of February 2023 and Jim Gaffigan's Noble Ape Tour on the 10th of November 2017. Family productions like Cirque du Soleil ran Delirium from April 28 through the 1st of May 2006. Professional wrestling events such as WWE Raw occurred multiple times starting the 23rd of January 2006. Political conventions also utilized the space including the Democratic National Convention in 2012 and the Republican National Convention originally scheduled for 2020 before pandemic restrictions scaled it back.
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Common questions
When did the Spectrum Center open in Charlotte?
The Charlotte Bobcats Arena opened its doors on the 21st of October 2005. This venue replaced the aging Charlotte Coliseum and was originally named after the city's new NBA team, the Bobcats.
Who owns the naming rights to the Spectrum Center now?
Charter Communications acquired Time Warner Cable in 2016 and changed the name again to Spectrum Center. This rebranding reflected the company's trade name for its cable services.
How much did it cost to build the Spectrum Center arena?
The facility cost $265 million to build and seated 19,444 spectators for NBA games. City leaders approved construction without presenting another referendum to the public.
What major sports events has the Spectrum Center hosted since 2005?
The venue has hosted multiple NCAA tournament games including a historic 16-seed upset on the 16th of March 2018 when UMBC defeated Virginia. It also accommodated NHL-sized ice hockey rinks with seating capacity of 14,100 and hosted UFC events starting on the 27th of January 2018.
When will the current renovation project at Spectrum Center be completed?
City leaders approved a $275 million renovation plan in June 2022 covering both the arena and surrounding area. Construction started in summer 2022 with completion expected by 2027.