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Spectrum Center

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Spectrum Center in 2018
Spectrum CenterLocation in North CarolinaShow map of North CarolinaSpectrum CenterLocation in the United StatesShow map of the United States
Former names	Charlotte Bobcats Arena (2005–2008) Time Warner Cable Arena (2008–2016)
Address	333 East Trade Street
Location	Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
Coordinates	35°13′30″N 80°50′21″W / 35.22500°N 80.83917°W / 35.22500; -80.83917
Public transit	CTC/Arena
Owner	City of Charlotte
Operator	Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Capacity	Basketball: 19,077 (expandable to 20,200) Pro Wrestling: 20,200 (maximum) Concerts: *End stage 180°: 13,376 *End stage 270°: 15,236 *End stage 360°: 18,249 *Center stage: 18,504 *Theatre: 4,000–7,000 Hockey: 14,100
Surface	Multi-surface
Construction
Broke ground	July 29, 2003
Opened	October 21, 2005
Renovated	2016
Construction cost	$260 million ($406 million in 2023 dollars)
Architect	Ellerbe Becket Odell Associates, Inc. The Freelon Group, Inc.
Project manager	PC Sports
General contractor	Hunt/R.J. Leeper
Tenants
Charlotte Hornets (NBA) (2005–present) Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) (2005–2010) Charlotte Sting (WNBA) (2006) Charlotte Checkers (AHL) (2010–2015)
Website
spectrumcentercharlotte.com

Spectrum Center is an indoor arena in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. Located in Uptown, it is owned by the city of Charlotte and operated by its main tenant, the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The arena seats 19,077 for NBA games but can be expanded to 20,200 for college basketball games.

History

The arena opened in October 2005 as Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The name was changed to Time Warner Cable Arena when the naming rights were purchased in 2008. When Charter Communications purchased Time Warner Cable in 2016, the name was again changed to reflect the Spectrum trade name.

The arena was originally intended to host the original Hornets franchise in the early 2000s. The Hornets' arena, the Charlotte Coliseum, was considered outdated despite being only 13 years old, primarily owing to the arena only containing eight luxury suites, whereas the Palace of Auburn Hills, which opened the same year as the Coliseum, had 180.

In 2001, a non-binding public referendum for an arts package, which included money to build the new uptown arena, was placed on the ballot for voters; it was placed in order to demonstrate what was believed to be widespread public support for new arena construction. Polls showed the referendum on its way to passage until then-mayor Pat McCrory vetoed a living wage ordinance just days before the referendum. As a result, Helping Empower Local People, a grass-roots organization supporting a living wage, launched a campaign to oppose the arena, arguing that it was immoral for the city to build a new arena when city workers didn't earn enough to make a living. The referendum failed with 43% for building the arena and 57% opposed.

City leaders then devised a way to build a new arena that did not require voter support, but let it be known that they wouldn't consider building it unless then-Hornets' owner George Shinn sold the team. While even the NBA acknowledged that Shinn had alienated fans, NBA officials felt such a statement would anger other team owners. As it turned out, the NBA approved the Hornets' application to move to New Orleans. However, the league promised that the city would get a new team—which became the Bobcats—as part of the deal. The total cost of the arena to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County was not known, but estimated at $260 million. The construction was approved by the city council, which did not opt to present another referendum to the public.

The arena opened as the Charlotte Bobcats Arena on October 21, 2005, costing $265 million. Architects hoped the building would bring the city together, as its location and large outdoor plaza, among other features, would suggest. The building's concourses and open design, plus artwork throughout also suggests the concept of community and socializing. One major feature of the arena was its original center-hung scoreboard, which was not only the largest scoreboard in any NBA arena when it debuted, but also featured a one-of-a-kind light-up 360 degree 3D mural of the Charlotte skyline. In early 2006, the arena became the subject of controversy when the Bobcats charged a $15,000 fee to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for graduation ceremonies held at the building. The fee was eventually waived following media attention from a local newspaper. Many high schools in the area moved graduations to Bojangles' Coliseum.

As part of the deal, TWC shuttered its poorly-performing regional sports network C-SET (which was established to serve as the Bobcats' rightsholder) and allowed the team to negotiate a new deal with Fox Sports South to ensure wider distribution of its games. Following Charter Communications' purchase of TWC, the arena was renamed Spectrum Center, in accordance with Charter's trade name for its cable services.

Renovations

In September 2014, the Charlotte city council agreed to give the Hornets $34 million for arena renovations in preparation for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. (However, the game was moved to New Orleans because of a controversial HB2 bill, but Spectrum Center did host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game to make up for it.)

On January 24, 2015, the Hornets announced and unveiled images of a new scoreboard to be installed in summer 2016, costing $7 million. The board's screens measure out at 25' high by 42' wide and 18' high by 31' wide, approximately, making it almost twice the size of the original board and among the NBA's largest. The screens are able to handle 1080p resolution, something unique to the NBA. Two smaller "underbelly" screens would also be included. In addition, the scoreboard would be able to change colors and have a visible 'hive' motif built-in throughout its design. It was also announced that four retractable auxiliary scoreboards will be installed in the corners of the upper level and finally, 360° ribbon boards are scheduled to be installed as well. Construction was completed by the start of the 2016–17 NBA season. Also announced were plans for the renovation of the visitors locker room, suites, and other rooms. This marked the first major renovations to the Spectrum Center in its history.

The city proposed a $245 million renovation plan for both the arena and the area around it in early 2022. It included various internal upgrades to the arena such as new HVAC units, and the possibility of an outdoor space for entertainment similar to others found at NBA arenas. The biggest addition would be a separate new practice facility located across the street from the arena. In addition, the cost would also cover upgrades to the existing transit station where the new facility would be. City leaders approved the renovations, now priced at $275 million, in June 2022. Construction is expected to start in summer 2022 with a rough completion date in 2027.

Major events

College basketball

As North Carolina is a hotbed for college basketball thanks to constant success among its major universities, it was expected that the arena would host many NCAA basketball games, and that expectation was correct. Notable NCAA basketball games the Spectrum Center has hosted to date include:

• NCAA tournament: 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, 2024
  • The arena hosted the first ever 16–1 upset in the NCAA Tournament since the 64-team field was adopted. The UMBC Retrievers upset the Virginia Cavaliers 74–54 on March 16, 2018.
• ACC men's basketball tournament: 2008, 2019
• Southern Conference men's basketball tournament: 2010
• Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men's and women's basketball tournaments: 2006–2020.
• The Charlotte 49ers basketball teams play a number of high-profile games at the arena.

Mixed martial arts

On January 27, 2018, the arena hosted its first UFC event for UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2. The promotion returned to the arena on May 13, 2023, for UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida.

Other events

In 2012, the Spectrum Center hosted the Democratic National Convention. In 2016, the arena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions. It was scheduled to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game, but was removed as host on July 21, 2016, due to the league's opposition against North Carolina's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act signed by then-Governor Pat McCrory. The league said consideration for Charlotte to host in 2019 would remain if the North Carolina State Legislature and current Governor Roy Cooper made changes to the act that were satisfactory to the league. On May 24, 2017, Charlotte and the arena were officially announced as hosts of the 2019 NBA All-Star Game. The arena was originally scheduled to host the 2020 Republican National Convention, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event was scaled back with Day 1 events taking place at the Charlotte Convention Center and the remainder of the convention being held virtually.

Tenants

Spectrum Center has had two other permanent tenants besides the Hornets.

The Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL vacated historic Bojangles' Coliseum to play in the new arena in fall 2005. When the ECHL Checkers gave way to an American Hockey League team with the same name, they remained at the arena. Although primarily built for basketball, the arena can accommodate an NHL-sized ice hockey rink. The seating capacity for hockey was 14,100 in an asymmetrical seating arrangement, with much of the upper level curtained off. This resulted in many seats with poor sightlines; over 4,000 seats in the hockey configuration had obstructed views. Primarily because of those factors, on December 16, 2014, it was announced the Checkers would move back to Bojangles' Coliseum starting with the 2015–16 AHL season. Overall, both incarnations of the Checkers played 10 seasons at the arena.

The WNBA's Charlotte Sting moved with the then-Bobcats to the arena in 2005, becoming the building's third permanent tenant. However, they only played one season at their new home in 2006 before folding in early 2007. This was due to low attendance and a lack of on-court success.

Entertainment

The arena is used for more than just sporting events. Musical acts, family productions and other events including concerts, circuses, and professional wrestling all perform there.

In film and television

• One Tree Hill location shoot for the season six finale, "Remember Me as a Time of Day". Aired on May 18, 2009.
• American Idol Season 12 auditions, June 19, 2012.
• The series finale of Veep is primarily set in this venue.

Gallery

• The arena in 2008, with its first Time Warner Cable Arena logo
• The exterior in 2015
• The exterior in 2012
• The arena during a Charlotte Bobcats game in 2005
• Interior in 2011

See also

• List of indoor arenas by capacity

References

1. 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
2. "Ellerbe Becket - Time Warner Cable Arena". Archived from the original on 2009-07-11. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
3. "Charlotte Arena Quick Facts". Charlotte Bobcats. Archived from the original on December 31, 2009. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
4. Muret, Don (November 14, 2005). "Carolina Character". Sports Business Daily. Retrieved September 13, 2016. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
5. George, Jefferson (April 8, 2008). "Time Warner wins arena naming rights". The Charlotte Observer. p. 1D. Retrieved August 25, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
6. "World Class City, Third World Paycheck". Creative Loafing Charlotte – Archives. Archived from the original on 2009-01-13.
7. "Council willing to amend 'new owner' statement". ESPN.com. Associated Press. February 16, 2002.
8. Suppes, BALLPARKS.com by Munsey and. "Spectrum Center". basketball.ballparks.com. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
9. "Highlights - Time Warner Cable Arena". www.timewarnercablearena.com. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
10. Cranston, Mike (April 7, 2008). "Time Warner gets naming rights for Bobcats Arena". WCNC-TV. Associated Press. Retrieved April 7, 2008.
11. George, Jefferson; Bonnell, Rick (April 9, 2008). "Deals Widen Bobcats' TV Reach". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on April 17, 2008. Retrieved April 16, 2008.
12. Peralta, Katherine (August 17, 2016). "Charlotte Hornets' home arena changing name to Spectrum Center". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
13. Spanberg, Erik (September 8, 2014). "Council backs $34M for Charlotte Hornets' arena". Charlotte Business Journal. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
14. "Hornets Introduce New Scoreboard Design". Charlotte Hornets. February 24, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
15. Kiser, Bill (February 24, 2016). "Hornets unveil design for new $7 million scoreboard, rave about its unique features". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
16. "City proposes $245M total for renovations to Spectrum Center". 31 May 2022.
17. "Charlotte City Council approves $275 million for Spectrum Center upgrades, practice facility". 14 June 2022.
18. "Charlotte, Greensboro Named As Future ACC Men's Basketball Tournament Sites". Atlantic Coast Conference. www.theacc.com. 27 March 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2018.
19. Erickson, Matt (January 27, 2018). "UFC on FOX 27 results: 'Jacare' Souza takes out Derek Brunson after head kick in first". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
20. Wells, Matthew (May 13, 2023). "UFC on ABC 4 results: Jailton Almeida smothers, chokes Jairzinho Rozenstruik in first". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
21. Spanberg, Erik (February 1, 2011). "Charlotte to follow Denver as host city of Democratic National Convention". Denver Business Journal. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
22. "2016 Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions takes center stage beginning Sept. 15". usagym.org. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
23. Pandian, Ananth (June 22, 2015). "Report: Charlotte will host 2017 NBA All-Star Game". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
24. Preston, Ken (April 8, 2010). "Carolina Hurricanes to Host 2011 NHL All-Star Game". Carolina Hurricanes. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
25. Mahoney, Brian (July 21, 2016). "NBA moving All-Star Game out of Charlotte, cites LGBT law". National Basketball Association. Associated Press. Retrieved September 14, 2016.
26. "NBA All-Star Game pulled from Charlotte over HB2 law". Sports Illustrated. 21 July 2016. Retrieved 21 July 2016.
27. release, Official. "Charlotte to host NBA All-Star 2019 - NBA.com". NBA.com. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
28. "Charlotte City Council Approves Funding to Renovate Bojangles' Coliseum - Charlotte Checkers Hockey - gocheckers.com". www.gocheckers.com. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
29. Cranston, Mike (January 3, 2007). "WNBA Franchise Charlotte Sting Folds". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
30. Martin, Adam (June 25, 2016). "Vengeance (Raw) PPV Results - 6/25/06 - Charlotte, NC (DX, more)". WrestleView. Retrieved January 7, 2009.

External links

• Official website

Links to related articles

Events and tenants Preceded byCharlotte Coliseum Home of the Charlotte Hornets 2005 – present Succeeded bycurrent Preceded byTimes Union Center (Albany) Home of the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) 2010 – 2015 Succeeded byBojangles' Coliseum Preceded byIndependence Arena Home of the Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) 2005 – 2010 Succeeded bylast arena Preceded byCharlotte Coliseum Home of the Charlotte Sting 2005 – 2007 Succeeded bylast arena v t e City of Charlotte, North Carolina Main Charlotteans Mecklenburg County Metrolina North Carolina Piedmont Flag Neighborhoods Tallest buildings History Timeline Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Mecklenburg Resolves Battle of Charlotte Charlotte Mint Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education Flight 212 Flight 1016 Government Mayor of Charlotte: Vi Lyles Charlotte City Council Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Public Library System Charlotte Fire CMPD Colleges and universities University of North Carolina at Charlotte Central Piedmont Community College Charlotte School of Law (Defunct) Johnson C. Smith University Johnson & Wales University Queens University of Charlotte Attractions Convention centers: Charlotte Convention Center Museums: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Billy Graham Library Carolinas Aviation Museum Discovery Place Harvey B. Gantt Center Levine Museum of the New South Mint Museum NASCAR Hall of Fame Performing arts: AvidxChange Music Factory Carolina Theatre (Charlotte) Charlotte Symphony Orchestra ImaginOn North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center PNC Music Pavilion Parks: First Ward Park Freedom Park The Green Independence Park Little Sugar Creek Greenway Reedy Creek Park Romare Bearden Park Sports arenas and fields: American Legion Memorial Stadium Bank of America Stadium Spectrum Center Truist Field See also: Levine Center for the Arts Queen City Quarter Sports teams Carolina Panthers (NFL) Charlotte Hornets (NBA) Charlotte FC (MLS) Charlotte Hounds (MLL) (defunct) Charlotte Checkers (AHL) Charlotte Independence (USLC) Charlotte Eagles (USL2) Charlotte Knights (IL) Charlotte Rugby Club (RSL) Charlotte 49ers (NCAA Division I) Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls and Lady Golden Bulls (NCAA Division II) Queens Royals (NCAA Division II) JWU Charlotte Wildcats (USCAA) Media Newspapers: The Charlotte Observer The Charlotte Post Creative Loafing Q-Notes Charlotte Weekly Television: 3 WBTV (CBS) 9 WSOC (ABC) 14 WWJS (Ind.) 18 WCCB (CW) 30 WNSC (PBS/ETV) 36 WCNC (NBC) 42 WTVI (PBS) 46 WJZY (Fox) 55 WMYT (MNT) 58 WUNG (PBS/UNC-TV) 64 WAXN (Ind.) Economy Uptown (Center city) Companies Convention Center Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Transportation Charlotte Area Transit System Lynx Blue Line CityLynx Gold Line Gateway Station Charlotte Douglas International Airport Roads: I-77 I-85 I-277 I-485 US 21 US 29 US 74 US 521 NC 16 NC 49 NC 51 NC 115 Route 4 Rail: Carolinian Crescent Piedmont Healthcare Atrium Health Mecklenburg County Health Department MEDIC Novant Health Category v t e Current arenas in the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference Atlantic Barclays Center Madison Square Garden Scotiabank Arena TD Garden Wells Fargo Center Central Fiserv Forum Gainbridge Fieldhouse Little Caesars Arena Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse United Center Southeast Capital One Arena Kaseya Center Kia Center Spectrum Center State Farm Arena Western Conference Northwest Ball Arena Delta Center Moda Center Paycom Center Target Center Pacific Chase Center Crypto.com Arena Footprint Center Golden 1 Center Intuit Dome Southwest American Airlines Center FedExForum Frost Bank Center Smoothie King Center Toyota Center v t e Sports venues in Metrolina Current American Legion Memorial Stadium (Charlotte) Atrium Health Ballpark (Kannapolis) Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte) Belk Track/Transamerica Field (Charlotte) Bojangles Coliseum (Charlotte) Cabarrus Arena (Concord) CaroMont Health Park (Gastonia) Charlotte Christian School (Charlotte) Charlotte Motor Speedway (Concord) CSA OrthoCarolina Sportsplex (Pineville) Dale F. Halton Arena (Charlotte) GoPro Motorplex (Mooresville) Grady Cole Center (Charlotte) Halton-Wagner Tennis Complex (Charlotte) Irwin Belk Complex (Charlotte) Irwin Belk Stadium (Wingate) Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park (Pineville) John M. Belk Arena (Davidson) Jerry Richardson Stadium (Charlotte) Keffer Stadium (Charlotte) Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex (Rock Hill) Millbridge Speedway (Salisbury) Mooresville Dragway (Mooresville) North Carolina Quarter Midget Association Speedway (Salisbury) Richardson Stadium (Davidson) Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium (Charlotte) Sims Legion Park (Gastonia) Spectrum Center (Charlotte) Sportsplex at Matthews (Matthews) T. Henry Wilson, Jr. Field (Davidson) Truist Field (Charlotte) Tuckaseegee Dream Fields (Charlotte) U.S. National Whitewater Center (Mecklenburg Co.) Waddell High School Stadium (Charlotte) Winthrop Ballpark (Rock Hill) Winthrop Coliseum (Rock Hill) Future -- Defunct Belk Gymnasium (Converted, Charlotte) Charlotte Coliseum (Demolished, Charlotte) Concord Speedway (Demolished, Midland) Griffith/Crockett Park (Burned down, Charlotte) Intimidators Stadium (Demolished, Kannapolis) Knights Stadium (Demolished, Fort Mill) Metrolina Speedway (Demolished, Charlotte) v t e Charlotte Hornets Founded in 1988 Formerly the Charlotte Bobcats (2004–2014) Based in Charlotte, North Carolina Franchise History All-time roster Draft history 1988 2004 Records Head coaches Seasons Current season Arenas Charlotte Coliseum Spectrum Center Personnel Owner(s) Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall President Fred Whitfield General manager Jeff Peterson Head coach Charles Lee G League affiliate Greensboro Swarm Retired numbers 13 Culture and lore Broadcasters Buzz City George Shinn Hugo Charlotte Honey Bees "Grandmama" "Zo" Patrick K. Doughty Dancing Barry v t e Charlotte 49ers men's basketball Venues Local high school gyms (1965–1970) Belk Gymnasium (1970–1976; alternate, 1976–1996) Bojangles Coliseum (1976–1988, 1993–1996) Charlotte Coliseum (1988–1993) Dale F. Halton Arena (1996–present) Spectrum Center (alternate, 2007–present) Culture & lore Norm the Niner People Head coaches Statistical leaders Seasons List of seasons 1965–66 1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 1970–71 1971–72 1972–73 1973–74 1974–75 1975–76 1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 1984–85 1985–86 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 1989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17 2017–18 2018–19 2019–20 2020–21 2021–22 2022–23 2023–24 2024–25 NCAA Final Four appearance in italics v t e Venues of the Democratic National Convention 1800s The Athenaeum and Warfield's Church (1832) Fourth Presbyterian Church (Baltimore) (1835) The Assembly Rooms (1840) Odd Fellows Hall (1844) Universalist Church (Baltimore) (1848) Maryland Institute (1852) Smith and Nixon's Hall (1856) South Carolina Institute Hall / Front Street Theater (1860) The Amphitheatre (Chicago) (1864) Tammany Hall (1868) Ford's Grand Opera House (1872) Merchants Exchange Building (1876) Cincinnati Music Hall (1880) Interstate Exposition Building (1884) Exposition Building (1888) Wigwam (1892) Chicago Coliseum (1896) 1900s Convention Hall (1900) St. Louis Coliseum (1904) Denver Auditorium Arena (1908) Fifth Regiment Armory (1912) Convention Hall (1916) San Francisco Civic Auditorium (1920) Madison Square Garden (II) (1924) Sam Houston Hall (1928) Chicago Stadium (1932) Philadelphia Convention Hall/Franklin Field (1936) Chicago Stadium (1940) Chicago Stadium (1944) Philadelphia Convention Hall (1948) International Amphitheatre (1952) International Amphitheatre (1956) Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena / Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1960) Atlantic City Convention Hall (1964) International Amphitheatre (1968) Miami Beach Convention Center (1972) Madison Square Garden (IV) (1976) Madison Square Garden (IV) (1980) Moscone Center (1984) Omni Coliseum (1988) Madison Square Garden (IV) (1992) United Center (1996) 2000s Staples Center (2000) FleetCenter (2004) Pepsi Center / Invesco Field (2008) Time Warner Cable Arena (2012) Wells Fargo Center (2016) Wisconsin Center (2020) United Center (2024)

• 2005 establishments in North Carolina
• Charlotte 49ers basketball venues
• Charlotte Checkers
• Charlotte Hornets
• Charlotte Sting
• Event venues established in 2005
• Gymnastics venues in the United States
• Ice hockey venues in North Carolina
• NBA venues
• Rodeo venues in the United States
• Sports venues completed in 2005
• Sports venues in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Uptown Charlotte
• Women's National Basketball Association venues