Spectrum Center

Spectrum Center is an indoor arena located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It is owned by the city of Charlotte and operated by its main tenant, the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. The arena seats 19,077 for NBA games but can be expanded to 20,200 for college basketball games.

This article is about the arena in Charlotte. For the former arena in Philadelphia, see Spectrum (arena).
Spectrum Center
The Cable Box
The Hive
Spectrum Center in 2018
Spectrum Center is located in North Carolina
Spectrum Center
Spectrum Center
Location in North Carolina
Spectrum Center is located in the United States
Spectrum Center
Spectrum Center
Location in the United States
Former namesCharlotte Bobcats Arena (2005–2008)
Time Warner Cable Arena (2008–2016)
Address333 East Trade Street
LocationCharlotte, North Carolina
Coordinates35°13′30″N 80°50′21″W
Public transitTram interchange CTC/Arena
OwnerCity of Charlotte
OperatorHornets Sports & Entertainment
CapacityBasketball: 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
SurfaceMulti-surface
Construction
Broke groundJuly 29, 2003
OpenedOctober 21, 2005
Renovated2016
Construction cost$260 million
($390 million in 2022 dollars[1])
ArchitectEllerbe Becket[2]
Odell Associates, Inc.
The Freelon Group, Inc.
Project managerPC Sports[3]
General contractorHunt/R.J. Leeper[4]
Tenants
Charlotte Hornets (NBA) (2005–present)
Charlotte Checkers (ECHL) (2005–2010)
Charlotte Sting (WNBA) (2006)
Charlotte Checkers (AHL) (2010–2015)
Website
spectrumcentercharlotte.com

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.[5] 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 The Hornets' arena, the Charlotte Coliseum, was considered outdated despite being only 13 years old.

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.[6] 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.[7] 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 around $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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10][11] Following Charter Communications' purchase of TWC, the arena was renamed Spectrum Center, in accordance with Charter's trade name for its cable services.[12]

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.[13] (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.[14][15] 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.[16] 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.[17]

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:

Mixed martial arts

On January 27, 2018, the arena hosted its first UFC event for UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2.[19] The promotion returned to the arena on May 13, 2023 for UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida.[20]

Other events

In 2012, the Spectrum Center hosted the Democratic National Convention.[21] In 2016, the arena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions.[22] It was scheduled to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game,[23][24] 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.[25][26] 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.[27] 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.[28] 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.[29]

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

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 May 28, 2023.
  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. 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.
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