Addition Links NC Venues to the Future

The new connector building linking two vintage sports and entertainment venues in North Carolina’s biggest market has officially opened, providing more concessions and restrooms plus hospitality space for anchor tenant the Charlotte Checkers.

The $20 million addition, designed by Odell, a Charlotte design firm, spans 35,000 square feet. The project was completed in March 2020 but the addition never opened its doors to the public due to the pandemic.

The interior of the connector building brings a modern look and convenience to 8,600-seat Bojangles Coliseum and 2,447-seat Ovens Auditorium. The arena and performing arts center both opened in 1955 and sit next to each other along Independence Boulevard, a major thoroughfare running through the city.

But the two buildings were never connected by an indoor pedestrian walkway until now.