Built With 48 Concrete Columns And A Record-Breaking 332-Foot Dome, This 1955 North Carolina Coliseum Still Defies Expectations
Billy Graham dedicated this arena, and Elvis Presley later played it more than once.
That is quite a guest list for one round building.
The roof may be the biggest star, though.
It stretches 332 feet without a single interior support, and when it opened, the dome was celebrated as the largest unsupported structure of its kind in the world.
Around the edge, 48 concrete columns rise 53 feet and lean slightly outward, giving the whole place a wonderfully futuristic look for 1955.
I like that this North Carolina landmark never settled for becoming an architectural relic.
It closed, came back, changed names, and somehow kept filling up for new generations.
Nearly everything around it has modernized.
The old dome just keeps finding reasons to turn the lights back on.
That Roof Once Beat Every Other Dome On Earth
Back in 1955, engineers pulled off something nobody else had managed. Bojangles Coliseum opened that year as the Charlotte Coliseum, with the largest unsupported dome in the world.
The roof stretches 332 feet across and rises 112 feet high. No pillars stand inside holding it up, which means nothing blocks the view.
It also became the first free-spanning dome in the United States. That’s a big deal for a city in North Carolina that wasn’t yet a major sports town.
Odell and Associates of Charlotte designed the building. Structural engineers from Severud-Elstad-Krueger Associates helped make the math work.
Here’s a fun twist most people miss. The shiny roof cladding is aluminum, while a framework of steel supports the enormous dome.
When you visit, take a minute to look up from inside. The ceiling curves overhead like a giant upside-down bowl, and it feels bigger than you’d expect.
Plenty of modern arenas use steel trusses and boxy roofs. This one went for a bold curve and stuck with it for seven decades.
Honestly, that kind of confidence deserves a little respect. Snap a photo of the dome from the parking lot before you head inside.
Count The Columns And You Will Hit 48
Forty-eight columns ring the outside of this building. Each one stands 53 feet tall, and they all cant slightly outward.
That lean isn’t a mistake or a sign of age. It’s part of the design, giving the arena its crown-like shape.
Walk around the perimeter and you’ll notice the rhythm. Column, gap, column, gap, all the way around the circle.
Kids might enjoy counting them on the way in. Fair warning, it takes a while, and someone will lose track around thirty.
The columns help frame the giant roof. Together, they create a look that feels both retro and surprisingly modern.
Charlotte has grown a lot of glass towers since 1955. Yet this concrete ring still stands out on East Independence Boulevard.
Photographers love strong lines and repeating patterns. These columns deliver both, especially when the light hits them at an angle.
If you arrive early for an event, use that time well. Stroll the outside, look up, and appreciate how the whole thing fits together.
It’s free architecture class with a hockey game attached. Not a bad trade for showing up a little early.
Bojangles Coliseum sits at 2700 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205.
Four Names, One Building, Zero Identity Crisis
Few buildings change names this often and keep their charm. It started as the Charlotte Coliseum in 1955.
In 1988, a newer Charlotte Coliseum opened, and the original closed for a while. Plenty of old arenas never come back from that.
This one did. After extensive refurbishment, it reopened in 1993 as Independence Arena, focused on small and mid-sized events.
The name switched to Cricket Arena in 2001. Then, in 2008, it became Bojangles’ Coliseum, apostrophe included.
That apostrophe quietly disappeared in 2020. So today the official name is simply Bojangles Coliseum, no punctuation drama.
Billy Graham dedicated the building on September 11, 1955. Over the years, Elvis Presley performed here several times.
Political leaders, musicians, and family shows have all passed through. The guest list reads like a history book with a soundtrack.
Knowing this backstory makes a visit feel richer. You’re sitting where generations of North Carolina fans cheered before you.
Next time someone calls it by an older name, you’ll know why. Feel free to share the apostrophe trivia, too.
Hockey Has Lived Here Since 1956
Ice and this arena go way back. Versions of the Charlotte Checkers have called the place home since 1956.
Today, the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers skate here. That’s the American Hockey League, one step below the NHL.
Hockey games rank among the most popular reasons people visit. The action is fast, loud, and easy for first-timers to enjoy.
In 2016, renovations replaced the ice floor. Crews also upgraded heating and cooling systems and added new interior lighting.
Those changes matter when you’re watching pucks fly. Better lighting means you can actually follow the play.
Seating capacity sits at 10,829. That size keeps fans fairly close to the glass compared with giant pro arenas.
Want a tip for hockey newbies? Watch the players, not just the puck, and you’ll catch more of the strategy.
Bring a jersey if you have one. Red, black, and Checkers gear will help you blend right in.
Families, date nights, and longtime fans all fit here. Few traditions in Charlotte stretch back nearly seventy years like this one does.
Party Between The Locker Room And The Ice
Most fans watch players from the stands. At the Red Line Club, you can be right in their path.
This lower-level space sits between the Checkers locker room and the ice. Players pass by as they head out to skate.
That setup gives fans a chance to interact with the team. For young hockey fans, it might be the highlight of the season.
The Red Line Club operates during Checkers games. It offers a dining and party experience instead of a regular seat.
The menu leans into the theme with hockey-inspired entrees. Even the food knows what sport it’s attending.
Planning a birthday or group outing? This kind of space can turn an ordinary game into a real event.
Check availability well ahead of time. Special experiences like this tend to require planning, especially for popular game nights.
It’s one thing to cheer from section 200. It’s another to see the players gear up a few feet away.
If you’ve been to plenty of games already, this adds something new. Consider it a fresh angle on an old favorite.
Yes, You Can Grab Bojangles At Bojangles Coliseum
It would feel wrong if the chicken wasn’t here. Thankfully, a Bojangles Stand serves Chicken Supremes and Seasoned Fries.
Kelly’s East Side Diner offers those same favorites. You’ll also find hamburgers, hot dogs, and snacks there.
Craving something different? Route 74 Grill handles pizza, hot dogs, bratwursts, and nachos.
Goalie Guacamole brings Latin-influenced street grill options. The name alone earns points for creativity.
One big thing to remember is payment. The venue is cashless, so bring a card or a phone that can pay.
Outside food and drinks aren’t allowed in. Plan to eat here or grab a meal before you arrive.
A smart move is hitting concessions before the crowd rush. Intermissions and halftimes can get busy fast.
Chicken Supremes and hockey just make sense together. It’s a very North Carolina pairing that feels right at home.
Variety helps when groups have picky eaters. Somebody wants pizza, somebody wants chicken, and everyone stays happy.
So come with an appetite and a card. The menu covers more ground than you might guess.
A Connector That Turned Two Venues Into The BOplex
In 2020, the arena gained a very useful new neighbor connection. A 35,000-square-foot connector now links it with Ovens Auditorium next door.
Together, the two buildings form what’s called the BOplex. Short name, big upgrade.
The connector added hospitality spaces for events and gatherings. It also brought extra public restrooms, which every arena fan appreciates.
New concession options came with it, too. More choices usually mean shorter walks for a snack.
There’s even an artist corridor inside. That gives performers a dedicated path between spaces behind the scenes.
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority operates the venue. Their investment shows a clear plan to keep this 1955 landmark useful.
Mixing old and new can go badly. Here, the modern addition supports the historic dome instead of hiding it.
One practical tip involves scheduling. Events sometimes run at Ovens at the same time, so parking can fill quicker.
Check what’s happening at both venues before you leave home. A little planning keeps your arrival smooth.
The BOplex proves an older building can grow up gracefully. Charlotte found a way to honor history and still add comfort.
From Graduation Caps To Concert Lights
Hockey gets plenty of attention, but the calendar runs much wider. Graduations are one of the biggest draws at this arena.
Families across the Charlotte area celebrate milestones under the dome. Few venues in town handle ceremonies of this size so often.
Concerts fill the schedule as well. Comedy shows, family shows, and fights also take the stage.
College basketball has a long history here, too. The CIAA and Big South Conferences have both held tournaments in the building.
That kind of variety keeps the place lively year-round. One week it’s ice, the next it’s a stage.
Heading to a graduation? Remember the strict bag rules, because non-clear bags larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches aren’t allowed.
Leave larger purses in the car. It saves you a long walk back after security.
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in multiple sections. Ask ahead if anyone in your group needs it.
A building from 1955 hosting today’s grads feels pretty special. Grandparents might have cheered in these same seats decades ago.
That’s the kind of continuity North Carolina families can appreciate.
Know Before You Go On Independence Boulevard
Finding the place is the easy part.
It’s just east of uptown Charlotte. Look for that giant dome, and you can’t really miss it.
Parking lots usually open two hours before events. Some non-ticketed events charge a parking fee, so check ahead.
Security is thorough here. Everyone and their belongings get searched, and walk-through metal detectors are used.
That means arriving early pays off. Give yourself extra time, especially for big nights or warm-weather events.
Remember the clear bag policy and cashless setup. Pack light, bring a card, and leave outside snacks behind.
Looking for the event schedule? The official BOplex channels list upcoming games, shows, and ceremonies.
This North Carolina landmark has welcomed crowds for about seventy years. A little prep helps you enjoy it without stress.
After the event, take one last look at the dome lit up against the sky. It’s a nice reminder of what 1955 engineering could do.
Not many arenas still impress this long after opening day. This one keeps quietly proving its point.
