A New Coliseum?

In 1955 Charlotte Coliseum opened to many accolades as the world's largest unsupported steel dome.  Placed along the evolving Independence Boulevard freeway, the arena hosted concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment. 

However, the facility was built with too little capacity, and Charlotte found itself in need of a larger venue to attract events.  Although the Atlantic Coast Conference basketball tournament was hosted at the Coliseum from 1968 to 1970, the event left for larger venues in Greensboro and Atlanta among other cities. 

A February 1982 editorial in the Charlotte Observer calls for a new arena in Charlotte.  Charlotte Coliseum attendance hit an annual peak in 1971 with nearly 885,000 visitors, but in later years declined by 200,000 a year. This drop was attributed to the loss of the pro basketball Charlotte Cougars, decline of pro hockey in Charlotte, and the lessened attraction of Davidson College's mens basketball team.

Editors note that "it is past time for Charlotte to build a new and bigger arena.  While the Coliseum is still a beautiful, multi-use facility, its 11,666 seats are being eclipsed by arenas elsewhere, and so is Charlotte's competitive position in the world of sports and entertainment."