BoPlex in need of repairs, $25M renovation plan up for vote

CHARLOTTE — A key vote for major upgrades to the BoPlex is happening Monday.

The Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium have welcomed millions of people over the last 70 years.

Last year the Bojangles Coliseum brought in $19 million and welcomed more than 688,00 attendees.

It’s been around for decades and Charlotte City Council wants to keep it around much longer with a key vote on upgrades.

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Elvis first played there in the 1950s.

It’s where thousands attended one of Billy Graham’s Crusades.

Stevie Wonder took the stage in the 1970s. Tina Turner in the 1980s.

And let’s not forget all of the hockey games.

The Bojangles Coliseum has hosted more than 20,000 events over 70 years.

“I love the coliseum. I’ve been to it since 1955,” said David Darwin, a fan. “I came here to see the Eastern Regionals in the 60s.”

Charlotte City Council will vote Monday night on millions of dollars worth of improvements to the Coliseum and its neighbor.

Plans call for replacing two chillers at Ovens Auditorium. They date back to the 1990s.

The Air Handler Units date back to the 1970s. Six new ones would be acquired for the coliseum.

Ovens Auditorium also would get a new air handler. Its current one is from the 1950s.

The venues would also get a new boiler.

“I look forward to any new improvements that they do,” Darwin said.

“We have to take care of Bojangles,” said Councilmember Dante Anderson. He represents the area and says this is a worthwhile investment. “It’s proven to be a driver and a deliverer of tourism and hospitality.”

The HVAC improvements will cost $23 million. The CRVA is also asking for $2 million to study electrical, plumbing and parking. The money comes from the Tourism Fund, which people pay into when they stay at hotels or rent a car.

There were a couple of roof leaks a few weeks ago that resulted in Checkers’ games being canceled. A new roof is not included in this incentive package, but those repairs are still being taken care of.

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