Charlotte City Council Approves Funding to Renovate Bojangles' Coliseum

Author: Paul Branecky Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Checkers' vice president of communications, Paul Branecky has been covering hockey in North Carolina since 2006, including five seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Charlotte City Council today approved $16 million in renovations to Bojangles’ Coliseum, making it possible for the Charlotte Checkers to begin play there for the 2015-16 season.A press conference to formally announce the move will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Bojangles’ Coliseum. Checkers owner Michael Kahn, Checkers Chief Operating Officer Tera Black, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Tom Murray and Carolina Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis will speak and be available for questions. The press conference will be open to the public and free food from Bojangles' will be available to all in attendance while supplies last.The approved funding is comprised of $12 million that the CRVA previously proposed for amateur sports and civic events. The additional $4 million is needed to accommodate the Checkers and the infrastructure demands of an American Hockey League team.Under a 10-year agreement with two five-year options previously made between the Checkers and the CRVA, the approved funding will go towards a new video board, external digital marquees, digital ribbon boards, new seats, new premium seating areas, internal branding specific to the Checkers, new hockey-related amenities and other upgrades.The Checkers, who occupied Bojangles’ Coliseum at various points between 1956 and 2005, will complete the 2014-15 season at Time Warner Cable Arena.