Oh, the stories these walls could tell. Charlotte’s beloved Bojangles Coliseum is celebrating 70 years in the Queen City. Since opening its doors on Sept. 11, 1955, as the Charlotte Coliseum, this iconic venue has hosted unforgettable concerts, big wins, and community moments. We’re looking back at the first seven big events from The Biscuit’s 70-year history.
A major first
When built, it became the largest unsupported steel dome coliseum in the world and the first free-spanning dome in the US.
The first concert
Singer and guitarist Bo Diddley headlined the coliseum’s first concert on Jan. 31, 1956. Five months later, Elvis Presley played to about 7,000 fans and returned several times throughout his career.
The first hockey game
The Eastern Hockey League’s Baltimore Clippers (Charlotte Checkers) played at the Coliseum in 1956, with more than 10,000 people in attendance. Take a look at their history in the Queen City.
The first storm
In 1958, a windstorm damaged the Coliseum’s roof. Despite some leaking, events went on as planned — including a roller derby match and an event by the late Rev. Billy Graham.
The first closure and renovation
A new Charlotte Coliseum opened in 1988, causing the Coliseum to close. Over five years, the arena underwent infrastructure upgrades and renovations, and reopened in 1993 — then known as the Independence Arena.
The first year as “Bojangles Coliseum”
In 2008, Charlotte-based Bojangles Restaurants, Inc. bought the naming rights to the Coliseum. Editor’s note: The apostrophe in the name was removed in 2020.
New decade, new collegiate first
In March 2025, the arena hosted the inaugural Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC). The four-day event featured 16 teams competing for the championship — Charlotte’s Johnson C. Smith won the women’s bracket and Claflin University won the men’s.
Seventy years later, Bojangles Coliseum is still rocking — and we can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.
Elvis performed at the Charlotte Coliseum on Feb. 20, 1977.
Photo by Mark Hillary via Flickr
Your memories from The Biscuit
“Ice skating lessons as a child.” — DAR
“1969 ACC tourney. Charlie Scott nets 36.” — Anonymous
“My first time at the Bojangles Coliseum and also my best memory was three days of filming last year for the upcoming film ‘Christy Martin’ starring Sidney Sweeney. From the top to the bottom and all around, I had the opportunity to see this magnificent building from all sides and behind the scenes. The recorded history of pictures and paintings posted around the coliseum was uplifting and full of interesting information. Most of the scenes shot during those three days were right on the ice! And yes, it got pretty cold at times! Such a great and unique experience for a first time!” — Donna H.
“Seeing Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus.” — E. Lewis
“ZZ Top and Sammy Hagar, 1984.” — Anonymous
“Whitney Houston concert in 1987.” — Anonymous
“My dad, a Louisville graduate, took us to the Duke vs. Louisville basketball game at the Coliseum on Feb. 18, 1979. I was pretty young, but I remember that day because of all of the snow! We drove our VW Beetle to the game and packed a bunch of blankets just in case. Duke ultimately won the game, but what a memory!” — Steven C.
What’s your favorite memory? Let us know.
