Bojangles' Coliseum

Cricket Arena, located on East Independence Boulevard, was Charlotte's original coliseum. The landmark dome opened in 1955 and served as the city's major sports and entertainment facility until the new Charlotte Coliseum was built in 1988. After extensive refurbishing and retrofitting, the venue reopened in 1993 as Independence Arena. It was renamed Cricket Arena in 2001. The renovation restored the arena's classic ambiance. Visitors to Cricket Arena now experience the true feeling of a 1950s-style building. Vibrant neon colors and checkerboard tile floors are featured throughout the facility along with numerous brightly lit, spacious concession areas. Cricket Arena also hosts world-class figure skating, rodeo and bull riding competitions, concerts, family shows and many more diverse entertainment events for all ages.