Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a $25 million plan Monday night to upgrade Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium, known together as the BOplex, as officials move to address major infrastructure problems at the nearly 70-year-old venue.
The vote comes just weeks after a roof leak canceled games, though a new roof is not included in this funding plan. Instead, the city and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority are focusing on aging mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that officials say now pose growing reliability risks.
The BOplex remains a major economic driver for Charlotte, generating $60.8 million in economic impact last fiscal year, a 73% increase. The venue is also home to the Charlotte Checkers and will soon welcome the new Charlotte Crown women’s basketball team, adding even more pressure to keep the complex operating smoothly.
Approved upgrades include:
- $23 million for HVAC upgrades
- Replace 2 chillers serving Ovens Auditorium
- Replace 6 air handler units at Bojangles Coliseum
- Replace 1 boiler supporting both venues
- Upgrade supporting infrastructure
- $2 million for a full MEP and structural assessment
- Review mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems
- Help build a 10-year capital plan
- Study expected to take about 1 year
Officials said some of the equipment dates back decades, including Coliseum air handlers from the 1970s and Ovens air handlers and other systems from the 1950s.
For Charlotte, the vote marks a major step toward keeping one of the city’s busiest entertainment venues operating, even as bigger long-term issues, including the roof, still remain.
