The Charlotte Convention Center is expected to be a big beneficiary of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, when the ode to American stock car racing opens directly across the street in the first quarter of 2010. The $157-million project, which broke ground last year, will include a 40,000-sf ballroom that is being sold essentially as a second convention center ballroom—the building's own such space is 35,000-sf—given the close proximity of the two buildings in downtown Charlotte.
The larger ballroom and Hall of Fame already have been credited with luring the Shriners Imperial Council of North America to hold its 2012 convention in Charlotte. The city expects about 50,000 Shriner attendees because of the NASCAR-related offerings.
Looking ahead, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority is considering a 10-year, $33-million plan to upgrade the convention center and two other large meeting and event venues: Ovens Auditorium and Cricket Arena.
Paying for the overhauls and renovations likely will require the CRVA to seek $11 million in public money, while funds generated by the facilities and hospitality taxes collected from the venues will cover the balance of the upgrade costs. The biggest tab is for the convention center, which is budgeted for $12 million in improvements, including a new marquee, new carpeting, and the relocation of a cafe.
The Charlotte Convention Center offers 280,000 sf of exhibit space and 90,000 sf of flexible meeting space, in addition to its ballroom. Ovens Auditorium, a performance venue, seats 2,457,while Cricket Arena is a multipurpose sports and concert venue that offers 9,605 seats.
In addition to its big ballroom, the NASCAR Hall of Fame will feature
50,000 sf of exhibit space, auto racing simulators, a ceremonial plaza, a 250-seat theater, a Great Hall greeting area, a restaurant, and some retail stores.
Originally published June 16, 2008