Β CHARLOTTE, NC — City leaders hope bringing the Checkers back to east Charlotte will attract new business. Β The hockey team is returning to Bojangles Coliseum after city council approved a $16 million face lift for the arena Monday night.
Mayor Dan Clodfelter (D, Charlotte) says he hopes the move will bring a reinvestment in hotels and restaurants along the Independence corridor. Β He says in exchange for the upgrades, the city will get a cut of parking and concessions.
“We’ll be sharing in the additional revenue that will come from the Checkers being here,” said Clodfelter. Β “So we’ll actually recover that money as the seasons progress.”
The Checkers’ owner says moving away from Time Warner Cable Arena will give the team more control over their schedule. Β They’ll also be able to practice at the same place they play. Β The renovations are part of a larger plan that includes an amateur sports complex.
