CHARLOTTE, NC — City leaders hope bringing the Checkers back to east Charlotte will attract new business. 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. 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. “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. They’ll also be able to practice at the same place they play. The renovations are part of a larger plan that includes an amateur sports complex.
