Inspired by the surrounding busy streets, a light-rail system and a bus terminal, the architecture of Charlotte Bobcats Arena responds to the city?s urban fabric. Steel and brick elements represent the strength, stability and foundation of Charlotte?s heritage, particularly its textile-mill history, while the transparent and more fluid contemporary forms emerging from the arena?s base reflect the city?s promising future.
Interior organization of the building is based on the concept of streets and galleries. The streets function as transitional circulation paths connecting the galleries, which are the arena?s major food and entertainment zones. Large organizational elements called ?sponsorship trees? arch overhead, providing canopies similar to the large trees lining Charlotte?s streets. As a destination point, the galleries pay tribute to Charlotte?s spirit of transportation, industry and commerce.
Planning was simplified by including private team and operational spaces on the lowest level and all patron offerings on the two public and two premium levels that provide direct access to the seating bowl. Included among the arena?s 18,500 seats are 64 luxury boxes, 2,600 club seats and 58 loge boxes.
Hughes Stadium Expansion Colorado State University
