NORTH CHARLESTON , Sc – The South Carolina Stingrays may benefit from a major facelift to their home ice arena, the North Charleston Coliseum. Citing a College of Charleston study in 2007 which projected visitors attending events at the Coliseum pumped about $53 million dollars into the local economy; the Finance Committee of the North Charleston City Council took a first step towards approving a major renovation of the Coliseum earlier this week. The ‘Rays have been tenants in the Coliseum since they started playing hockey in the low country in 1993. More recently in June 2008 the team renewed their lease through 2015. The hockey team is currently the Coliseum’s anchor tenant. The venerable arena completed in 1993 is starting to show its age especially in comparison with some of the newer ECHL and general purpose venues enjoyed by teams in Toledo, Oh., Charlotte, N.C., Estero, Fl., and Gwinnett, Ga. While the renovations will obviously benefit the Stingrays, the Coliseum has been popular for varying events over the years, such as country and rock music concerts, one World Figure Skating Championship event and several Southern Conference post season basketball tournaments. Originally built for about $23 million the Coliseum has a current seating capacity between 10,500 and 14,000 people depending on the type of event. It is the largest indoor venue in South Carolina’s low country area. The Stingrays moved to reduce the seating for hockey to 6,812 for this season by curtaining off portions of some upper deck sections. The ‘Rays averaged 5,001 fans per game during the 2008-09 regular season on their way to post season play and the eventual Kelly Cup Championship for the ECHL. Initial fan reaction has been positive as the smaller venue creates a louder, more intense atmosphere when the crowd is not spread out across the larger capacity. Under the initial renovation planning, total seating capacity would remain the same while between $18 and $19 million dollars would be spent overall. This would allow consolidation of the food and beverage vending areas into two food courts one at each end of the arena. This consolidation would allow the build out of corporate sky boxes. Currently the arena has what could be described as temporary boxes without any of the accoutrements that newer stadiums provide corporate box holders. Importantly, plans also call for major upgrades to the arena’s the sound and lighting systems. The entire area has benefited economically from the Coliseum and its sister venues the North Charleston Performing Arts and Convention Centers. Located near the airport the immediate neighborhood around the arena complex area is a major destination for hockey fans, shoppers, business travelers and people enjoying a night out at the various restaurants and bistros located nearby. Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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