News

April 27, 2005 - The Charlotte Checkers hockey club of the ECHL will move their home to the Charlotte Bobcats Arena beginning in the 2005-06 season, it was announced today by Carl Scheer, owner and chief executive officer of the Checkers. The team currently plays its home games at Charlotte’s Cricket Arena, but will depart following their run in the 2005 ECHL Playoffs.

Scheer made the announcement at the site of the Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Uptown Charlotte, which is currently under construction and set to open in the fall of 2005. Joining Scheer for the announcement were Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Barry Silberman, chief operating officer of the New Charlotte Arena, and Tim Newman, president of the CRVA (Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority).

“We are delighted to take Checkers hockey to a new level with this move to our exciting new home,” Scheer said. “The amenities we will now provide to our fans will be unparalleled, with fantastic sight lines, comfortable seating, a wide variety of food options and an ambiance that will make our game experience more exciting for fans and players alike, all at affordable prices.

“Together with the Bobcats organization and the CRVA, we look forward to relocating our current fan base while drawing in new fans to the Checkers family.”

“This is a great move for the Checkers franchise and our growing fan base,” said Checkers president Jeff Longo. “In addition to drawing in new fans with the arena’s central location, we are looking forward to additional sponsorship opportunities. Hockey fans will be excited with our continuing focus on value and eye on creating an intimate seating bowl, which will feature the use of the arena lower bowl, at familiar Checkers prices.

“Furthermore, fans can look forward to the same player accessibility they’ve enjoyed in the past, and perhaps even more so.”

“With the addition of the Checkers, the Charlotte Bobcats Arena will be the center of sports and entertainment in the Carolinas. From basketball to hockey, from concerts to family shows, the Charlotte Bobcats Arena will be the epicenter of activity for the Charlotte region,” said Silberman. “We are excited about this new partnership and are looking forward to a long and successful relationship with the Checkers organization.”

The Charlotte Checkers Hockey Team is a member of the ECHL American Conference and is an affiliate of both the National Hockey League's New York Rangers and the American Hockey League's Hartford Wolf Pack. The Checkers began playing in Charlotte in 1956 in the Eastern Hockey League. The team has called Cricket Arena (formerly Independence Arena) home since its first ECHL season in 1993-94 and prides itself on offering affordable, fan-friendly entertainment at every game. Its wide appeal extends to corporate and civic organizations as well as individuals who simply love the sport of hockey. The Checkers' commitment to excellence on the ice extends to their widespread participation in community service.

The Charlotte Bobcats Arena will be operated by the Charlotte Bobcats Organization and will open in the fall of 2005. The arena will be home to more than 125 events a year, including the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, the WNBA’s Charlotte Sting, the ECHL’s Charlotte Checkers and numerous college sports contests, concerts, family shows and special events.