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Crown Event Center

Architect rendering of the Crown Event Center





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The Crown Complex, located at 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville is comprised of five venues, including a 2,440-seat Theatre and 4,500-seat Arena that opened in 1967; and a 10,880-seat Coliseum, 60,000-square-foot Expo Center and 9,200-square-foot Ballroom that opened in 1997.

The original Crown Theatre and Arena must close by November 2025, and the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has approved the construction of a new state-of-the-art multipurpose event center (the Crown Event Center) to replace these facilities. The Crown Event Center will be located in Downtown Fayetteville at the intersection of Gillespie Street and Ottis F. Jones Parkway on the block between the County’s Historic Courthouse and the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

In 2022, the Board of Commissioners hired MBP Carolinas as the owner’s representative for the project and established a three-member Crown Event Center Committee including former Commissioner Jimmy Keefe, Commissioner Glenn Adams and Commissioner Jeannette Council. Cumberland County Civic Center Commission Chairman McBryde Grannis served on the Committee in an ex-officio capacity. A Project Delivery Team (PDT) was also established, which is comprised of key County staff and representation from MBP Carolinas, current Crown Complex Manager Oak View Group (OVG), project architect EwingCole and Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMaR) TA Loving/Metcon.

The County held a kick-off meeting for the new Crown Event Center project on April 20, 2022. On Sept. 6, 2022, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved guiding principles for the project following an engagement process that included members of a Community Engagement Committee comprised of representation from current users of the Crown Complex, community members, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations, the business community, and municipal and civic leaders.

The guiding principles are a set of value statements intended to establish a common direction for the project and inform decision-making throughout the project.


graphic outlining guiding principles for crown event center

 

The project architect also engaged the Community Engagement Committee and other stakeholders to provide feedback on what they believe needs to be included in the new Crown Event Center to make it successful. This information was incorporated into the process

On Jan. 23, 2024, the Crown Event Center Committee approved a building program totaling 134,000 square feet and a total project budget of $145 million.

The architect completed the 100% Design Development package in April 2024, and on June 17, 2024, the Crown Event Center Committee authorized the project to move into the Construction Document development phase

On Sept. 16, 2024, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners approved a contract amendment with TA Loving/Metcon for sitework and demolition to allow the project to move into the construction phase. An additional contract amendment will be brought to the Board for structural steel and concrete, followed by an amendment that includes all remaining bid packages.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Crown Event Center was held on Oct. 25, 2024 at 2 p.m.

Architect rendering of people standing in an event center lobby

 

Additional information related to the project and the Crown Event Center Committee will be posted on this page throughout the duration of the project.



Cumberland County Commissioners Vote to Halt Crown Event Center Construction

Jun 4, 2025, 20:59 PM by Diane Rice

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – After a comprehensive review process, in a 5 to 2 vote, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has voted to discontinue the construction of the new Crown Event Center in Downtown Fayetteville and instead pursue a full renovation and modernization of the existing Crown Complex.

The Board made the following motions:

  • Moved to reject the GMP3 amendment.

  • Moved to discontinue the downtown Crown Event Center Project and terminate all contracts.

  • Moved to direct the County Manager to develop an RFQ for development framework for the renovation of the Crown Arena and Theater within 30 days and bring it back to the Board.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “But it reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and practical solutions that serve the long-term interests of our residents.”

County Manager Clarence Grier presented the board with GMP3 (Guaranteed Maximum Price3), the third and final cost estimate provided by the contractor, along with estimates to renovate the existing Crown Theatre and Arena and a downtown parking assessment. His presentation can be found on the County’s website.  

Historical Background

The original Crown Theatre and Arena opened in 1967, with the Crown Ballroom added in 1997. In 2022, the County embarked on an effort to construct a new Crown Event Center downtown. Over three years, the project went through several milestones, including hiring a project team, approving designs, community engagement sessions, and a groundbreaking in October 2024.

In early 2025, the Board of Commissioners voted to pause construction and requested a renewed evaluation. The Board directed staff to explore renovation alternatives, leading to today’s final decision.

The County remains committed to a vibrant Downtown Fayetteville and looks forward to future partnership opportunities.

The Board adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m.

Board of Commissioners regular meetings and agenda sessions are livestreamed on the County’s website at cumberlandcountync.gov, YouTube Channel and on CCNCTV Spectrum Channel 5. All documents associated with this meeting can be found on the Cumberland County website to include meeting agendas, minutes and links to the videos under the Board of Commissioners tab.

  • Contact Us

    Phone: 910-678-7724
    Address:

    117 Dick Street
    Fayetteville, NC, NC 28301

    Email:
    email_envelope
    Contact: Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager

    Contact Us

    Phone: 910-678-7724
    Email:
    email_envelope
    Contact: Brian Haney, Assistant County Manager
    Address:

    117 Dick Street
    Fayetteville, NC, NC 28301