Coliseum Complex, Greensboro

The Greensboro Coliseum Complex, now known simply as the Greensboro Complex, stands as one of North Carolina’s most dynamic and historic entertainment and sports hubs. Located in the heart of Greensboro, this multifaceted venue opened in 1959 and has grown to encompass eight major venues-including an arena, amphitheater, aquatic center, convention center, museum, theatre, banquet hall, and an indoor pavilion.

The complex serves as home turf for the UNC Greensboro Spartans men's basketball team, the Greensboro Swarm (NBA G League), the Carolina Cobras (National Arena League), and the Greensboro Gargoyles (ECHL). It’s also a key site for the Atlantic Coast Conference, having hosted the Men’s ACC Tournament 23 times and the Women’s ACC Tournament 12 times. Major events like the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 1974, multiple East Regionals, and the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 2011, 2015, and 2020 have further cemented its national significance.

Originally proposed in 1944 as a war memorial to honor veterans of WWI and WWII, the complex opened its doors with the show Holiday on Ice in 1959. Shortly after, Greensboro’s first hockey team-the Greensboro Generals-took the ice, winning their inaugural game and eventually the EHL Championship.

Over the decades, the complex has continued to evolve. In the 1970s, it became a key venue for the Carolina Cougars, a regional ABA franchise where legendary coach Larry Brown got his start and Billy Cunningham earned MVP honors. To meet increasing demand, seating was expanded to 15,000 in 1972, and later to over 20,000.

Further additions came in 2003 with the Novant Health Fieldhouse, and in 2011, the complex grew again with the White Oak Amphitheatre, the Greensboro Aquatic Center, and the ACC Hall of Champions. Though the historic War Memorial Auditorium closed in 2014, the complex remains an active centerpiece of cultural life, hosting over 800 events annually and welcoming nearly 57 million visitors since its founding.