FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners hosted a groundbreaking ceremony today, Oct. 25, 2024, at 2 p.m. for the highly anticipated Crown Event Center, marking the official start of construction for the project. The ceremony took place at the event center’s future site, located at the intersection of Gillespie Street and Ottis F. Jones Parkway, directly in front of the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

The new Crown Event Center will serve as a modern replacement for the original Crown Theatre and Arena, which opened in 1967. While the Crown Theatre and Arena facility will close, the existing Crown Complex, including the 10,880-seat Coliseum, 60,000-square-foot Expo Center, and 9,200-square-foot Ballroom, will continue to operate and serve the community at 1960 Coliseum Drive.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams welcomed those in attendance to the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We are thrilled to mark this significant milestone in the construction of the Crown Event Center”, said Adams. “This facility will not only enhance our community’s cultural landscape but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Cumberland County. We are proud to move forward with a project that reflects the aspirations of our community and positions Cumberland County as a regional leader in the arts and entertainment sector."

Spanning approximately 134,000 square feet, the Crown Event Center will feature a three-story main event hall with a capacity of more than 3,000. Designed with versatility in mind, the multipurpose event center will be able to host concerts, performances, banquets, conventions, and more. The second floor will offer VIP access and seating, while a rooftop terrace will provide views of the downtown skyline. State-of-the-art back-of-house and performer spaces will further enhance the event experience, along with a range of meeting spaces.

“Today marks a momentous occasion as we break ground on the Crown Event Center,” said Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe. “This facility is not just about meeting today’s needs; it’s about anticipating the future as Cumberland County continues to grow. The Crown Event Center will provide a place for young artists, musicians, actors and dancers to grow and celebrate their talents. We’ve listened to the community and carefully considered the best path forward. Together, we are not just building for today; we are building a brighter future for Cumberland County.”

The Crown Event Center was designed with extensive community input through a Community Engagement Committee made up of a diverse group of community stakeholders, which played a crucial role in developing the project’s guiding principles and providing feedback on the building program.

The Crown Event Center’s $145 million project budget will be funded entirely through the County’s Crown funding model, including revenue from the occupancy tax, Food and Beverage Tax, and operating revenue from existing Crown facilities. No General Fund revenue from County property or sales taxes is being used to fund the project, allowing other County initiatives to continue without interruption.

The Crown Event Center is slated to open in Spring 2027.

For more information about the Crown Event Center or media inquiries, contact Communications Director Diane B. Rice at dbrice@cumberlandcountync.gov or 910-438-4025, or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/crowneventcenter.