Dorton Arena
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| J.S. Dorton Arena | |
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| Dorton Arena | |
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| Location | North Carolina State Fairgrounds Raleigh, NC |
| Opened | 1952 |
| Owner | State of North Carolina |
| Operator | State of North Carolina |
| Surface | Ice, Concrete, Hardwood |
| Architect | Matthew Nowicki, William Henley Dietrick |
| Former names | State Fair Arena |
| Tenants | Carolina Rollergirls (WFTDA) (2006-present) Raleigh Rebels (AIFL) (2006) Raleigh Cougars (USBL) (1997-1999) Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) (1991-1998) Raleigh Bullfrogs (GBA) (1991-1992) Carolina Cougars (ABA) (1969-1974) |
| Capacity | 5,110- Arena Football and Hockey 7,610- Basketball |
The J.S. Dorton Arena is a 7,610-seat multi-purpose arena in Raleigh, North Carolina on the grounds of the North Carolina State Fair. It was opened in 1952.
Incorporating an unusual elliptical design by Matthew Nowicki, of the North Carolina State University Department of Architecture, the Arena was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1973. Originally named the "State Fair Arena", it was dedicated to Dr. J. S. Dorton, former North Carolina State Fair manager, in 1961.
It is currently the home of the Carolina Rollergirls (WFTDA). In the past, it has served as the home of numerous sports teams. The longest serving tenant was the Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) ice hockey team from 1991–1998. The American Basketball Association's Carolina Cougars also played some games there from 1969–74.
Besides hosting sporting events, the arena is also used for concerts during the North Carolina State Fair. Various conventions and fairs also use floorspace of the arena as an exhibition space, often in conjunction with the neighboring Jim Graham building.
[edit] See also
- Tensile architecture
- Tensile and membrane structures
- List of Registered Historic Places in North Carolina
