Crown Event Center: A New Era of Entertainment and Growth for Downtown Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville, NC – Downtown Fayetteville is on the brink of a significant transformation with the announcement of the Crown Event Center, a $145 million state-of-the-art multipurpose facility. This ambitious project is poised to be a cornerstone in the cultural and social revitalization of the city, promising to reshape Fayetteville’s skyline and become a modern hub for entertainment, conferences, and cultural events.

Scheduled to replace the original Crown Theatre and Arena by November 2025, the Crown Event Center will occupy a strategic location nestled between the County’s Historic Courthouse and the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse. Its placement at the intersection of Gillespie Street and Ottis F. Jones Parkway will seamlessly integrate the center into the vibrant life of Downtown Fayetteville.

The project received a green light on January 23, when the Crown Event Center Committee, under the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, approved a revised building program and conceptual design. Construction is expected to kick off by September, marking the start of a new chapter in Fayetteville’s development.

Facility Highlights:

• Seating Capacity: The center will boast a nearly 3,000-seat main event hall, designed to host a wide array of events including concerts, conferences, and major gatherings.
• Luxury Features: Attendees can look forward to luxury box suites, offering an enhanced experience with premium views and amenities.
• VIP Lounge: An exclusive lounge area will cater to VIP guests, providing a sophisticated space for relaxation and socializing.
• Event and Meeting Rooms: A large multi-purpose room, along with two additional meeting rooms, will offer flexible spaces for various events and functions, tailored to meet the community’s needs.
• Parking Solutions: In anticipation of increased visitor traffic, plans include the construction of a parking deck, developed in collaboration with a design firm to ensure convenient access for all attendees.

Financed through the Crown Financial Model, this project leverages occupancy taxes, food and beverage tax, and revenue from Crown facilities, avoiding the need for General Fund tax revenue. This strategic approach underscores the project’s sustainable financial planning and commitment to community enhancement without burdening local taxpayers.

The Crown Event Center is envisioned as a vibrant community space that will serve as a central hub for entertainment, cultural showcases, and civic events, further enriching Fayetteville’s appeal as a premier destination. Its development signals a bright future for the city, fostering growth, community engagement, and cultural enrichment for years to come.