Bobcats Arena

Orr cites illegal immigrant labor on arena

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:51:47 -0400

Bob Orr sharply criticized rival Pat McCrory Wednesday on illegal immigration.

McCrory, Charlotte's seven-term mayor, implied during a recent GOP gubernatorial debate that he had cut off city contracting opportunities to companies that hire illegal immigrants, David Ingram reports.

But, Orr said, McCrory has allowed contracts to continue on two high-profile Charlotte projects despite the work of illegal immigrants.

But Orr cited a June 4, 2006, article in the Observer that said: "McCrory acknowledges undocumented workers likely had a role building Charlotte Bobcats Arena and expressed uncertainty about whether the NASCAR Hall of Fame could be completed within budget without illegal immigrant workers."

"I can't let him keep going around talking about leadership and how tough he is on immigration without setting the record straight," Orr, a former N.C. Supreme Court justice, said at a news conference.

McCrory's gubernatorial campaign did not immediately return a request for comment.

Orr criticized McCrory's record on other aspects of immigration. He questioned whether McCrory is improperly taking credit for a program at the Mecklenburg jail that makes it easier to deport illegal immigrants.

Clark: McCrory is GOP's best shot

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:44:06 -0500

Doug Clark says Pat McCrory is the GOP's best chance for governor.

In a column today, the Greensboro News-Record editor writes that the longtime Charlotte mayor has a "track record" that compares favorably to the Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

He cites uptown Charlotte's "impressive progress," including light rail, a professional basketball arena and "urban enthusiasm."

Conservatives can slight McCrory as a moderate, or worse. He's pushed for local tax increases to support Charlotte projects, like mass transportation. That may hurt him in the GOP primary, but if he gets the nomination, his pragmatic approach could attract independent voters.

One downside: McCrory's already been attacked for the fact that Charlotte has a "weak mayor" system. But Clark thinks that's not an issue if he's up against Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, whose job also comes with few significant duties.

What is the Bobcats Arena?

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:35:51 -0500

Answer:

A sports and entertainment complex in uptown Charlotte.

The arena is home to a professional basketball team, the Charlotte Bobcats; and a minor league hockey team, the Charlotte Checkers. Major concerts are also held there regularly.

It has a total capacity of more than 20,000 seats.

Construction began on July 7, 2003, and the arena opened on Oct. 21, 2005, with a concert by the Rolling Stones. It was built by the city of Charlotte and is managed by Bobcats Sports & Entertainment, which is owned by Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson.

Construction costs were around $200 million. In addition, the city also paid about $59 million for the land the arena sits on, though it has since sold some of the unneeded land.

In a 2006 interview, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory said he did not know if illegal immigrant laborers helped build the arena.

An earlier attempt to build an arena fell through after Charlotte voters rejected a $342 million funding package on June 5, 2001. The referendum failed, 57 to 43 percent.

The Bobcats Arena replaced the Charlotte Coliseum, which was west of downtown near the airport. The coliseum opened in 1988, closed in 2005 and was demolished in 2007.