Logo Released for Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

 

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ASHEVILLE, NC – Today the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville unveiled a logo for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The logo was designed by Phillip Chester a senior at UNC Asheville studying New Media.

“I wanted to create a logo that connected the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium to Asheville. I also wanted to create an icon that was timeless so that it honors the history of the auditorium while propelling it into the future.” Phillip Chester said. “I was inspired by the Art Deco architecture in Downtown Asheville, the architecture inside the auditorium and the terrazzo floor in the U.S. Cellular Center lobby.”

“We’re beginning the process of re-branding the Thomas Wolfe as a facility that truly provides a 360
degree offering of arts & culture in Asheville.   Currently we’re in the exploratory phase of what will hopefully become a major renovation project to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Over the past three years the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and all common spaces have seen a facelift in the form of a $12.8 million project.” said General Manager Chris Corl. “I feel that a logo that ties downtown to the venue is the first step in creating a recognizable brand for the facility.”  The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium will continue to host events ranging from graduations, to dance competitions, lectures, children’s shows, concerts, plays, musicals and of course, the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

The intersection of Haywood Street & Flint Street has a tradition of hosting events that twaLogoWhitedates back over 100 years. Prior to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium opening in 1939 two previous auditoriums stood on the same site. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium has a seating capacity 2,431. The auditorium is the home of the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. The auditorium has hosted acts covering much of the musical and entertainment spectrum. Acts such as BB King, Jerry Seinfeld, Band of Horses and Beck have graced the stage at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

Chris Corl
General Manager
US Cellular Center Asheville
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
www.USCellularCenterAsheville.com
828-259-5452
ccorl@ashevillenc.gov

 

SoCon Basketball Contract Extension

Southern Conference Basketball Championships to Remain in Asheville

Asheville, NC: Earlier today the Southern Conference announced that Asheville will remain the home of the SoCon Basketball Championships through the 2016/2017 season.  Representatives from the City of Asheville, the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville, Asheville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission presented the 3-year extension opportunity at the Southern Conference’s Spring Meeting on Thursday, May 30.

The nation’s longest-running conference tournament, the SoCon championship was held in Asheville from 1984-95 and returned in 2012.  The event will continue to utilize the U.S. Cellular Center Asheville at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and UNC Asheville’s Kimmel Arena for the four days of competition annually. Jan Davis, Board member of the Asheville-Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and liaison to the Commission from Asheville City Council commented, “The City of Asheville looks forward to the continued relationship with the Southern Conference, this partnership provides a great opportunity for our community members, particularly our youth, to enjoy high quality basketball performed by talented student athletes.”

The Conference was pleased to learn of additional renovations now underway at the U.S. Cellular Center.  Prior to the 2014 Championships the U.S. Cellular Center will complete enhancements to the ticket office, lobby, restroom facilities, storage areas and club-level hospitality areas.  A new playing surface and goals have already been purchased and will be in place for next year’s tournament.  “It was abundantly clear that both parties wanted to continue this partnership,” said Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino. “We’re very gratified to announce the extension of our agreement with Asheville. This is an important milestone for us.”

The Southern Conference Basketball Championships brings 10,000+ visitors to Asheville in early March, utilizing over 4,000 hotel room nights.  “The Southern Conference has been a valuable addition to Asheville’s economy, especially on a weekend that comes before our busiest months,” said Stephanie Brown, Executive Director of the Asheville CVB.

About the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission

The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission is a community driven organization led by a diverse board of directors representing varied community interests. These leaders share a common goal of improving the health and quality of life of Asheville and Buncombe County residents while enhancing our community’s economic vitality with a thriving sports tourism market.

Contact:

Ben VanCamp, Executive Director–Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission

828.713.5825 – ben@ashevillesports.org