Berglund Center facts for kids
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| Former names | Roanoke Civic Center (1971–2014) |
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| Location | 710 Williamson Road Northeast Roanoke, VA 24016 |
| Coordinates | 37°16′49″N 79°56′08″W / 37.280171°N 79.935669°W |
| Owner | City of Roanoke |
| Operator | City of Roanoke |
| Capacity | Basketball: 8,614 Ice hockey: 8,672 End stage: 10,500 Center stage: 10,600 Eclipse: 4,276 Performing Arts Center: 2,151 |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1969 |
| Opened | October 3, 1971 |
| Renovated | 2007 (Performing Arts Center and Special Events Center addition) 2012–2016 (arena renovations) |
| Construction cost | $14 million ($101 million in 2022 dollars ) |
| Architect | Smithey & Boynton Frantz & Chappelear Thompson & Payne |
| General contractor | Nello L. Teer Company |
| Tenants | |
| Virginia Tech Hokies Ice Hockey Roanoke Maroons Ice Hockey Radford Highlanders ice hockey Roanoke Valley Rebels (EHL/SHL) (1970–1976) Virginia Squires (ABA) (1971–1972) Roanoke Express (ECHL) (1993–2004) Roanoke Steam (af2) (2000–2002) Roanoke Dazzle (NBADL) (2001–2006) Roanoke Valley Vipers (UHL) (2005–2006) Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (SPHL) (2016–present) |
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The Berglund Center is a large building in Roanoke, Virginia. It was first called the Roanoke Civic Center. This center is a multi-purpose arena that can hold about 10,500 people. It opened in 1971 and is a popular spot for many events.
Today, the Berglund Center is home to the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs ice hockey team. They play in the SPHL. College ice hockey teams from Virginia Tech, Radford University, and Roanoke College also play games here. The center hosts many concerts and other big indoor events. It is also where Roanoke's two city high schools, Patrick Henry High School and William Fleming High School, play their annual boys basketball games.
Over the years, many different sports teams have called the Berglund Center home. These include basketball teams like the Virginia Squires and Roanoke Dazzle. Ice hockey teams like the Roanoke Express and Roanoke Valley Vipers also played here. Even an arena football team, the Roanoke Steam, used the venue.
Contents
Welcome to Berglund Center!
The Berglund Center is a major place for sports and fun in the Roanoke area. It has been a central part of the community for over 50 years. People come here to watch exciting games, listen to their favorite music, and attend special events.
A Look Back: History of the Center
The Berglund Center first opened its doors in October 1971. It was known as the Roanoke Civic Center for many years. From the very beginning, it hosted a variety of events.
Big Events and Famous Visitors
The center has seen many famous performers and exciting competitions. Elvis Presley performed here several times in the 1970s. It has also been a popular spot for professional wrestling events. Both WCW and WWE have held big shows at the arena.
College basketball tournaments have also taken place here. The Southern Conference men's basketball tournaments were held from 1977 to 1981. Other college tournaments, like the Metro Conference and Big South Conference tournaments, also used the arena.
Sports Teams Through the Years
The Virginia Squires, a professional basketball team, played at the center in the early 1970s. Later, from 2001 to 2006, the Roanoke Dazzle basketball team played here. They were part of the National Basketball Association's D-League.
After the Dazzle and another team, the Roanoke Valley Vipers, left in 2006, the center had many open dates. College hockey teams from Virginia Tech, Radford University, and Roanoke College began to use the arena more often. In 2016, a new professional ice hockey team arrived. The Mississippi Surge moved to Roanoke and became the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs.
In May 2023, the Rail Yard Dawgs won their first championship. They played games three and four of the Southern Professional Hockey League finals at the Berglund Center. They beat the Birmingham Bulls right here at home!
What's Inside? Exploring the Venue
The Berglund Center is a large complex with several different areas. It was built around the same time as other big venues like the Scope and Richmond Coliseum.
The Main Arena
The main arena is where most of the big sports games and concerts happen. It has about 8,372 permanent seats. The arena floor is very large, covering over 20,000 square feet. The ceiling is 60 feet high, and there are 10 spotlights for shows. There are also eight restrooms and six places to buy snacks and drinks.
The arena had a big renovation project that finished in 2016. This project updated the heating system and electrical system. All the seats were replaced, and the entrances were improved.
Other Cool Spaces
Next to the main arena, there is an exhibit hall. This hall is about 14,396 square feet and has a large open space without columns. It's perfect for trade shows and other events.
There is also a performing arts theatre with 2,440 seats. This theatre is used for concerts, Broadway shows, and performances by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. It has a big stage, 55 feet by 105 feet. After some updates, this part of the facility is now called the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre.
In 2007, a special events center was added. This area is 46,000 square feet and is used for conventions, meetings, and other special gatherings. It can hold up to 3,066 people seated or 5,850 standing.
Teams That Call Berglund Center Home
Many professional sports teams have played at the Berglund Center over the years. Here are some of them:
- Virginia Squires, American Basketball Association (1971–1976)
- Roanoke Express, East Coast Hockey League (1993–2004)
- Roanoke Steam, AF2 (2000–2002)
- Roanoke Dazzle, NBA G League (2001–2006)
- Roanoke Valley Vipers, United Hockey League (2005–2006)
- Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, Southern Professional Hockey League (2016–present)
