George M. Holmes Convocation Center
The George M. Holmes Convocation Center (usually referred to as the Holmes Center or The Holmes Dome) is an 8,325-seat multipurpose arena in Boone, North Carolina, United States, on the campus of Appalachian State University. The convocation center is named for George M. Holmes, a 1954 graduate and member of the North Carolina General Assembly. The arena itself is named for Seby Jones. It was built in 2000 and is home to the Appalachian State Mountaineers men's basketball and women's basketball teams. The inaugural event was a men's basketball game held on November 17, 2000 between the Mountaineers and the Tar Heels of North Carolina. The facility replaced Varsity Gymnasium. The George M. Holmes Convocation Center’s Mission is to provide facilities for the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science and to support the academic processes of Appalachian State University. Serving as a multipurpose for the northwestern region of North Carolina, the center supports university sponsored events, such as commencement and college fair. Cultural events, concerts, trade shows, athletic events and other public assembly activities are also a part of the center’s programming. The cornerstone of the Appalachian State University campus is the George M. Holmes Convocation Center. Containing Seby Jones Arena, the facility serves as the home of Mountaineer volleyball as well as the men’s and women’s basketball programs and indoor track and field squads.
The Holmes Dome | |
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| Location | 111 Rivers Street Boone, North Carolina 28608 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 36°12′38″N 81°40′33″W |
| Owner | Appalachian State University |
| Operator | Appalachian State University |
| Capacity | 8,325 |
| Surface | Hardwood |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | December 5, 1997[1] |
| Opened | September 6, 2000 |
| Construction cost | $29 million ($43.1 million in 2019 dollars[2]) |
| Architect | Corley Redfoot Zack, Inc. |
| Structural engineer | Walter P Moore[3] |
| General contractor | Metric Construction Company[4] |
| Tenants | |
| Appalachian State Mountaineers (NCAA) Basketball (2000–present) Volleyball (2000–present) Indoor Track and Field (2000–present) High Country Grizzlies (NAL/AAL) (2017–2018) | |
In 2017 and 2018, it was home to the High Country Grizzlies, a professional indoor football team.
Features
Standing at the end of Rivers Street, the 200,840-square-foot (18,659 m2) structure houses the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, and includes a multipurpose arena for community and cultural events, graduation and convocation ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and athletic events.
The 8,325-seat arena has HLES offices, classrooms, laboratories, team areas and retractable seating.
A 300-meter directional Mondo track circles the upper concourse and is used by the indoor track and field teams for both practice and competition.
Student seating is located at midcourt for both volleyball and basketball.
Notable events
The facility was opened with a celebration followed by a men’s basketball contest between Appalachian and North Carolina.
References
- "Holmes Convocation Center Turns 10". Appalachian State University. November 10, 2010. Retrieved February 7, 2014.
- Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- "Arenas". Walter P Moore. Archived from the original on July 8, 2000. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
- Bennett, John T. (November 14, 2000). "Holmes Center Roof Springs a Leak". The Appalachian. Walter P Moore. Retrieved February 18, 2012.