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68-642: Spectrum Center is an indoor arena located in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina . It is owned by the city of Charlotte and operated by its main tenant, the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The arena seats 19,077 for NBA games but can be expanded to 20,200 for college basketball games. The arena opened in October 2005 as Charlotte Bobcats Arena . The name

136-491: A lack of clarity on how the law should be enforced and an unwillingness to devote police resources to monitor bathrooms. A number of departments indicated a willingness to respond to complaints of violations, but said none had been received. Republican State Representative Dan Bishop , a co-sponsor of the law, acknowledged that "there are no enforcement provisions or penalties in HB2." Democratic State Representative Rodney W. Mooree

204-729: A law. All Senate and House Republicans voted in favor of the bill, with the exceptions of Charles Jeter , Chuck McGrady , Gary Pendleton , Bob Rucho , and Dan Soucek , who were excused absent. Eleven House Democrats voted for the bill; Larry M. Bell , William D. Brisson , Elmer Floyd , Ken Goodman , Charles Graham , George Graham, Howard Hunter III, William O. Richardson, Garland Pierce , Brad Salmon, and Michael H. Wray . Senate and House Democrats Gale Adcock, Becky Carney , Beverly M. Earle , Susan C. Fisher , Paul Luebke , Joe Sam Queen , Evelyn Terry, Ken Waddell , Joyce Waddell, Angela Bryant , Joel D. M. Ford, and Jane W. Smith were excused absent. The independent representative Paul Tine ,

272-462: A local newspaper. Many high schools in the area moved graduations to Bojangles' Coliseum . As part of the deal, TWC shuttered its poorly-performing regional sports network C-SET (which was established to serve as the Bobcats' rightsholder) and allowed the team to negotiate a new deal with Fox Sports South to ensure wider distribution of its games. Following Charter Communications ' purchase of TWC,

340-609: A member of the Republican caucus, voted against the bill. Supporters of House Bill 2 said the Charlotte ordinance was sloppily written and overreaching, and that in their view its wording essentially did away with single-sex bathrooms. Representative Dan Bishop , the bill's sponsor, cited this as grounds for the state to override local ordinances. Call volume to the Trans Lifeline transgender suicide-prevention hotline doubled after

408-519: A multitude of spectators. The word derives from Latin harena , a particularly fine-grained sand that covered the floor of ancient arenas such as the Colosseum in Rome , Italy, to absorb blood. The term arena is sometimes used as a synonym for a very large venue such as Pasadena's Rose Bowl , but such a facility is typically called a stadium . The use of one term over the other has mostly to do with

476-465: A museum who represents an iconic gay artist. North Carolina Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Roy Cooper said that House Bill 2 was unconstitutional and that he would not defend it in court, but would defend state agencies against it. McCrory criticized his decision. However, Cooper has been accused of opportunism for having used HB2 and the corporate boycott surrounding it as leverage to boost his bid for governor against

544-655: A performance in Greensboro, North Carolina , scheduled for April 10, expressing solidarity for the North Carolina transgender community; management for the Greensboro Coliseum Complex estimated that it lost $ 100,000 in concession and parking revenue. Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder explained their decision to cancel concerts in NC, saying: We thought we could take the money and give it to them and still play

612-560: A police conference in Duck on human trafficking prevention was canceled due to a travel ban on North Carolina issued by the mayor of Washington, D.C. On April 9, 2016, the head of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced that he has barred agency employees from travelling to Charlotte for a conference. Metro Transit announced it would also cancel plans to send employees to

680-519: A separate new practice facility located across the street from the arena. In addition, the cost would also cover upgrades to the existing transit station where the new facility would be. City leaders approved the renovations, now priced at $ 275 million, in June 2022. Construction is expected to start in summer 2022 with a rough completion date in 2027. As North Carolina is a hotbed for college basketball thanks to constant success among its major universities, it

748-453: A sold-out event of over 1,000 people at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington , instead deciding to donate the proceeds to Equality NC. Eric Shiner, director of The Andy Warhol Museum , canceled a lecture he was scheduled to give to a Master of Fine Arts class at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , saying he regretted having to cancel but could not go as a director of

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816-471: A statement on her website promoting equality and calling for fans to donate to Equality NC . She also sent out a photo of herself wearing a popular t-shirt being sold by Equality NC . The band Duran Duran went ahead and performed in the state, but spoke out against HB2 at their concerts. Jimmy Buffett strongly criticized the law but said "I am not going to let stupidity or bigotry trump fun for my loyal fans this year." Alabama Shakes said they opposed

884-576: A statement saying, "The CIAA's transition, beginning with the relocation of 8 championships, is the first step in demonstrating that the conference does not support laws which prevent communities from effectively protecting student-athletes and fans." Several musicians and entertainers have canceled shows in North Carolina in response to the law or are boycotting the state until it is repealed, including Ani DiFranco , former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr , Boston , Demi Lovato , Nick Jonas , Itzhak Perlman , and Maroon 5 . Bruce Springsteen canceled

952-603: A weeklong event, deciding instead to hold its event in Baltimore. Event organizers planned to book a total of 2,511 room nights and spend an estimated $ 1.7 million. Organizers of a planned "Record Store Day" canceled a three-day event for September. The Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated this event would have generated $ 191,000 in economic spending. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority said that 29 groups have expressed concerns about their plans to host events in Charlotte, risking an estimated 103,000 hotel-nights for

1020-421: Is a large enclosed platform, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theatre , musical performances , and/or sporting events . It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators, and may be covered by a roof. The key feature of an arena is that the event space is the lowest point, allowing maximum visibility. Arenas are usually designed to accommodate

1088-468: Is not a change in the law", and when no changes were made, on July 21, 2016, the game was pulled out of Charlotte. Some estimates put the potential economic loss of the state at over $ 100 million. The 2017 NBA All-Star Game was the first major sporting event in the United States to be relocated for political reasons since 1990. (In 2021 MLB moved baseball's All-Star Game from Cobb County, Georgia , in

1156-544: The Charlotte City Council passed by a 7–4 vote the Ordinance ;7056 , a non-discrimination ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in public accommodations or by passenger vehicles for hire or city contractors. The Council had debated a similar ordinance in 2015, which failed by a 6–5 vote because it did not include full protection of transgender people;

1224-665: The Charlotte Convention Center and the remainder of the convention being held virtually. Spectrum Center has had two other permanent tenants besides the Hornets. The Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL vacated historic Bojangles' Coliseum to play in the new arena in fall 2005. When the ECHL Checkers gave way to an American Hockey League team with the same name , they remained at the arena. Although primarily built for basketball,

1292-546: The Democratic National Convention . In 2016, the arena hosted the Kellogg's Tour of Gymnastics Champions. It was scheduled to host the 2017 NBA All-Star Game , but was removed as host on July 21, 2016, due to the league's opposition against North Carolina 's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act signed by then-Governor Pat McCrory . The league said consideration for Charlotte to host in 2019 would remain if

1360-574: The History miniseries Six , but would not consider North Carolina for any new productions. 21st Century Fox also announced their opposition to the law and that they will "reconsider future filming commitments in North Carolina if the Act is not repealed". Turner Broadcasting announced that it would finish production of Good Behavior in Wilmington but would reevaluate doing further business in North Carolina if

1428-544: The North Carolina House of Representatives passed House Bill 2, with 82 in favor and 26 against and 11 excused absences. About three hours later, the North Carolina Senate also passed the bill, with 32 in favor, 6 excused absences, and all 11 Democrats walking out in protest and not voting. That evening, it was signed by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, taking a total of 11 hours and 10 minutes to become

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1496-550: The North Carolina State Legislature and current Governor Roy Cooper made changes to the act that were satisfactory to the league. On May 24, 2017, Charlotte and the arena were officially announced as hosts of the 2019 NBA All-Star Game . The arena was originally scheduled to host the 2020 Republican National Convention , but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event was scaled back with Day 1 events taking place at

1564-658: The 2015–16 AHL season. Overall, both incarnations of the Checkers played 10 seasons at the arena. The WNBA 's Charlotte Sting moved with the then-Bobcats to the arena in 2005, becoming the building's third permanent tenant. However, they only played one season at their new home in 2006 before folding in early 2007. This was due to low attendance and a lack of on-court success. The arena is used for more than just sporting events. Musical acts, family productions and other events including concerts, circuses, and professional wrestling all perform there. League Arena An arena

1632-763: The ACC's council of presidents voted to move all neutral-site sports championships during the 2016–17 year, including the ACC Football Championship Game , out of North Carolina. On September 30, 2016, the Board of Directors for the CIAA (the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association), decided to move 8 Conference Championships that were based in North Carolina. The CIAA predominantly consists of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and issued

1700-651: The ACM SIGMOD / PODS 2017 joint conference out of North Carolina to a new location. Several filming projects have been canceled or are being reconsidered. Lionsgate canceled plans to film the pilot for its Hulu series Crushed in Charlotte , which would have involved hiring about 100 workers. The company continued to move ahead with shooting a musical remake of Dirty Dancing in Henderson and Jackson counties. A&E Networks announced that they would finish production of

1768-635: The AIA called for "the judicious and timely repeal of HB 2 in North Carolina as soon as the General Assembly convenes". On April 25, 2016, the W. K. Kellogg Foundation announced that they had cancelled plans to host a conference at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville , at a loss of US$ 1.5 million to the state's economy. On January 16, 2017, the SIGMOD Executive Committee decided to move

1836-476: The Charlotte Bobcats Arena on October 21, 2005, costing $ 265 million. Architects hoped the building would bring the city together, as its location and large outdoor plaza, among other features, would suggest. The building's concourses and open design, plus artwork throughout also suggests the concept of community and socializing. One major feature of the arena was its original center-hung scoreboard, which

1904-533: The Hornets announced and unveiled images of a new scoreboard to be installed in summer 2016, costing $ 7 million. The board's screens measure out at 25' high by 42' wide and 18' high by 31' wide, approximately, making it almost twice the size of the original board and among the NBA's largest. The screens are able to handle 1080p resolution, something unique to the NBA. Two smaller "underbelly" screens would also be included. In addition,

1972-460: The Hornets' application to move to New Orleans . However, the league promised that the city would get a new team—which became the Bobcats—as part of the deal. The total cost of the arena to Charlotte and Mecklenburg County was not known, but estimated at $ 260 million. The construction was approved by the city council, which did not opt to present another referendum to the public. The arena opened as

2040-601: The NBA's Charlotte Hornets and a North Carolina native, spoke against House Bill 2 and said the Charlotte Hornets and Hornets Sports & Entertainment are "opposed to discrimination in any form." Brian France , chairman and CEO of NASCAR , said that NASCAR also opposes the law. On September 12, 2016, the NCAA (the United States' primary governing body for collegiate athletics) stripped North Carolina of hosting rights for seven upcoming tournaments and championships held by

2108-569: The Press on April 17, 2016, host Chuck Todd said that, by his conservative estimate, North Carolina had lost at least US$ 39.7 million in revenue as a result of House Bill 2. On April 22, 2016, Time Warner Cable News North Carolina estimated that House Bill 2 had to date cost North Carolina more than 1750 jobs and more than $ 77 million of investments and visitor spending, including: On May 24, 2016, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce estimated that Mecklenburg County had lost $ 285 million and 1,300 jobs from

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2176-399: The arena and 57% opposed. City leaders then devised a way to build a new arena that did not require voter support, but let it be known that they wouldn't consider building it unless then-Hornets' owner George Shinn sold the team. While even the NBA acknowledged that Shinn had alienated fans, NBA officials felt such a statement would anger other team owners. As it turned out, the NBA approved

2244-440: The arena can accommodate an NHL-sized ice hockey rink. The seating capacity for hockey was 14,100 in an asymmetrical seating arrangement, with much of the upper level curtained off. This resulted in many seats with poor sightlines; over 4,000 seats in the hockey configuration had obstructed views. Primarily because of those factors, on December 16, 2014, it was announced the Checkers would move back to Bojangles' Coliseum starting with

2312-519: The arena only containing eight luxury suites , whereas the Palace of Auburn Hills, which opened the same year as the Coliseum, had 180. In 2001, a non-binding public referendum for an arts package, which included money to build the new uptown arena, was placed on the ballot for voters; it was placed in order to demonstrate what was believed to be widespread public support for new arena construction. Polls showed

2380-444: The arena was renamed Spectrum Center, in accordance with Charter's trade name for its cable services. In September 2014, the Charlotte city council agreed to give the Hornets $ 34 million for arena renovations in preparation for the 2017 NBA All-Star Game . (However, the game was moved to New Orleans because of a controversial HB2 bill , but Spectrum Center did host the 2019 NBA All-Star Game to make up for it.) On January 24, 2015,

2448-508: The association, including early round games of the 2017 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament . The NCAA argued that HB2 made it "challenging to guarantee that host communities can help deliver [an inclusive atmosphere]". The Atlantic Coast Conference stated it was "committed to its mission of equality and diversity" and "in conjunction with our schools, we will continue to monitor all current events to ensure an inclusive and nondiscriminatory environment for all." On September 14, 2016,

2516-565: The cancellation of Toruk 's performances in Raleigh, saying they are "opposed to discrimination in any form. The new HB2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all." Other musicians and entertainers have criticized the law but chosen not to cancel shows or boycott. Cyndi Lauper turned her concert in Raleigh into an event "to build public support to repeal HB2," and committed to donating profits from

2584-631: The cities of Atlanta , Baltimore , Berkeley , Boston , Chicago , Cincinnati , Columbus , Dayton , Honolulu , Long Beach , Los Angeles , Madison , Miami Beach , New York City , Oakland , Philadelphia , Portland (Maine) , Portland (Oregon) , Providence , Royal Oak , Salt Lake City , San Francisco , San Jose , Santa Fe , Seattle , Shoreline (Washington) , Tampa , West Palm Beach , and Wilton Manors , have issued travel bans in response to House Bill 2, barring government employees from non-essential travel to North Carolina. On March 28, 2016, High Point Market ,

2652-535: The city. The Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau said four events had been cancelled in the Raleigh area due to House Bill 2, causing a loss of US$ 700,000 in revenue. Hotel chain Westin said that 12 groups have inquired about cancelling events booked at Westin's Charlotte hotel, including the Southern Sociological Society , for which they will lose US$ 180,000 to US$ 4 million. In early April,

2720-691: The classical violinist and First Concertmaster with the Berliner Philharmoniker , spoke against House Bill 2 while performing at a concert with the North Carolina Symphony at UNC Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill. He dedicated the encore to members of the LGBT community "who currently do not feel safe or welcome in the state of North Carolina". Selena Gomez was set to cancel her concert in Charlotte, but decided to continue with it and donate half of

2788-435: The council first considered extending non-discrimination protection to LGBT people in 1992. The ordinance was to take effect on April 1, 2016. On March 22, 2016, upon request from three-fifths of all the members of the North Carolina Senate and the North Carolina House of Representatives , its President and Speaker, respectively, called the General Assembly into special session for the following day. That day, March 23,

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2856-400: The definition of sex in the state's anti-discrimination law to "the physical condition of being male or female, which is stated on a person's birth certificate." The removal of municipal anti-discrimination protections was also criticized, as state-level protections do not explicitly cover discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Opponents of the bill described it as

2924-457: The facility is called Cameron Indoor Stadium . Domed stadiums, which, like arenas, are enclosed but have the larger playing surfaces and seating capacities found in stadiums, are generally not referred to as arenas in North America. There is also the sport of indoor American football (one variant of which is explicitly known as arena football), a variant of the outdoor game that is designed for

2992-515: The greater Atlanta area to Denver , Colorado, in response to restrictive new voting laws.) The U.S. Golf Association stated that they are "committed to ensuring an inclusive environment at all of our championships" and would continue to "monitor and assess" the situation in North Carolina. The NHL 's Carolina Hurricanes and PNC Arena said they "are devoted to providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all fans. We stand against all forms of discrimination." Michael Jordan , owner of

3060-611: The largest home furnishings trade show in the world and the largest economic event in North Carolina, issued a press release expressing concern for "hundreds and perhaps thousands" of customers boycotting their biannual event in April as a result of the law but according to numbers released on May 27, 2016, by the High Point Market, registered attendees only dipped slightly. Community Transportation Association of America canceled plans to bring 1,000 people to Wake County in June 2018 for

3128-547: The law at around 0.1% of the state's gross domestic product . The Associated Press estimated that House Bill 2 would cost the state US$ 3.76 billion over twelve years. Some companies have halted or are reconsidering their plans to expand to North Carolina as a result of the passage of the law: On April 14, 2016, the San Diego-based electronics audio company 1MORE USA Inc. announced it will suspend its sales to North Carolina. During an appearance by McCrory on Meet

3196-662: The law but "We couldn't just say No, we're not showing up and I'm sorry your government is behaving this way." Brandi Carlile also spoke out against the law but chose not to cancel shows in Wilkesboro and Greensboro. Dave Matthews Band announced they would donate a portion of the proceeds from their concert scheduled in Charlotte, to five LGBT groups in an effort to repeal House Bill 2. The Lumineers announced they would protest House Bill 2 by providing gender-neutral bathrooms at their concert in Cary, North Carolina. Noah Bendix-Balgley ,

3264-645: The law is not repealed. Director Rob Reiner called for a boycott of North Carolina by the entertainment industry and said he would no longer film in the state. Documentary film producer Michael Moore announced that his movie Where to Invade Next would not be licensed to theaters in North Carolina. The NBA , NCAA , NFL and ESPN 's X Games have spoken against the law, reconsidering plans to host future sporting events in North Carolina. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver informed North Carolina's governor and legislature that "it would be problematic for us to move forward with our [2017] All-Star Game if there

3332-489: The loss of PayPal and the estimated 908 spinoff jobs they estimated that it would have produced. As of December 2, 2016, the states of California , Connecticut , Minnesota , New York , Vermont , and Washington ; the District of Columbia ; the counties of Cuyahoga (Ohio) , Dane (Wisconsin) , Franklin (Ohio) , Los Angeles (California) , Montgomery (Maryland) , Multnomah (Oregon) , and Summit (Ohio) ; and

3400-451: The most anti-LGBT legislation in the United States, while proponents of HB2 called it "common sense" legislation. HB2 was met with widespread protests: state, county and city governments across the United States forbade their employees from non-essential travel to North Carolina; numerous corporations and firms curbed plans to hold events and create jobs in the state, and many performers canceled performances in North Carolina to boycott

3468-431: The passage of the bill. Some media noted, in connection to HB2, a study finding that denying transgender people access to restrooms of their gender increases the rate at which they attempt suicide. House Bill 2 does not contain any guidance on how it is supposed to be enforced, and does not name any specific crimes or penalties. Police departments in Raleigh , Greensboro , Wilmington , and Asheville have expressed

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3536-492: The proceeds from Revival Tour Charlotte to an LGBT Charity based in North Carolina, saying "I learned from an early age that everyone should be treated equally" and "I've been reassured the venue I'm performing in has gender-neutral bathrooms. I want everyone coming to my show to feel welcome." Author and poet Sherman Alexie canceled a book talk in Asheville because of House Bill 2. Author David Sedaris decided not to cancel

3604-431: The referendum on its way to passage until then-mayor Pat McCrory vetoed a living wage ordinance just days before the referendum. As a result, Helping Empower Local People, a grass-roots organization supporting a living wage, launched a campaign to oppose the arena, arguing that it was immoral for the city to build a new arena when city workers didn't earn enough to make a living. The referendum failed with 43% for building

3672-600: The same conference. Central Ohio Transit Authority followed suit a few days later. On April 25, 2016, The American Institute of Architects announced that it will move its South Atlantic Region conference which was originally scheduled to be held September 29 through October 2 at the Wilmington Convention Center in Wilmington . The four-day business conference accommodates between 1000 and 1200 people, including architects, exhibitors, and speakers from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. In its statement,

3740-413: The scoreboard would be able to change colors and have a visible 'hive' motif built-in throughout its design. It was also announced that four retractable auxiliary scoreboards will be installed in the corners of the upper level and finally, 360° ribbon boards are scheduled to be installed as well. Construction was completed by the start of the 2016–17 NBA season. Also announced were plans for the renovation of

3808-447: The show to Equality North Carolina. Mumford and Sons performed in Charlotte but donated some of the proceeds to an LGBT organization. Laura Jane Grace , a transgender rock musician and lead singer of the punk rock band Against Me! , stated that the band would not be boycotting North Carolina but would donate money from their concert to Time Out Youth , an LGBT advocacy group. Beyoncé did not cancel her concert in Raleigh, but posted

3876-624: The show. But the reality is there is nothing like the immense power of boycotting and putting a strain. And it's a shame, because people are going to be affected that don't deserve it. But it could be the way that ultimately is gonna affect change, so again, we just couldn't find it in ourselves in good conscience to cross a picket line when there was a movement ... Musical composer Stephen Schwartz will not allow Wicked to be produced in North Carolina. Cirque du Soleil cancelled their performances of Ovo in Greensboro and Charlotte, and announced

3944-501: The state exclusive rights to determine the minimum wage . The bathroom portion of the bill generated immense criticism for preventing transgender people who did not or could not alter their birth certificates from using the restroom consistent with their gender identity (at the time in North Carolina, only people who undergo sex reassignment surgery could change the sex on their birth certificates, and outside jurisdictions have different rules, some more restrictive), and for changing

4012-399: The state; North Carolina's economy lost over $ 400 million in investments and jobs. The bill was also criticized by several religious organizations, and President Barack Obama denounced it and called for its repeal. McCrory ultimately lost his bid for re-election in 2016 to Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper , a vocal critic of the law. The portion of the law regarding bathroom use

4080-531: The type of event. Football (be it association , rugby , gridiron , Australian rules , or Gaelic ) is typically played in a stadium, while basketball , volleyball , handball , and ice hockey are typically played in an arena, although many of the larger arenas hold more spectators than do the stadiums of smaller colleges or high schools. There are exceptions. The home of the Duke University men's and women's basketball teams would qualify as an arena, but

4148-625: The usual smaller playing surface of most arenas; variants of other traditionally outdoor sports, including box lacrosse as well as futsal and indoor soccer , also exist. The term "arena" is also used loosely to refer to any event or type of event which either literally or metaphorically takes place in such a location, often with the specific intent of comparing an idea to a sporting event. Such examples of these would be terms such as "the arena of war", "the arena of love" or "the political arena". HB2 The Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act , commonly known as House Bill 2 or HB2 ,

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4216-497: The visitors locker room, suites, and other rooms. This marked the first major renovations to the Spectrum Center in its history. The city proposed a $ 245 million renovation plan for both the arena and the area around it in early 2022. It included various internal upgrades to the arena such as new HVAC units, and the possibility of an outdoor space for entertainment similar to others found at NBA arenas. The biggest addition would be

4284-479: Was a North Carolina statute passed in March 2016 and signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory . The bill amended state law to preempt any anti-discrimination ordinances passed by local communities and, controversially, compelled schools and state and local government facilities containing single-gender bathrooms to only allow people of the corresponding sex as listed on their birth certificate to use them; it also gave

4352-548: Was changed to Time Warner Cable Arena when the naming rights were purchased in 2008. When Charter Communications purchased Time Warner Cable in 2016, the name was again changed to reflect the Spectrum trade name. The arena was originally intended to host the original Hornets franchise in the early 2000s. The Hornets' arena, the Charlotte Coliseum , was considered outdated despite being only 13 years old, primarily owing to

4420-420: Was expected that the arena would host many NCAA basketball games, and that expectation was correct. Notable NCAA basketball games the Spectrum Center has hosted to date include: On January 27, 2018, the arena hosted its first UFC event for UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2 . The promotion returned to the arena on May 13, 2023, for UFC on ABC: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida . In 2012, the Spectrum Center hosted

4488-442: Was more emphatic, saying: "There is absolutely no way to enforce this law, as it relates to the enforcement of the bathroom provisions. It is an utterly ridiculous law." Although the full economic impact of House Bill 2 on North Carolina's economy is largely unrealized and difficult to fully quantify, some early economic consequences have been noted. As of September 2016, rough estimates put North Carolina's full economic loss due to

4556-402: Was not only the largest scoreboard in any NBA arena when it debuted, but also featured a one-of-a-kind light-up 360 degree 3D mural of the Charlotte skyline. In early 2006, the arena became the subject of controversy when the Bobcats charged a $ 15,000 fee to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for graduation ceremonies held at the building. The fee was eventually waived following media attention from

4624-775: Was repealed on March 30, 2017, with the passage of House Bill 142 (Session 2017 of the North Carolina General Assembly) . The remainder of HB2, which barred local governments from passing anti-discrimination ordinances, was repealed on December 1, 2020, by a sunset provision , which was inserted below the partial repeal in House Bill 142, passed on March 30, 2017. In response to the full repeal on December 1, 2020, many local governments across North Carolina almost immediately enacted local laws to protect LGBT people from discrimination and other local governments are considering passing similar local laws. On February 22, 2016,

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