Surface Multi-surface Opened 10 April 1986 | Broke ground October 1982 Phone +1 828-227-2063 | |
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Location 92 Catamount RoadCullowhee, NC 28723 USA Capacity 7,826 (basketball)8,556 (concerts) Construction cost $16.3 million($35.6 million in 2016 dollars) Similar Bob Waters Field at E J Whitmir, Mountain Heritage Center, Hennon Stadium, Benjamin Johnson Arena, Pete Hanna Center Profiles | ||
The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center is a 7,826-seat multi-purpose arena in Cullowhee, in the U.S. state of North Carolina, and is home to the Western Carolina University Catamounts basketball and volleyball teams. It is also named "THE LAIR". It is a state owned facility (by the University) and offers the largest seating capacity inside the Charlotte–Atlanta–Knoxville triangle.
Contents
In addition to the arena, the Ramsey Center includes five racquetball courts, two basketball courts, a walking/jogging track, and lighted outdoor rollerblade/skateboard facilities for students.
Features not in use at this time include an indoor firing range and an outdoor-lighted ice skating facility.
History
The Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center was completed in April, 1986 and was dedicated on December 6 of that same year before a standing-room only crowd of 8,114 as Western Carolina hosted North Carolina State on the men's basketball hardwood. The first official game in the new building took place two-days prior as the women's squad downed Mars Hill on December 4, 1986, by a score of 65-61. In 1999, the Ramsey Center also became the home venue for the WCU volleyball team.
Notable Events
Such entertainment acts as Aerosmith, Alabama, Billy Currington, Bon Jovi in 1986, Chicago, Fabolous, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Lorrie Morgan and Nappy Roots have played the Ramsey Center. Other featured events include the Harlem Globetrotters, appearances by the New York City Opera, Los Angeles Ballet and the Acting Company. Lectures from famous personalities like Pat Summitt and former presidential candidate, Bob Dole have taken place at the Ramsey Center.