Now that I get the Cabarrus Arena’s regular email alerts, I am amazed at the sheer number and variety of offerings at our county’s largest and most versatile venue. A recent email from January revealed a unique juxtaposition: Yu-Gi-Oh gamers playing something called “Phantom Darkness” on the same weekend as “The Wedding Affair… and More.” I can just picture a young ipod-and-hoodie-wearing gamer wandering into a room full of pumped up bridesmaids – let the hilarity ensue!
But seriously, this perfectly illustrates how v
ersatile the Cabarrus Arena is. One weekend, you might see a cheerleading competition, the next weekend a Farm Show, the next weekend an arena football game. Which brings me to some of the exciting things on the horizon this year at the arena:
Carolina Speed - This exciting arena football team begins its season in March, with the first home game on March 15 .
Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus – they will bring their all-new “Boom-a-Ring” show to the area in May 21-26.
Concerts: The Arena regularly hosts concerts such as last year’s popular Willie Nelson show. On March 16, popular children’s entertainer Billy Jonas will be the headliner of the Tot Trade Children’s Show.
Cabarrus County Fair: The 56th Annual Cabarrus County Fair takes place September 5-13. This award-winning fair is well known throughout the region for providing top-quality entertainment and rides. The size and scope of this fair is comparable to that of a state fair, and this year they project an attendance of 100,000 people over a 9-day period – their biggest ever.
Special Shows: Get out the lint roller! The arena is hosting not one but two alpaca shows, at least three cat shows, and two dog shows. Also, in addition to the aforementioned bridal show, they have a Christmas show and various craft shows throughout the year.
Carolina Living Green Expo: This “reboot” of the Mid-Atlantic Farm Show, Nov. 21-23, has shifted is focus from agriculture to living green. Look for more eco-friendly vendors, seminars on tactics like composting and recycling, and environmentally responsible food vendors. Plus lots of fun for the kids!
More Events: Showstopper Dance Competition, April 18-20; Relay for Life, May 3; Tarheel Cat Fancier’s Cat Show, June 28-29
