New Concord events center debuts with free concert during Coca-Cola 600 race

Catherine Muccigrosso
·3 min read

A new event and music venue in Concord is opening with a free concert just in time for race week.

Called Concord Event Center, the 20,000-square-foot space at 363 Concord Pkwy. North is about 6 miles northeast of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The center will open on Sunday, the same day as the Coca-Cola 600, owner Joe French told The Charlotte Observer.

As a test drive for the center, Fort Mill, S.C., native and season 17 “The Voice” contestant Jake HaldenVang will perform a live show at 7 p.m. And the race will be shown on a 50-foot screen, French said.

While the center has a capacity for nearly 900 people, the first live concert will admit up to 300, French said, as an introduction as work continues on the center.

The venue can be rented for bar mitzvahs, graduation parties, awards, weddings, proms, trade shows, supper clubs,“just about anything.” Pricing will vary by event size, date and other needs, French said.

“It’s about the memories it’s going to create in a person’s life and seeing Concord Event Center in the background,” French said.

Concord Event Center is a 20,000-square-foot venue that can be rented for quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs, graduation parties, awards, weddings, proms, trade shows, supper clubs, “just about anything,” owner Joe French said.
Concord Event Center is a 20,000-square-foot venue that can be rented for quinceañeras, bar mitzvahs, graduation parties, awards, weddings, proms, trade shows, supper clubs, “just about anything,” owner Joe French said.

What to expect at Concord Event Center

The open banquet hall space of Concord Event Center includes 14 televisions, two projector screens and two 85-inch TVs.

Along with building improvements such as new HVAC units and sprinkler system by the property owner, French said the investment is well over $700,000. About $157,000 worth of lights and sound systems have been installed.

Concord Event Center will include kitchen space for in-house catering and three bars. The 1956, one-story brick and gray metal warehouse building formerly housed a Mexican restaurant and other businesses.

French said it also could be used for after-school programs and by nonprofits needing space, too.

“I know the potential this place has and what it can do for other people,” French said. “We’re open to suggestions.”

Two 85-inch televisions line the wall at the new Concord Event Center.
Two 85-inch televisions line the wall at the new Concord Event Center.

Revved up for NASCAR ties

Another focus is being located in NASCAR country.

A 50-by-50 foot wall wrap of Dale Earnhardt pays homage to the late racing giant born in neighboring Kannapolis. “He’s the legend of NASCAR, and NASCAR is Concord,” French said. “It was one of the first things I put up.”

He plans to spotlight other stars too, like Richard Petty.

But the main attraction might be the music scene. French expects to open with concerts on Friday and Saturday nights by national and regional artists.

Hiring for at least five specialized event managers and other employees is underway.

Room for additional event space

Already Concord Event Center is planning additional concerts, and getting bookings for quinceañeras, gaming and other events, French said. And, despite other event spaces in Concord, French said there’s plenty of business to go around.

“There’s so much going on in Concord right now,” French said.

Less than 2 miles away is City Club at Gibson Mill at 325 McGill Ave. NW. The 15,000-square-foot venue in the over 100-year-old upfit Gibson Manufacturing Co. manufacturing site is used for weddings, corporate and special events. The 656,000-square-foot site on 48 acres includes several businesses, including a 34,500-square-foot food hall in a former weaving room.

Concord Event Center includes three bars, a restaurant kitchen and over 16 televisions.
Concord Event Center includes three bars, a restaurant kitchen and over 16 televisions.

About 10 miles southeast is Cabarrus Arena & Event Center at 4751 NC Highway 49 N. The site includes a 29,000-square-foot arena, two event centers, two reception halls and rooms for business meetings. The 11-acre county-owned complex opened in 2002 with the county’s 50th fair, according to the website.

But French said he’s just focusing on his business and working with the community.

French moved with his wife to Charlotte 20 years ago from Connecticut.

He is co-owner of Brooklyn Nightclub and Lounge and Sugar Lounge, both in uptown Charlotte, and owns other businesses in Ohio and Florida.

The event center, French said, is more than a business. ”We want to be a part of the community to assist in any way we can for the growth of Concord.”