What is the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center. How does it serve as the living room of UNC Charlotte campus. What facilities and events does it host. How has it impacted campus life since its construction in 1996.
The James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center: A Campus Landmark
The James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center, constructed in 1996, stands as a cornerstone of campus life at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This 232,000-square-foot facility was designed to be the “living room” of the campus, providing students with a central hub for social interaction, recreation, and various events.
Named after Charlotte business and community leader James H. Barnhardt of Barnhardt Manufacturing Company, the center represents a significant milestone in the university’s development. Barnhardt’s connection to the university ran deep, as he served on the institution’s board of advisors.
The Generous Gift That Made It Possible
The naming of the center honors not only Barnhardt but also recognizes a substantial donation that made its construction possible. Robert Hayes, Barnhardt’s brother-in-law, along with his wife Mariam Cannon Hayes and the Cannon Foundation, contributed $5 million to the building’s construction. At the time, this represented the largest gift in the university’s history, underscoring the center’s importance to the campus community.
Halton Arena: The Heart of UNC Charlotte Athletics
At the core of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center lies the impressive Halton Arena. With a seating capacity of 9,000, this versatile space serves multiple purposes:
- Home court for UNC Charlotte men’s and women’s basketball games
- Venue for women’s volleyball matches
- Site for university commencement ceremonies
- Stage for live concerts and student productions
- Host to community festivals and events
The arena’s construction marked a significant upgrade for the university. Prior to its opening on December 2, 1996, the largest auditorium on campus could only accommodate 620 people. The increased capacity of Halton Arena allowed UNC Charlotte to host commencement ceremonies on campus for the first time, a momentous change for the growing institution.
Dale Halton’s Contribution
The arena bears the name of Dale Halton, the president and CEO of the Charlotte Pepsi-Cola bottling company. Halton’s generous donation of $1.25 million towards the arena’s construction played a crucial role in bringing this state-of-the-art facility to life.
A Comprehensive Fitness and Recreation Complex
Beyond the Halton Arena, the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center offers a wide array of fitness and recreational facilities for students, faculty, and staff. These amenities include:
- A fully-equipped campus fitness center
- An indoor track for year-round running and walking
- Recreational courts for various sports
- A 50-foot indoor climbing wall for adventure enthusiasts
- A dedicated group fitness studio for classes and workouts
Initially, the center also featured additional amenities to enhance student life:
- A food court offering diverse dining options
- A game room equipped with arcade games
- Ping pong tables for friendly competitions
- Pool tables for leisurely recreation
The International Festival: Celebrating Diversity at UNC Charlotte
One of the most significant events hosted at the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center is the annual International Festival. Established in 1975, this vibrant celebration of global cultures has grown to become a major campus and community event.
A Global Experience on Campus
The International Festival transforms the Student Activity Center into a microcosm of world cultures. Here’s what visitors can expect:
- Over 50 nations represented through cultural booths
- Displays of art, crafts, and traditional clothing from around the world
- A diverse array of international cuisines to sample
- Live musical and dance performances showcasing global traditions
- Interactive experiences staffed by UNC Charlotte international students and community members
In recent years, the International Festival has attracted over 20,000 attendees, making it one of the largest cultural events on campus. The festival utilizes both the interior spaces of the Student Activity Center and the outdoor areas surrounding it, creating a truly immersive experience for visitors.
Impact on Campus Life and Community Engagement
Since its construction in 1996, the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center has had a profound impact on campus life at UNC Charlotte. How has this facility transformed the student experience?
- Centralized social hub: The center provides a common space for students to gather, socialize, and build community.
- Enhanced athletic programs: Halton Arena has elevated the profile of UNC Charlotte’s sports teams, particularly basketball and volleyball.
- Improved fitness opportunities: The comprehensive fitness facilities promote student health and well-being.
- Versatile event space: From commencement ceremonies to concerts, the center hosts a wide range of events that enrich campus life.
- Community connection: Events like the International Festival bring the broader Charlotte community to campus, fostering town-gown relationships.
The Evolution of the Student Activity Center
As with any dynamic campus facility, the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the UNC Charlotte community. While the core functions of the building remain, some features have been adapted or repurposed since its opening in 1996.
Adapting to Changing Student Needs
How has the Student Activity Center changed to accommodate evolving campus priorities?
- Dining options: The original food court concept may have been modified or replaced to align with current campus dining trends.
- Technology integration: As a hub of student activity, the center likely incorporates more digital amenities and connectivity options than when it first opened.
- Sustainability initiatives: In line with modern campus practices, the building may have undergone upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.
- Flexible spaces: Areas within the center may have been reconfigured to create more adaptable, multi-use spaces that can serve a variety of functions.
The Student Activity Center’s Role in Campus Growth
The construction of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center in 1996 coincided with a period of significant growth for UNC Charlotte. How did this facility contribute to the university’s expansion and development?
- Increased enrollment capacity: The ability to host large-scale events on campus, including commencement ceremonies, supported the university’s ability to grow its student body.
- Enhanced student life: The comprehensive recreational and social amenities made UNC Charlotte a more attractive option for prospective students.
- Athletic program development: Halton Arena provided a home court advantage for UNC Charlotte’s basketball and volleyball teams, potentially aiding in recruitment and program growth.
- Community partnerships: The center’s ability to host large events fostered stronger connections between the university and the Charlotte community.
Looking to the Future: The Student Activity Center’s Ongoing Legacy
As UNC Charlotte continues to grow and evolve, the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center remains a vital part of campus life. What role will this facility play in the university’s future?
- Adapting to new technologies: The center will likely incorporate emerging technologies to enhance the student experience and event management capabilities.
- Supporting diverse student populations: As UNC Charlotte’s student body becomes increasingly diverse, the center may evolve to meet the needs of various cultural and interest groups.
- Sustainability leadership: The building could serve as a model for campus-wide sustainability initiatives, showcasing green technologies and practices.
- Expanding community engagement: The Student Activity Center may take on an even greater role in connecting UNC Charlotte with the broader Charlotte community through expanded programming and partnerships.
The James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center stands as a testament to the vision of UNC Charlotte’s leaders and the generosity of its supporters. From its inception as the “living room” of campus to its current role as a multifaceted hub of student life, this facility has played a crucial role in shaping the UNC Charlotte experience for over two decades.
As the university continues to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, the Student Activity Center will undoubtedly evolve alongside it. Whether hosting spirited basketball games, facilitating cultural exchanges through the International Festival, or providing students with a place to stay active and engaged, this landmark building remains at the heart of campus life at UNC Charlotte.
James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center, UNC Charlotte
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
The James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center is a social and recreational center on campus, built in 1996 to be the “living room” of campus. The 232,000-square-foot center contains the 9,000-seat Halton Arena, the campus fitness center, an indoor track, recreational courts, a 50-foot indoor climbing wall, a group fitness studio, and meeting facilities. The center initially had a food court as well, along with a game room equipped with arcade games, ping pong tables, and pool tables.
Images
Exterior view of the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center
The first game at the Halton Arena, December 2, 1996
International Festival at the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center, 2018
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The center is dedicated to Charlotte business and community leader James H. Barnhardt of Barnhardt Manufacturing Company.
Barnhardt served on the university’s board of advisors. The center was named in his honor as Barnhardt’s brother-in-law, Robert Hayes, along with wife Mariam Cannon Hayes and the Cannon Foundation, donated $5 million to the building’s construction, the largest gift in the university’s history at the time.
The Halton Arena, which is located within the James H. Barnhardt Student Activity Center, hosts UNC Charlotte men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s volleyball games, as well as commencement ceremonies, live concerts, student productions, and community festivals. The arena opened on December 2, 1996, and was named for Dale Halton, the president and CEO of the Charlotte Pepsi-Cola bottling company who donated $1.25 million for the arena’s construction. At the time of the Halton Arena’s construction, the largest auditorium on campus seated 620; the arena’s 9,000-seat capacity allowed the university to host commencement ceremonies on campus.
In addition to being a recreational space on campus, the James H.
Barnhardt Student Activity Center also hosts various campus events, like the International Festival. Established in 1975, the International Festival features booths representing over 50 nations and has had over 20,000 attendees in previous years. UNC Charlotte international students and community staff the booths, which showcase art, crafts, clothing, and food from each participating country. Live musical and dance performances are held in the Halton Arena and outside the center.
Sources
“Barnhardt Student Activity Center Named for Education Proponent”, Inside UNC Charlotte. July 9th 2013. Accessed August 31st 2021. https://inside.charlotte.edu/news-features/2013-07-09/barnhardt-student-activity-center-named-education-proponent.
DeAngelis, Mary Elizabeth. “James Barnhardt, Textile Executive, Dies.” The Charlotte Observer, August 25th, 1993. 8C.
Halton Arena, Dale F. Halton Arena. Accessed August 31st 2021. https://haltonarena.uncc.edu/.
Rawdon, Leigh. “UNCC Breaks Ground on Student Activities Center.
” The Charlotte Observer, November 16th, 1993. 1C.
Sanford, Ken. Charlotte and UNC Charlotte: Growing Up Together. Charlotte, NC. J. Murrey Atkins Library Digital Publishing, 1996.
Wassum, Keith. 1997. UNC Show–Interviews (Beta) Keith Wassum–Barnhardt Student Activities Center (#1). J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections & University Archives, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. https://goldmine.uncc.edu/index/render/object/pid/ua:1418/parentPID/ua:publrel.
Watlington, Rhonda. 1997. UNC Show–Interviews (Beta) Rhonda Watlington–Barnhardt Student Activities Center (#2). J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections & University Archives, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. https://goldmine.uncc.edu/index/render/object/pid/ua:1415/parentPID/ua:publrel.
Welcome to the Student Activity Center, James H Barnhardt Student Activity Center. Accessed August 31st 2021. https://sac.uncc.edu/.
Welcome to UNC Charlotte’s Annual International Festival, International Festival | UNC Charlotte.
Accessed August 31st 2021. https://ifest.charlotte.edu/.
Image Sources(Click to expand)
Kat Lawrence
UNC Charlotte
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Additional Information
James H. Barnhardt Student Activities Center
UNC Show–Interviews (Beta) Keith Wassum–Barnhardt Student Activities Center (#1)
UNC Show–Interviews (Beta) Rhonda Watlington–Barnhardt Student Activities Center (#2)
Barnhardt Student Activity Center (SAC)/ Halton Arena
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bag – advantages, varieties, upholstery
Bean bag is a fashionable piece of modern interior and practical frameless furniture that easily replaces ordinary chairs. The pear-shaped upholstered chair allows you to change position as you wish. You can just sit on it or relax for the most relaxing experience. With a small child, it is quite possible to sit on large pillows, for example, to read books at night.
Benefits of these chairs:
- Very comfortable – if you want to feel completely relaxed in front of the TV screen, with a book or a tablet in your hand, you will need an easy chair-bean bag.
- Modeled at your discretion – thanks to loose filler, with one movement of your hand you can make a soft bag chair without a back, on which it will be convenient to sit with friends in front of a small table or a cozy lounger to watch TV.
- Any kind of custom – frameless chairs can be chosen for the living room, bedroom, children’s room, there are even waterproof options for the kitchen and outdoors. The design can be from cheerful multi-colored to laconic monophonic.
- Safe – no sharp edges with light weight – all this makes frameless upholstered furniture an excellent solution for children’s playrooms. And the ability to change the shape of the ottoman at your discretion opens up scope for children’s imagination.
- Lightweight – a fragile girl, a child can lift and move such a chair.
- Safe fillers – no unhealthy chipboard, glue, varnishes or paints! These bean bags contain only environmentally friendly styrofoam balls and quality fabrics.
- The covers are easy to remove and wash, and this will help keep the chair in excellent condition.
- Suitable for the implementation of non-standard interior solutions – for example, in a boy’s room you can order a bean bag in the shape of a ball. A strawberry chair for a girl, a heart in the bedroom, a pear or a ball for the hall. Any ideas can be implemented!
- The price is inexpensive.
- Save space.
A strawberry chair for a girl, a heart in the bedroom, a pear or a ball for the hall. Any ideas can be implemented!Bean bag is the perfect choice for those who know how to enjoy all the privileges of the highest comfort, versatility, practicality in any environment! Frameless furniture made of pleasant fabrics, beautiful patterns, style make the products special.
Bean bag made of matting in the shape of a pear
Mat is a rather durable material made of double or sometimes triple weave of strong threads. The material is used in various fields and is considered one of the best types of upholstery fabrics. The material is combined with a wide variety of styles and can be a worthy decoration of any home.
Gunny is the coziest, upholstered furniture fabric. A pleasant texture will not leave you indifferent and will create an atmosphere of naturalness in your interior! Thanks to the combination of a wide base, a high fit, an elongated nose, the pear has a unique and refined shape.
The chair is not only perfect, fits compactly inside, but also creates perfect comfort for you.
Eco-leather bean bag chair
Comfortable and elegant bean bag chair made of high-quality eco-leather with versatile use, unlimited possibilities for indoor and outdoor use. The upholstery is hypoallergenic, does not require delicate care. There are models where the outer cover can be removed with a convenient zipper. These fashionable eco-leather bean bags are bought in places such as nightclubs, recreation centers, luxury hotels, restaurants.
Water-repellent velor bean bag
These are soft and elegant models made of velvet fabric, skin-friendly, comfortable to sit on. Supports the back of a seated person, can be washed with common cleaning products. Easily transported, transported from place to place without fear of getting wet and extreme temperatures.
On the Slava Mebel website, pear-shaped bean bags have quality certificates, a guarantee!
Price from the manufacturer, inexpensive delivery in Moscow and the Moscow region.
Punching bag and bag selection
When choosing a punching bag or punching bag, you first need to clearly understand how and where you hang it. We will discuss how to hang a boxing bag in a separate article, now let’s assume that you have identified a place and are ready to buy. What to choose? In this, we must first of all start from the size of the space where you plan to hang the bag, your goals and your physical condition.
Let’s start with weight bag .
Contrary to popular belief, the heavier bag is not always better than . The weight of the bag must certainly correspond to the level of the athlete, but within certain limits. Previously, the bags were stuffed mainly with crumb rubber and sand, the weight of such bags turned out to be large, which ensured a minimal rebound of the projectile when struck. At the same time, the bags were very rigid and traumatic.
Modern paddings made of combined materials, with foam and gel inserts, provide the same levels of rebound with much less weight, due to the absorption of impact energy by the padding.
The stuffing of such bags is soft and safety. A good example is Everlast’s flagship Super Leather boxing bag with a maximum weight of 68kg, yet super heavyweights can train on it without the slightest inconvenience. In other words, don’t chase weight. With an athlete weighing up to 60 kg – the weight of the bag is 25 – 30 kg, up to 75 kg – the weight of the bag is 30-40 kg, up to 85 kg – a bag of 40-55 kg from 85 kg – a bag from 45 kg.
Now about the assignment. Depending on the goals that you are pursuing, there are many varieties of punching bags and pears. Classical Boxing bags from 1 to 1.2 meters high, Muay Thai and Kickboxing bags up to 1.9 meters high, as well as drop-shaped bags, bags in the form of a “sleeve” wide top and narrow bottom, bags in the form of a ball and other forms. From the specifics, it is clear that for kicks and punches it is better to choose a “Thai” bag, for boxing a classic boxing bag is ideal, to work out the widest possible range of punches, you can stop at a universal bag of one of their shapes, for example, a “sleeve” or a ball.
Next, let’s talk about size.
We mentioned the length of the bags a little earlier and this parameter is important for two reasons, the first is, of course, the functionality of the boxing equipment itself, and the second is the height of the ceiling, at the place of suspension. With a ceiling height of 2 meters, hanging a bag of 1.8 meters will be very problematic, if not unrealistic.
It is also worth mentioning the width (diameter) of the bag. This parameter varies on average from 25 to 45 cm.
And of course, you need to take into account that for full-fledged work with a boxing bag, you must have at least 1.5 meters of free space around the bag, for your movements.
In addition, modern boxing bags are usually equipped with a ring on the bottom bottom. Thanks to this, the bag can be fixed with a tourniquet from below to the floor or heavy objects. Thanks to this fixation, the rebound of even a very light bag will be minimal. You can choose a bag that is not very massive, saving money, space, and, most importantly, getting the opportunity to remove and hang the bag without damage to health, which is especially important for home use.
