Swofford says ACC to return to Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Atlantic Coast Conference tournament will come back to Charlotte regardless of whether a new arena is built, the conference commissioner says. <br> <br> Commissioner John Swofford said building a downtown arena with modern amenities would make Charlotte more competitive for the tournament and for events such as the women&#39;s Final Four. <br> <br> ``Even if the building is a little smaller (in capacity), but with much better (amenities) downtown in an energetic setting, we&#39;d consider that very attractive,&#39;&#39; said Swofford in advance of tournament, which begins Thursday night. <br> <br> The Charlotte City Council has approved a plan to build a downtown arena with about 18,500 seats, plus 68 suites, with a capacity to expand it to about 20,000. <br> <br> Building that arena is contingent on a lease with a major-league team, most likely the Charlotte Hornets if they remain in town. <br> <br> A referendum to use public dollars for an arena failed last June. At the time, opponents said replacing the 23,500-plus-seat Charlotte Coliseum with a smaller building would hurt the city&#39;s chances of getting ACC tournaments. <br> <br> Swofford believes a new building&#39;s appeal the premium seating, the extra entertainment space and the proximity to center-city hotels and the Convention Center would outweigh any reduction in seating capacity. <br> <br> ACC tournaments have been awarded through 2010, with Charlotte getting a return visit in 2008. Swofford said that while the Coliseum which opened in 1988 is losing some luster, 2008 wouldn&#39;t end Charlotte&#39;s run with the event. <br> <br> ``Charlotte has meant so much to our league,&#39;&#39; Swofford said. ``The feeling is we want to be back.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Atlanta&#39;s Georgia Dome hosted the tournament last year. Greensboro, Washington and Tampa, Fla., will host tournaments in coming years.