Dorton Arena

Dorton Arena
Paraboleum
Interactive map of Dorton Arena
Former namesState Fair Arena (1952–1961)
LocationNorth Carolina State Fairgrounds
1025 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
OwnerState of North Carolina
OperatorState of North Carolina
Capacity5,110 – Arena Football and Hockey
7,610 – Basketball
SurfaceIce, Concrete, Hardwood
Construction
Opened1952
ArchitectMaciej Nowicki, William Henley Dietrick
Tenants
Carolina Cougars (ABA) (1969–1974)
Raleigh Bullfrogs (GBA) (1991–1992)
Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) (1991–1998)
Raleigh Cougars (USBL) (1997–1999)
Shaw University (NCAA Division II Basketball) (2002–2003)
Raleigh Rebels (AIFL) (2005–2006)
Carolina Rollergirls (WFTDA) (2006–present)
Triangle Torch (AIF/SIF) (2016–2017)
J. S. Dorton Arena
LocationNorth Carolina State Fairgrounds, W. Hillsborough St., Raleigh, North Carolina
Coordinates35°47′37″N 78°42′36″W / 35.79361°N 78.71000°W / 35.79361; -78.71000
Built1953
ArchitectNowicki, Matthew, et al.; Muirhead, William, Construction
NRHP reference No.73001375
Added to NRHPApril 11, 1973

J. S. Dorton Arena is a 7,610-seat multi-purpose arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina, on the grounds of the North Carolina State Fair. It opened in 1952 as State Fair Arena. It has hosted many sporting events, concerts, political rallies, and circuses.

Dorton Area was the first structure in the world to use a cable-supported roof. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on April 11, 1973. It was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2002.