North Cobb High School Celebrates New Performing Arts Center, Arena

After two years of construction, North Cobb High School is celebrating the opening of its new performing arts center and gymnasium/arena. A ribbon cutting in August was attended by students, educators and community leaders.

“I think the ribbon cutting is a way for us to say thank you to the taxpayers, because it was all paid for with SPLOST (Special Local Optional Sales Tax), and also to community leaders and teachers,” principal Matthew Moody said.

North Cobb High School underwent a major upgrade with the Performing Arts Center. The school went from leaky ceilings, broom closet-sized backstage areas and a 300-seat audience space, to 30,600 square feet of space, five vanities in each dressing room and a 750-seat audience. With a floating track on the second floor and the horseshoe-shaped seating area, the facility totals 67,210 square feet with seats for 3,000 people.

With orange and blue painted in pride, the new gymnasium, also known as the arena, ignites excitement in players and spectators as they walk into the new building for the first time.
“It’s great just because of the size,” volleyball coach Stephen Sansing said. “In the old gym, if we set up two courts, they’re both squeezed up against the wall. In here there’s a lot more space between the court and the wall.”

When the Performing Arts Center opened in the spring, North Cobb Standing Ovation performed “Hairspray” with its biggest cast and crew totaling 65 students.

“I think it ought to make them more excited to work hard at becoming better athletes and performers,” athletic director and assistant principal Matthew Williams said.

With the entire project totaling 99,400 square feet and costing $22.6 million, the staff anticipates stricter rules to keep the facilities in top shape.

“It’s a facility our entire community, from first-graders to seniors, can be proud of because it’s going to be here forever,” Moody said. “I’m excited for the cities of Kennesaw and Acworth to see this beautiful thing.”

– Isabella Keaton, a senior at North Cobb High School