The convocation center is named for George M. Holmes, a 1954 graduate and member of the North Carolina General Assembly.

The inaugural event was a men's basketball game held on November 17, 2000 between the Mountaineers and the Tar Heels of North Carolina.

The George M. Holmes Convocation Center’s mission is to provide facilities for the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science and to support the academic processes of Appalachian State University.

Serving as a multipurpose for the northwestern region of North Carolina, the center supports university sponsored events, such as commencement and college fair.

Standing at the end of Rivers Street, the 200,840-square-foot (18,659 m2) structure houses the Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, and includes a multipurpose arena for community and cultural events, graduation and convocation ceremonies, trade shows, concerts, and athletic events.