Originally to be named Carolina First Center, the facility was renamed Carolina First Arena to avoid confusion with the bank's south coast main offices in Charleston which are located in an office building by the same name.

The first game played at the arena on November 14, 2008 was a first round game of the inaugural ESPN Charleston Classic between Texas Christian University and Western Michigan University won by TCU 67-63.

Perhaps the biggest game in arena history was an 82-79 Charleston victory in overtime over then-No.

9 ranked and defending national champion North Carolina on January 4, 2010.

The arena not only plays host to Cougars' basketball games, but it also hosts many other campus events, including orientations, Graduation, award ceremonies, and external events (including Battle of the Bricks & Spoleto Festival).