The Batte Center

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is located 20 miles southeast of Charlotte, N.C.. With a student body of over 3,000, the Wingate campus is a close-knit and supportive community beautifully situated on a 400-acre campus.

In keeping with the belief that diversity of experience is essential to a well-rounded education, Wingate University is home to a variety of cultural facilities which are managed by The Batte Center. Serving over 100,000 people annually, these accessible spaces host 600+ events each year ranging from concerts to art openings to plays and speakers for Wingate and the surrounding community.

Completed in 1960, the 999-seat Austin Memorial Chapel Auditorium is named for the late Mr. and Mrs. John M. Austin of Wadesboro. The auditorium was remodeled in 1980 to accommodate a custom-built, 30-stop Holtkamp organ given by the late Thelma Rivers.

In 1999, Wingate unveiled the cultural jewel of the campus -- the $8.5 million George A. Batte, Jr. Fine Arts Center. Located across the street from Austin and surrounded by lush landscaping, this 44,000 square-foot home for the visual and performing arts includes two performance spaces, the C. Douglas Helms Art Gallery, a growing Music Department and the cultural arts offices.

Located just off the light-filled Rotunda is the main performance hall, the 554-seat Hannah Covington McGee Theatre, which honors Wingate University President Jerry E. McGee’s late wife, a life-long patron of the arts. Boasting unobstructed views and a full-sized proscenium stage house, the McGee Theatre is the perfect setting for concerts, plays and dance events. The 174-seat Plyler-Griffin Recital Hall provides an intimate space for student and faculty presentations. It is named for Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Plyer, former North Carolina senator, and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Griffin of Monroe.