Hornets unveil $215 million in renovation plans for Spectrum Center. What to expect
The Charlotte Hornets on Friday unveiled plans for $215 million of renovations at Spectrum Center.
Some of the improvements for the 19-year-old building include new seats, bigger suites and improvements at concession stands. The work will take place during the offseasons between May 2024 and before the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Here’s a look at what lies ahead.
What can fans expect?
More gathering spaces in the arena near the steps will increase visibility into the bowl of the Spectrum Center when fans are not in their seats watching events.
Renovations made this year will be made to support traffic flow with a fourth entrance and exit area, wider corridors and entrance changes. In 2025, the main concourse will be upgraded with new themed destinations inspired by places in the Carolinas.
The Charlotte Hornets said the retail experience will be improved as well. Additional information was not provided.
Technology will be used to increase speed and service with the addition of grab-and-go markets for food and beverages, Spectrum Center officials said. Menu and bar offerings will be expanded for visitors.
An additional 2,500 lower-level seats will be added in 2025 to get fans closer to the floor. All seats in the bowl will be replaced at that time, according to Spectrum Center officials.
For club and hospitality experiences, premium spaces will be renovated during the next two summers.
The two existing event level clubs will be relocated and a new courtside space will be added this year. This will add hundreds of more club seats. Also, the entire suite level will be renovated in the upcoming months, followed by the founders level in 2025.
The renovations for suites will come with five different suite options and prices to accommodate anywhere from two to 130 guests. Along with 28 standard suites, the Spectrum Center will have four party suites, 13 mini suites, one super suite and one theater box.
Back-of-house changes are also being made for promoters, crews and entertainers.
When will construction start?
Work will start in May to finish renovations before the 2025-26 NBA season. Changes will be made during the league’s off-seasons and the Spectrum Center will be closed from May to September in 2024 and 2025.
Who’s paying for the work?
The city owns Spectrum Center, which is operated by Hornets Sports & Entertainment.
Funding for the renovations are from the city’s tourism fund dollars, such as taxes collected on rental cars and hotel rooms.
In June 2022, the city of Charlotte approved $215 million in investments to upgrade the arena and $60 million to build a practice facility for the team, according to Charlotte Observer reports.
Former team executive Fred Whitfield negotiated the deal with the city to extend the franchise’s lease to make sure the Hornets remain in Charlotte. The lease was set to expire in 2030 and is now extended to 2045.
This story was originally published January 12, 2024 at 9:00 AM.
