Charlotte Hornets to build world-class practice facility in uptown. Here’s how it will look
Having a world class facility to practice in is nearing reality for the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets on Monday announced key details about their new performance center, which is set to be built across the street from Spectrum Center beginning early next year.
It will feature more than 100,000 square feet to be utilized for practice, training and recovery. Another 35,000 square feet will house the team’s business operations. There’s also room for 2,500 square feet of retail space on the ground level and a planned public plaza outside the building, which will sit on the corner of Caldwell and 5th streets.
Currently named the Charlotte Hornets Performance Center, it’s expected to open prior to the start of the NBA’s 2026-27 season, and is another way co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin hope will help elevate the Hornets.
“I think we were one of two teams in the league to not have a practice facility, and that was one of the things (the owners) talked about when they came in,” Hornets forward Grant Williams told The Observer. “And the amount of equity they are putting into this franchise and community, it shows how much they care genuinely about Charlotte — the city as well as the Hornets.”
Approved by the city officials earlier this year, the Hornets are expected to fully fund any costs exceeding the $30 million provided by the city of Charlotte. The deal was part of a larger agreement that will keep the NBA franchise in Charlotte through at least 2045.
The Hornets are teaming up with consulting firm CAA Icon, Populous — a global sports and entertainment venue design firm — and Gilbane Building Company and Charlotte-based R.J. Leeper, two construction firms.
“It’s really exciting for our team and our organization,” coach Charles Lee said. “From the first conversation I had with Rick and Gabe as well as Jeff (Peterson, the team’s president of basketball operations), we all talked about what it would take to turn the Hornets into the premier franchise in the NBA.
“Breaking ground on a performance center is the latest in a string of several commitments the group is showing our players and fans about how willing to invest in the process we are. Having a world class facility for our guys is going to have a huge impact.”
That’s the expectation from the team’s co-chairmen.
“Following the first phase of our Re!magine Spectrum Center project, the new performance center is the next step as we work toward our vision of building the premier franchise in the NBA and operating world-class facilities,” Schnall and Plotkin said in a statement. “This performance center will provide our Hornets players with NBA best-in-class facilities to improve all aspects of their performance, training and health.
“We remain dedicated to investing in this community, and the City of Charlotte, and the development of this site is a key aspect in that. Our building partners are truly some of the best in the business — both here in Charlotte and around the world. We appreciate the collaboration of all parties involved and cannot wait to break ground on this project.”
City officials are hopeful the Hornets’ future daily home will spur more growth in the area around the arena and old bus terminal, creating an environment that gives patrons more options to choose from, particularly before and after events.
“We’re excited to see the project team come together and the positive momentum for this project which will start to transform this part of Uptown by injecting needed retail and public gathering spaces, as well as helping to attract additional investment in Uptown,” city of Charlotte assistant city manager Tracy Dodson said in a statement. “The Charlotte Hornets are an important part of Charlotte’s entertainment and economic ecosystem, and this is a great opportunity for the Hornets to expand their presence and support their players with a world-class facility.”
This story was originally published October 14, 2024 at 11:32 AM.
