The Charlotte Hornets have officially revealed the second phase of the Spectrum Center’s multi-million dollar renovation project, marking a significant step toward transforming the nearly two-decade-old arena into a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and community engagement.
Announced Monday as part of the “Re! magine Spectrum Center” initiative, the latest upgrades are aimed at dramatically improving the fan experience, with a strong focus on comfort, convenience, and enhanced views of the court, even from concession areas.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
The Spectrum Center, which first opened in 2005 and now welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors annually, will undergo substantial improvements designed to modernize the facility from top to bottom. The upgrades include wider concourses, additional seating, thematic design overhauls, premium food options, and luxury renovations to exclusive areas—all expected to be completed by October 2025.
The project is part of a broader commitment by Hornets Sports and Entertainment to ensure the arena remains a vital and world-class venue in Uptown Charlotte.
“From an ownership perspective, it has to be a world-class facility,” said Donna Julian, Executive Vice President of Hornets Sports and Entertainment. “But for the citizens of Charlotte and the community, they have their memories—from a concert to a Hornets game—they deserve a top-notch facility.”
Key Highlights of the Phase 2 Renovation
Belk Concourse Enhancements
- The arena’s main concourse, now named the Belk Concourse, will be fully overhauled.
- Upgrades include new signage, lighting, and flooring, as well as additional and modernized restrooms.
- Concession areas will be improved to better serve high volumes of attendees.
North & South Districts
- Located within the Belk Concourse, these new areas will each have a distinct theme:
- North District: A “modern sophistication” design with light tones and a Lunazul tequila bar.
- South District: A “southern hospitality” theme with darker, warm finishes.
- Both districts will feature open gathering areas, upscale dining, and beverage stations.
Seating Enhancements
- 1,400 new lower-level seats will be added.
- All Arena Bowl seats will be replaced.
- The 200-level seats will be widened by two inches for added comfort.
- Lower-level sideline seats in both districts will be upgraded to luxurious leather.
Food & Beverage Upgrades
- Enhanced culinary experiences with Grab-and-Go markets and an expanded range of concessions.
- In partnership with Levy, local Carolina cuisine will be integrated into menus, spotlighting regional flavors.
Founders Level Renovations
- This premium seating area will undergo a full transformation with luxury finishes and a redesigned layout to better serve VIP guests.
- More space and refined service will be added to elevate the premium experience.
Back-of-House Modernization
- Behind-the-scenes areas used by players, staff, and entertainers will receive updates to improve functionality and support for events.
A Broader Vision: Practice Facility and Retail Development
The unveiling follows last month’s groundbreaking of the Novant Health Performance Center, the Hornets’ new state-of-the-art practice facility adjacent to the Spectrum Center. Set to open before the 2026–27 NBA season, the facility will include:
- Hornets’ team administration offices.
- Practice courts.
- Retail space.
- A public plaza at Caldwell and Fifth streets is designed for year-round foot traffic and community use.
Why It’s More Than Just a Facelift
Far from a cosmetic upgrade, the Re! The Imagine Spectrum Center project represents a broader rethinking of what a modern arena should offer. The Hornets’ leadership emphasized the importance of aligning with global standards for sports and entertainment venues, ensuring Charlotte remains competitive as a destination for NBA games, concerts, and major live events.
These upgrades also reinforce the franchise’s commitment to staying in Uptown Charlotte and investing in the city’s future as a vibrant, liveable hub.
What’s Next
Construction on non-public areas began in May 2024 and will continue through late 2025 with minimal disruption to scheduled events. Once complete, the renovations will offer fans and visitors a more immersive, comfortable, and enjoyable experience, from entrance to exit.
With the Spectrum Center’s reinvention underway and the Novant Health Performance Center on the horizon, the Hornets are shaping more than a venue—they’re crafting a legacy rooted in community, innovation, and fan-first thinking.
User Intent Summary:
If you’re a Charlotte sports fan or concert-goer, expect a significantly improved Spectrum Center experience by late 2025. From better seats and themed concourses to more local food and faster concessions, every visit is about to get an upgrade. The Hornets are investing heavily in both performance and fan engagement to keep Charlotte buzzing.
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