CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The next Charlotte Hornets practice facility could be constructed sooner than originally planned as the team and city look to build a full-fledged entertainment district around the Spectrum Center.
On Monday, city staff members gave a presentation to the Charlotte City Council's Jobs and Economic Development Committee about the Hornets' updated proposal for a new practice facility next to the Spectrum Center.
Some members of Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), including Michael Jordan, attended the meeting.
Presenters provided an overlook of the changes to the original plan that the Hornets are hoping to achieve.
The new proposal would place the practice facility on a parking lot that is adjacent to the Spectrum Center, tossing out the 2022 idea of putting it above the future Charlotte Transit Center.
The proposal also shifts around funding on the existing project and allows the Hornets to have full control in the construction phase.
The new plans were released by the team last week during a city council meeting. Hornets management said under the new plan, they will invest $70-$100 million more of private money into the practice facility.
HSE hopes to have the practice facility built by 2026, around one or two years sooner than originally proposed.
City leaders hope to also build an entertainment district around the Spectrum Center and nearby Charlotte Transportation Center with retail, dining, and potentially a hotel.
In June 2022, Charlotte City Council approved a $275 million proposal to upgrade the Uptown arena and build a practice facility, which extended the Hornets' lease through 2045.
The original plan had the city contributing $60 million to the practice facility. HSE has asked the city to instead put $30 million toward the facility and put the other $30 million into the Spectrum Center upgrades.
In turn, the Hornets want full ownership of the practice facility. The team believes the new plan will save the city around $6 million on the project.
Gabe Plotkin and Rich Schnall bought a majority share of the Hornets from Michael Jordan in a joint effort in June 2023. Since then, the new owners have shown efforts in investing in the team's future.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the updated plan. Charlotte City Council could vote on the proposal as early as March 25.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.