CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Spectrum Center's major renovations to improve the fan experience at Charlotte Hornets games broke ground Monday.
The Re!magine Spectrum Center project, which costs roughly $215 million, includes numerous upgrades, including wider corridors, a renovated main concourse, additional lower-level seating and upgraded amenities to suites and the Nest seating section. The project will be completed in two phases over the course of the next two NBA off-seasons with all work expected to be finished in time for the 2025-26 Hornets season opener.
"This really is ensuring our future," Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. "It's to ensure in the future that we will be named as someplace [that] can be a hub for sports, music, entertainment, many years going forward."
One of the biggest focuses of the project will be more gathering spaces for fans to watch the game away from their seats. The arena plans to add another entrance to the bowl in 2024, as well as wider corridors and alterations to the arena's entrances.
“We have always viewed Spectrum Center as an important community asset that brings people together and has tremendous economic impact for our city," Donna Julian, the executive vice president of Hornets Sports and Entertainment, said back in January. "Re!magine Spectrum Center touches nearly every aspect of the arena and allows us to remain the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, drawing more high-profile events and thus more patrons to Uptown Charlotte, positively benefitting nearby restaurants, bars, hotels and other local businesses.”
PHOTOS: Re!magine Spectrum Center renovation renderings
Re!magine Spectrum Center renovations
Additional seating: An additional 2,500 lower-level seats will be added in 2025. All seats in the lower bowl will be replaced at this time.
Concourse enhancements: Improvements will be made to the Uptown Concourse, including lighting, better signage and concession locations. The Dr Pepper Pavilion and Nest fan section will be redesigned this year with new amenities for ticket holders.
Club and hospitality upgrades: All premium spaces will be transformed. Two existing event-level clubs will be relocated in 2025 and a new courtside club will be added. This will allow for hundreds more seats to include club amenities.
More premium seating options: The new suite level will offer five different suite options that can accommodate up to 130 guests. Spectrum Center will have 28 standard suites, 13 mini suites, one super suite and four party suites. The arena will also have one theater box that offers a new all-inclusive experience for fans.
Improved concessions: More grab-and-go markets will be added while other concession stands have expanded menus. More social gathering spaces will be added near food and drink areas with increased visibility of the lower bowl so fans can enjoy concessions without missing the action.
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