April 28, 2025 – Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) today unveiled updated plans and renderings for the second phase of its Re!magine Spectrum Center arena renovation project, with construction recommencing earlier this month following the conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA season. The extensive two-phased renovation project – which includes a range of significant highly visible and back-of-house upgrades – began in May 2024 and will result in a transformed arena. Spectrum Center will reopen its doors to tip off the NBA season as well as celebrate its 20^th anniversary in October 2025.

As part of the phase 2 plans, there will be a plethora of areas impacted to benefit fans, starting with the brand-new North District and South District. These districts were created to pay homage and further connect the North and South Charlotte areas that surround Spectrum Center with Hornets fans. The North District will embrace a “modern sophistication” theme, highlighted by a new centralized bar, which will be entitled by tequila brand Lunazul. A “southern hospitality” theme will greet fans in the South District. Both districts will be open to the Belk Concourse, allowing access for all guests. During phase 2 of renovations, the arena’s Founders Level will be completely reconfigured to meet the high-level demand for the Founders Suites – those closest to the court and concerts – which have historically been sold out. Finally, one of the most noticeable and impactful renovations for the fan experience will be the addition of 1,400 new seats within Spectrum Center’s lower bowl for all games and concerts.

“With phase 1 of the Spectrum Center renovations, we created a wide range of new products and updated spaces by transforming the Novant Health Suite Level, the Event Level and Uptown Concourse, which all had a tremendous impact on our fans,” said HSE’s Chief Business and Revenue Officer Mike Behan. “We’re proud that the completion of the phase 2 renovations will provide a new look and feel, but more importantly these renovations will impact every fan that enters our building. We cannot wait to re-open our doors this fall to showcase Spectrum Center and celebrate its 20^th Anniversary.”

Last summer, HSE completed phase 1 of the Spectrum Center renovation that featured a fully transformed Novant Health Suite Level, adding several new hospitality products including the First Horizon Theater Box, Mini Suites and a Super Suite. Also, the organization reimagined three new clubs on the Event Level: Bank of America Hardwood Club, Courtside Club and Inner Circle Club. Additionally, the Uptown Concourse was entirely revamped with impactful changes to its concourse, food and beverage options, bar area and the Dr Pepper Pavilion.

“In this next and final phase of renovations, we are continuing to focus on one of our most important priorities – to elevate the guest experience,” said HSE’s Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “In addition to upgrades to the Belk Concourse and the Founders Level, we are continuing to prioritize our connection with local cuisine and source concepts to enhance our overall offerings in collaboration with our venue food and beverage partner, Levy. We continue to invest in impactful technology to allow for quicker, frictionless experiences from the time guests enter the arena to the time they leave. We’re thrilled for guests to experience the upgrades come October, which will allow us to remain the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas.”

Highlights of the Re!magine Spectrum Center Phase 2 renovations include:

• Belk Concourse Enhancements – The newly named Belk Concourse will see a complete renovation, including upgraded signage, lighting and flooring and an improved concessions experience. Additional restrooms will be added to the Belk Concourse, while all current restrooms will be refreshed. There will be immersive fan experiences and intentional community gathering spaces throughout, including a bar concept on the east side of the arena, which will have direct visibility to the bowl.

• North & South Districts – Within the Belk Concourse, the North and South Districts will each have their own unique identity and feature open gathering areas with a 360-style bar and elevated food and beverage offerings. The North District will embrace a "modern sophistication" theme, characterized by lighter and brighter tones to create an inviting and contemporary atmosphere. Lunazul – the largest 100% agave tequila in the state of North Carolina, and a family owned and operated brand from Mexico that prides itself on creating the finest, 100% agave premium tequilas – will serve as the entitlement partner of the bar within the North District. The South District will showcase a "southern hospitality" theme, featuring darker tones that evoke a warm and cozy ambiance. Both districts will be open to the Belk Concourse, allowing all guests to enjoy them.

• Seating Enhancements – Phase 2 will see the addition of 1,400 new lower-level seats, allowing more fans to be closer to the action. Also, all seats within the arena bowl will be replaced. In the 200 level, seats will be 2” wider, creating a more comfortable experience, while lower-level sideline ticket holders within the North and South Districts will now have leather seats.

• Food & Beverage Experiences – Elevating the arena’s food and beverage offerings – and utilizing impactful technology to create more frictionless interactions – will be a continued focusduring this summer’s renovations. Grab-and-Go markets featuring diverse concessions will be added throughout the Belk Concourse. Additionally, in collaboration with the arena’s food and beverage partner, Levy, the tremendous cuisine of the Carolinas will be accentuated via existing and new local restaurant partners.

• Founders Level Renovations – The Founders Level will receive a complete transformation, featuring refined high-end finishes throughout. The layout is being reconfigured to better optimize the footprint of the space, providing more premium options for guests.

• Back of House Upgrades – In addition to public facing areas, the arena’s back-of-house spaces will continue to see significant changes to better support team, promoter, crew and entertainer needs.

“This venue is a shared ownership with the city of Charlotte and for all our fans throughout the Carolinas,” said HSE’s President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston. “We are excited to provide an enhanced experience through this renovation that everyone can be proud of whether they are local or visiting our great city.”

The Re!magine Spectrum Center project is a collaborative effort with the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, as well as architect Perkins&Will, construction companies Turner and D.A. Everett, consultant CAA Icon, Innovative Partnerships Groups, an industry leader in partnerships and integrated partnership renovations, and concessions partner Levy. Current renderings and the latest news and updates can be viewed at hornets.com/reimagine.