The World-Class Arena Unveils Its 20th Anniversary Campaign & Reopens This Week with Diverse Concert Lineup & Charlotte Hornets Home Opener

October 21, 2025 – Spectrum Center, the premier destination for sports and entertainment in the Carolinas, today unveiled its year-long, community-wide plans to celebrate 20 years of bringing world-class events to Charlotte. The new-look arena reopened its doors on Sunday following an extensive two-part renovation, ushering in a bold new era for guests, performers and the community. To tip off the 20^th anniversary celebration, the arena is hosting six noteworthy concerts in the first eight nights, including two-nights of Billie Eilish (Oct. 19 & 20), Stevie Nicks (Oct. 21), Tate McRae (Oct. 24), Lainey Wilson (Oct. 25) and NBA YoungBoy (Oct. 26). In addition to the musical acts, the Charlotte Hornets will host their 2025-26 Home Opener vs. the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.

To commemorate the building’s anniversary – and to officially mark the reopening of the arena following its transformative renovation – a ribbon-cutting celebration was held on the arena’s Trade Street Plaza today. Many city and community leaders were present, including Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Hornets Co-Chairman Rick Schnall, and Charlotte City Council members, who have helped shape Spectrum Center’s past and are driving its future.

“Over the past two decades, Spectrum Center has provided so many unforgettable experiences for people across the Carolinas and has been a significant contributor to the vibrancy and economic growth of our city,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “We’re thrilled to reopen our doors for our 20^th anniversary celebration and cannot wait for guests to experience the transformed arena for themselves. From new seats throughout the arena to an enhanced food and beverage experience to a revamped Belk Concourse, we have elevated the guest experience for every person that walks through our doors. The recently completed renovations reflect our vision for the future of Spectrum Center— a space that’s more dynamic, more connected, and more welcoming than ever before.” 

A new 20^th anniversary logo designed in-house by the Hornets design team – which features the number ‘20’ peering above a depiction of the arena’s exterior – will serve as a connecting point for the celebration. Programming will consist of special 20^th anniversary content, branding elements, and immersive experiences for guests, including a 20^th Anniversary theme night at Spectrum Center when the Hornets host the Washington Wizards on January 24, 2026. 

“For 20 years, Spectrum Center has been a symbol of Charlotte’s growth and innovation,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “It has strengthened our community, provided significant economic impact, and given residents and visitors alike a place to come together for unforgettable experiences.”

Spectrum Center has had a transformative impact on Uptown Charlotte, generating over $350 million in annual economic impact through hotels, restaurants, jobs and tourism. Since opening, the venue has spurred development in its surrounding area, including six hotels, two condominium towers, and countless restaurants and bars. The arena consistently hosts events among the top 10 in annual foot traffic, cementing its role as a central driver of Uptown Charlotte’s vibrancy. 

“Spectrum Center’s success story is one of partnership, reinvestment and community pride,” said Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO Steve Bagwell. “We’re proud to support the management of the arena on behalf of the City of Charlotte and to help ensure it continues to fuel both economic and visitor impact for our community. The renovation, funded through tourism taxes, shows how hospitality dollars strengthen the city’s economy, elevate guest experiences and help share a vibrant future for Charlotte. We congratulate the Hornets on this milestone and look forward to continuing our shared work to make Charlotte shine.”

Spectrum Center officially opened on October 21, 2005 (then Charlotte Bobcats Arena), with a landmark performance by the Rolling Stones. Since that inaugural event, the venue has hosted nearly 2,500 events and welcomed over 24 million guests. It has served as the stage for globally recognized occasions, including the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2008, 2019 and 2025 — with plans to welcome the tournament once again in 2026 and 2028. These milestones affirm Spectrum Center’s status as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and civic engagement. In addition to hosting nationally recognized events, Spectrum Center has become a cornerstone of the Charlotte community, welcoming annual high school graduations, serving as an early voting site and providing space for vaccine clinics. These meaningful moments underscore its role as a premier venue for both world-class entertainment and civic participation.

“The 20^th anniversary is perfect timing to bring the latest technology inside Spectrum Center, ensuring everyone stays connected at a whole new level,” said Doug Davis, RVP, Field Operations at Spectrum. “Fans will experience enhanced, seamless connectivity for services such as ticketing, food and beverage orders, guest access to suites, real time video feeds and more.”

Visit https://www.nba.com/hornets/spectrum-center-20 to learn more about the 20^th anniversary celebration, the arena’s history, top moments over the past 20 years and more.