A New Chapter Begins as Spectrum Center Redefines the Guest Experience With Unique Spaces, Culinary Innovation and Carolina Spirit

October 17, 2025 – Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) is proud to announce the official reopening of Spectrum Center following the successful completion of a transformative, two-phase renovation project. The comprehensive transformation enhances every facet of the venue — from seating and concourse design to hospitality and back-of-house infrastructure — reaffirming Spectrum Center’s position as the premier sports and entertainment destination in the Carolinas. Spectrum Center will officially reopen hosting six noteworthy concerts in the first eight nights: 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). Spectrum Center is home to the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA team of the Carolinas, and will officially tip off the 2025-26 season on Wednesday, Oct. 22 with the team’s Home Opener vs. the Brooklyn Nets at 7 pm.

“The completion of this renovation represents a significant milestone for Spectrum Center, the City of Charlotte, all of our incredible project partners and most importantly, our community,” said HSE Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “This incredible transformation reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every guest, partner, and performer who enters Spectrum Center. We are proud to reopen a venue that not only meets the evolving needs of our guests but also celebrates the spirit and energy of Charotte and the Carolinas.”

A Seamless, Elevated Guest Experience

The renovation was guided by a commitment to improving the overall guest experience. From arrival to departure, guests will benefit from a significantly upgraded Spectrum Center. The renovations include the integration of frictionless technology for faster entry and transactions, as well as a comprehensive upgrade of food, beverage and hospitality services throughout the venue. Guests will enjoy new gathering spaces on every floor of the arena, expanded menu and bar offerings, and an increased number of grab-and-go markets. As previously announced, the Hornets and Levy have flipped a large amount of Spectrum Center’s concessions menus since last season, introducing a food and beverage experience curated around the charm of Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Phase Two Highlights

• Seating and Bowl Enhancements: 1,400 new lower-level seats have been added, enabling morefans to be closer to the action. All seats throughout the bowl have been replaced, offering improved comfort and sightlines for every guest.
• Belk Concourse: Upgraded the entire concourse with cleaner, modern finishes throughout, and added new signage, wayfinding, lighting and flooring. Installed a new 225-foot-long LED board in the main lobby to greet guests as they enter the building. Two additional restrooms were added, and all existing restrooms were refreshed. A new Novant Health Parents Room and Sensory Room were built to help ensure all guests needs are met.
• New Gathering Spaces: The Lunazul North District and The South District, each with its own distinct atmosphere, chef-attended action stations, elevated culinary options, and full-service 360-degree wraparound bars are now available for all fans. A newly constructed Baseline Bar on the East side of the arena features a fully open “super Vom” design, offering clear sightlines into the bowl while guests enjoy food and beverages. The newly created 704 Kitchen concept will rotate a local restaurant each month, providing fans with a variety of Charlotte-favorite food options.
• Founders Level: These premium spaces have been modernized and remodeled to deliver a more refined and luxurious experience, further expanding the arena’s suite options for guests. Seven additional Founders Level suites were constructed.
• Exterior: A new Trade Street Plaza LED sign (50’ wide x 13.5’ high) was built at the top of the Trade Street Entrance. Improved exterior wayfinding signage was added around the arena.

Phase One Highlights

Phase one renovations, unveiled last year, laid the foundation for the arena’s transformation.

• Novant Health Suite Level: Now features five distinct suite types accommodating groups from two to 130 guests. In addition to 28 Standard Suites, Spectrum Center offers four Party Suites, 13 Mini Suites, one Super Suite, and the First Horizon Bank Theater Box — each providing a unique experience at a range of price points.
• Event Level: Expanded access to club amenities for hundreds of additional guests with the relocation and enhancement of two existing clubs – the Inner Circle Club and the Bank of America Hardwood Club – and the introduction of the recently renamed HondaJet Courtside Club. 
• Uptown Concourse: Significant upgrades to the Uptown Concourse included improved lighting, signage, and concession locations. The Dr Pepper Pavilion was redesigned to offer new amenities tailored to some of the Hornets’ most passionate supporters.
• Traffic Flow & Entrance Modifications: The addition of a fourth vomitory in the lower level, widened corridors, and reconfigured entrances ensure smoother movement and accessibility. The Belk Light Rail Entrance was added, and a special VIP corridor at the Trade Street Entrance provides direct access to the Event Level.

In addition to public-facing improvements, the renovation included substantial upgrades to back-of-house areas. These enhancements support the needs of teams, promoters, production crews, and entertainers — positioning Spectrum Center for long-term operational success.

“The transformed Spectrum Center is a testament to what’s possible when passion, partnership and purpose come together,” said HSE President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston. “Together with our project partners, we’ve delivered a new world-class arena that will elevate the experience of every fan that walks through its doors. Thank you to the more than 3,000 construction and trade workers for their skills, talent and ability that brought this project to life. As we celebrate Spectrum Center’s milestone 20^th anniversary, we also look toward the next 20 years. Spectrum Center will continue to reflect the energy, diversity and spirit of the Carolinas – and be a place where community thrives and memories are made.”

The Spectrum Center renovation project – which was completed over the past two NBA off- seasons – has been 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, and concessions partner Levy. 

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