Spectrum Center closes for second round of massive renovations
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Rendering: Courtesy of Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Spectrum Center has closed for phase two of its $245 million major facelift.
Why it matters: The arena will be fully transformed just in time for its 20th anniversary this fall.
Catch up quick: Hornets Sports & Entertainment Uptown arena closed last spring for phase one of renovations and reopened in October 2024.
- Phase one included upgrading the Novant Health suite level, event level (where the court is) and the upper level.
- "We transformed three different levels and introduced eight premium offerings, including five on the Novant Health suite level and three on our event level," Donna Julian, HSE executive vice president and Spectrum Center general manager, told reporters.
What to expect: Phase two will include renovating the main concourse, now called the Belk concourse. The Hornets' recently announced deal with Belk also includes naming rights for the arena's new light rail entrance.
- The Belk concourse will also feature more bars, including the East Bar, plus the the North District and the South District. These bars will be open to all. The new districts will be 360-degree bars and will replace former exclusive club lounges.
- There will also be more grab-and-go tech for concessions.
- All of the seats in the upper and lower bowl will be replaced.
- 1,400 seats will be added to the lower bowl.
- Upper-level seats will be 2 inches wider.
- Founders suites will also be updated. Seven Founders suites will be added for 17 total.
- There will also be unspecified local food and beverage options. The Hornets teamed up with Rare Roots Hospitality last year.
- Spectrum Center will also see back-of-house upgrades, like new performer and crew dressing rooms.
What's next: The arena will reopen in October.
Zoom out: The Hornets recently broke ground on a $150 million practice facility across from the arena.
Take a look at phase two renderings:
