Spectrum Center upgrades bring local eats to Charlotte Hornets fans
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
704 double burger. Levy is the hospitality partner for Spectrum Center and Bank of America Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of Levy
The Charlotte Hornets return to Spectrum Center this month after a massive $245 million facelift over the last two NBA offseasons.
Why it matters: Upgrades to the 20-year-old arena range from court improvements to the addition of food and drink options, plus faster service at concession stands.
- Nearly half of the arena's concessions have changed since last season, according to a team spokesperson.
Zoom in: There will be four checkout-free (you'll use your card as you enter to pay and then be able walk out with your items) markets for concessions in sections 102, 116, 208 and 226. Almost 40% of the arena's food and beverage locations will use new technology, which the team says speeds up service. The arena had two checkout-free markets on the upper deck last season, which helped reduce lines, HSE's chief venues officer Donna Julian tells reporters.
- There will be eight new self-service grab-and-go markets in sections 103, 105, 110, 113, 114, 115, 216 and 218.
- For instance, self-service technology will be at new bars on the main concourse, which is now known as the Belk Concourse. The Lunazul North District and the South District — 360-degree wraparound bars are open to all — will replace previously exclusive club lounges. They will have rotating menus with craft cocktails and local beer, plus signature drinks.
- Food options at the Lunazul North District include: porchetta sandwiches, falafel bowls, bulgogi rice bowls, plus stuffed churros. The South District will have: house-smoked BBQ, Carolina Quesadillas (a waffle with hot chicken and macaroni), specialty pretzels, and pan pizza.
Zoom in: You'll see more local food options through a new initiative called the 704 Kitchen near the new Baseline Bar by section 108. Local restaurants will rotate here each month starting with Viva Chicken.
- There will also be a specialty dessert stand by section 109, highlighting local bakeries and coffee roasters like Knowledge Perk Coffee, Amélie's French Bakery and Bruster's Ice Cream. There will be more sweets in the arena, Levy/Spectrum Center's executive chef Joseph Passanante.
- Other new food options on the Belk Concourse include Wrap & Roast outside section 103, serving fresh hummus, grilled pita and lamb gyros. The grab-and-go spots will also offer vegan options.
- On the 200-level, expect a Chick-fil-A portable cart near the Dr. Pepper Pavilion, two Brixx Pizza locations near sections 204 and 218, plus Buzz City Kernels by section 210.
- My Story Café near section 233 will serve coffee, smoothies and milk teas. There will also be burgers and custard from Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers by section 203, plus gelato from Greensboro-based Gnam Gnam Gelato by section 222.
What's next: Spectrum Center reopens to visitors this weekend with a Billie Eilish concert on Oct. 19. The Hornets take the court at Spectrum Center on Oct. 22 at 7pm vs. the Brooklyn Nets in their regular season opener.
- The arena's new menu will be available this weekend.
My thought bubble: I'm excited for the arena's new footlong hot dog, which Passanante says will have a "true traditional footlong bun, not a 10-inch bun." It be served with house-made kettle chips.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details from Hornets Sports & Entertainment and Levy.