See inside: Spectrum Center reopens this weekend after a $245M upgrade
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Spectrum Center's Belk Concourse. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets, reopens on Oct. 19 with a Billie Eilish concert after closing in April for renovations.
Why it matters: It marks the completion of the Uptown arena's $245 million facelift. The arena hasn't been open for a full calendar year since 2023, when it closed for renovations during the NBA offseason.
What we're watching: Now, fans should expect to see more events at the arena, Hornets Sports & Entertainment chief venues officer Donna Julian told reporters during a walkthrough of the arena Friday.
- Julian didn't specify how many events, but it will be up from HSE's previous 125 annually.
- "Any dark day is a missed opportunity," Julian says of days when the arena doesn't have an event.
What to expect: Phase two of renovations includes more seats — 1,400 were added to the lower level, bringing the arena's total capacity to 19,444. Seats on the upper level were also widened. Every seat in the bowl is brand new.
- Outside the Trade Street entrance is a new 50-foot-wide LED sign. There's also more signage inside the arena to help people find their way.
Other phase two renovations include:
Belk Concourse
The arena's new main concourse has completely transformed to have a lighter, more modern feel, Julian says.
- The concourse includes new signage, lighting and flooring, plus a new 225-foot LED board in the main lobby.
- There are also two new restrooms, upgraded restrooms, and a new parents' room and sensory room (a space for those experiencing sensory overload).
Go deeper: Charlotte Hornets partner with hometown retailer Belk
Food and beverage revamp
Previously exclusive club lounges have been replaced by the Lunazul North District and the South District. These 360-degree wraparound bars are open to everyone. They'll serve rotating menus with craft cocktails, local beer and signature drinks.
- The Baseline Bar on the arena's east side includes a "super Vom," meaning fans can still see what's happening on the court while they grab a drink or snack.
- You'll also see more local food and beverages, from coffee roasters like Knowledge Perk Coffee and sweets from Amélie's French Bakery. You'll also spot a local restaurant in the arena in the new 704 Kitchen. There will be a monthly rotation of local restaurants, starting with Viva Chicken.
- There will be more self-service and checkout-free areas to help reduce lines for concessions.
Go deeper: Spectrum Center upgrades bring local eats to Charlotte Hornets fans
More luxury options
The Founders level was completely revamped. Seven suites were added to this level, bringing it to a total of 17.
Catch up quick: Phase one renovations featured the Novant Health Suite Level, which now has five different suites, including the First Horizon Bank theater box. Additionally, there's a vomitory (a tunnel between the concourse and the arena bowl) on the lower level, which helps with ingress and egress.
- The Trade Street entrance added a new Light Rail entrance with five new exterior doors facing the Light Rail, which also helps with getting fans in and out faster.
- The Uptown concourse (upper level) was renovated with new concession locations, signage and lighting.
- The arena's clubs were upgraded. They added the Courtside Club (now the HondaJet Courtside Club). They relocated and renovated the Bank of America Hardwood Club and the Inner Circle Club.
Go deeper: Spectrum Center reopens this week after first round of renovations
Flashback: The Uptown arena opened in 2005. Charlotte City Council approved funding the renovations for the city-owned arena in 2022. The deal also kept the Hornets in Charlotte through 2045.
The big picture: Charlotte is in the midst of a sports facility renaissance from University City to Uptown. New facilities are also under construction or planned in Uptown, including a standalone Hornets practice facility and a new indoor music venue at Bank of America Stadium.
What's next: The Hornets hit the court at Spectrum Center on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 7pm vs. the Brooklyn Nets in their regular season opener. Tickets start at $23.30.