Hornets officially begin $215 million Spectrum Center renovations
By Evan Sidery
The Charlotte Hornets are about to embark on one of their most important offseason periods in recent memory. Under completely new ownership, front office, head coach and another top lottery pick on the way, there is a glimmer of hope finally shining through.
On Monday, the Hornets officially broke ground on innovative renovations for the Spectrum Center. A $215-plus million project, Charlotte knows the importance of modernizing their arena to go along with a state-of-the-art practice facility on the way as well.
The project is called “RE!magine Spectrum Center,” which will finish the entirety of its arena renovations before the 2025-26 season kicks off.
“As we’ve shared, our vision for Hornets Sports & Entertainment, is to build the premier franchise in the NBA,” Hornets co-owner Gabe Plotkin said. “To do so, it’s imperative that we invest and create a world class facility. We’re excited about the momentum around our franchise: the new Hornets leadership, the upcoming practice facility and, of course, the Spectrum Center renovations.”
Spectrum Center will be entering its 19th season of operation for the 2024-25 campaign, and this type of positive impact will not only help the organization on the court, but off it, too, with other events.
“We are committed to this investment in top-notch sports and entertainment facilities,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “We know that is the way to generate economic growth, create new jobs and really put us on the map as we talk about ourselves as a premier destination for major events and attractions.”
The alignment atop the Hornets’ newly restructured front office has been apparent from the jump. Since the end of the season, ownership and newly-titled GM Jeff Peterson want to turn Charlotte around from the NBA’s proverbial basement to a top-flight destination for sustained success.
“We may be knocking things down here beginning today, but brick by brick we plan to build the Hornets into an elite organization,” Plokin said.
With so much positive change in store for the Hornets, keep an eye on how different the arena is going to look over the next few years. Once players like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are entering their prime years, a newly developed state-of-the-art Spectrum Center will be hosting their home games for a hopefully sold-out crowd on a nightly basis.