At the Trade Street lobby of the Spectrum Center, massive artwork of Usher and Pink performing at the arena next to Charlotte Hornets players Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball towered over chief venues officer Donna Julian on Friday.
The art is just one of many improvements and visual upgrades visitors will see when the doors open this weekend. The Charlotte Hornets hosted a first-look preview for the renovated spaces. Work for the project began in May 2024. It’s designed to improve the arena experience for visitors.
The arena, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this month, underwent a two-phase renovation that was completed in time for the Hornets’ 2025-26 NBA season. Work was completed over the past two off-seasons.
“We did a lot of work in a very short period of time,” said Hornets Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “In the arena business, you don’t want to shut down your building, even if you’re doing construction.”
More than 3,100 people spent over 1 million hours on the renovations, according to Julian. “We are grateful to each and every person who helped make this building one we all proud of,” she said.
Charlotte’s tourism taxes, collected from rental cars and hotel rooms funded the $245 million project.
The “Reimagine Spectrum Center” project was a collaboration between the city of Charlotte, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and partners including architect Perkins&Will and construction companies Turner and D.A. Everett.
The city owns Spectrum Center, which is operated by Hornets Sports & Entertainment.
What’s new at Spectrum Center in Charlotte?
The first stage of upgrades wrapped up last summer and the second phase was finished in October.
Workers made changes to the Novant Health Suite Level. This included new premium spaces like the First Horizon Theater Box, Mini Suites, and a Super Suite to expand hospitality offerings.
Down on the Event Level, areas like the Inner Circle Club, HondaJet Courtside Club and Bank of America Hardwood Club also received major updates. Some improvements include hospitality areas, a high-end restaurant atmosphere and enough room for hundreds of guests.
The Uptown Concourse saw improvements too, with refreshed walkways, more food and drink options, a new bar area and updates to the Dr Pepper Pavilion.
A new Belk Light Rail entrance and enhanced Evolv security screening were introduced, making it quicker, safer and easier for fans to get into the arena.
The Belk Concourse has been overhauled with modern signage, updated lighting and new flooring. It now features additional restrooms and new gathering spaces, including an east-side bar with a view of the arena.
North and South Districts have new themed areas feature 360-style bars and upgraded dining. The Lunazul North District offers a “modern sophistication” theme, while the South emphasizes “Southern hospitality.”
The arena has added 1,400 lower-level seats, along with more comfortable and upgraded seating throughout.
For food and beverage options, expanded grab-and-go markets and new partnerships with local Carolina cuisine vendors will be introduced in partnership with Levy, the arena’s food and beverage partner.
The Founders Level, a premium area, underwent a complete renovation to offer more high-end options for guests. This includes more lower-level seats and remodeled suites. The total amount of suites in the area went from 10 to 17.
Workers also improved the back-of-house section of the facilities for teams, performers and crews.
What’s next for the Spectrum Center
Billie Eilish will be the first to perform in the renovated stadium during her “Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour” scheduled for Sunday and Monday.
A ribbon-cutting celebration will follow on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Later that day, Stevie Nicks will take the stage the actual 20th anniversary of the arena’s opening in 2005.
The Charlotte Hornets will host their season opener on Oct. 22 against the Brooklyn Nets.
Other artists scheduled for the first week include Tate McRae (Oct. 24), Lainey Wilson (Oct. 25), and NBA YoungBoy (Oct. 26).
“There is something for everybody when we open these doors on the 19th, and I’m really, really proud of that,” Julian said.