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Inside the Charlotte Hornets’ $215 million arena renovation with incredible ‘Nest’ view and private suite upgrades
SPECTRUM Center, the home of the Charlotte Hornets, is undergoing major changes.
The NBA team has confirmed that the $215 million Re!magine renovation project officially began earlier in May.
The upgrades at Spectrum Center aim to bring the Hornets closer to their goal of becoming "the premier franchise in the NBA," per the team's website.
"This building is truly special to each and every person that walks through its doors," Hornets executive VP and Spectrum Center general manager Donna Julian said in a statement.
"And I'm so excited for the future that Re!magine Spectrum Center will deliver."
Charlotte promises to elevate "nearly every corner" of the 19,000-seater.
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The renovations will expand gathering spaces, improve traffic flow inside the arena, and increase visibility into the bowl to boost the overall fan experience.
As part of the project, 2,500 seats will be added to lower-level sections, bringing fans closer to on-court action.
Spectrum Center's Uptown Concourse – consisting of The Nest fan section and the Dr. Pepper Pavilion behind it – will also be hugely redesigned.
The 200-level area, dedicated to the most passionate Hornets followers, will receive upgrades to lighting, signage, and flooring.
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It will also see improvements to concession experiences thanks to impactful technology, creating more frictionless interactions.
Spectrum Center will enhance food and beverage offerings throughout the arena, including additional grab-and-go markets.
It will also also provide an elevated experience in premium spaces.
Over 1,000 lower-level seats are expected to have access to club amenities after the renovations are finalized.
Also, the reimagined Suite Level will offer five different suite options, including an all-inclusive theater box at a higher price point.
"We are committed to this investment in top-notch sports and entertainment facilities," Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said.
2024 NBA Draft order - lottery picks
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- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Detroit Pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
- Chicago Bulls
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
- Sacramento Kings
- Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
"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 Hornets entered a new era last year with Gabe Plotking and Rick Schnall purchasing a majority stake in the team from Michael Jordan.
The NBA legend sold his shares for about $3 billion.
"We may be knocking things down here beginning today, but brick-by-brick we plan to build the Hornets into an elite organization," Plotkin said of Spectrum Center's renovations.
"We look forward to the future of our team, our arena, and our city center."
"While we’ve only been here a short time with [HSE Co-Chairman and Governor] Rick [Schnall], myself, and the ownership group, there’s one thing we quickly learned – Charlotte is an amazing city filled with incredible people, and we are truly blessed to lead this franchise.
"We’ve also learned the important role that Spectrum Center has played in this community by bringing people together and creating lifelong memories."
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The Hornets finished the 2023-24 season with a 21-61 record.
Charlotte hasn't made the NBA playoffs since 2015-16.