Support Us Button Widget

New season brings new experiences for Hornets fans

Guests can expect an elevated viewing experience, new entry options, and new bag policy for events at the Spectrum Center.

An exterior shot of the Spectrum Center in Uptown on a clear day.

The Spectrum Center recently underwent four months of renovations before reopening for concerts and Hornets basketball.

Photo by CLTtoday

Spectrum Center will be buzzing when the Charlotte Hornets take the court vs. Miami in the season home opener Saturday night.

Buzz City promises guests a new experience — from hospitality spaces and frictionless technology to a wider variety of food and drink offerings. All these upgrades are part of Re!magine Spectrum Center.

An exterior shot of the Spectrum Center by the guest entrance.

Hornets fans can anticipate faster ticket lines when arriving for home games.

Photo by CLTtoday

Heading to the home opener? Here are some key changes.

  • New bag policy: Small clutches, crossbodies, and wristlets that don’t exceed 5in x 7in x 1.5in are permitted.
  • Arena entry: General admission guests may enter through the Fifth Street, Trade Street, or the brand new Light Rail entrances.
  • Early doors: Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
  • New screening procedures: Spectrum Center now features state-of-the-art Evolv screening allowing for faster, safer, and easier entry.

“It’s something a lot of our fans talked about,” said Shelly Cayette-Weston, president of business operations with the Charlotte Hornets. “It’s been a long process getting in and out of the building. So now they can go in and not get their bags checked.”

The Hornets are encouraging fan donations and support for Helene relief efforts. On opening night, they’ll distribute 13,000 Carolina Strong T-shirts + additional shirts will be on sale for $35.

The team’s newly released tagline, Hive Mentality, will also be on full display. The first 10,000 fans at the game will receive Hive Mentality Rally Towels + a Hive Mentality marquee photo opp on the Main Concourse.

An artist's rendering of the Spectrum Center arena during a Charlotte Hornets' basketball game.

2,500 additional seats will bring more fans to be closer to game-time action. All seats throughout the bowl will be replaced.

Rendering via Charlotte Hornets.

“We’re just so thankful for our fans for their patience and for working with us to get through the first set of renovations,” said Cayette-Weston.

The arena will close again in May 2025 for phase two of renovations.

More from CLTtoday
The new development along South Tryon Street is slated to become the second-tallest residential building and eighth-tallest tower in the Queen City, and offer retail, dining, and office space.
Whether you love them sliced or only baked in a pie, apples taste better when they’re picked fresh from a farm around the Queen City.
Make the most of summer with Charlotte’s lineup of festivals, including national acts, local acts, fine arts, craft beer, longbow competitions, and celebrations of art in the Queen City.
There are plenty of new signs across the Queen City, but there are also nostalgic signs that tell a story — you just have to look for them.
The new shop at The Commonwealth is the New York-based ice cream chain’s first location in the Charlotte area.
Dining in Charlotte is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way. From a classic hamburger to fine dining, bookmark this page to keep in the know about all the new restaurants coming to town.
From Death Valley to the big stage, the Panthers’ debut year set the tone for NFL Sundays in the Queen City — and we’re taking a look back 30 years later.
The “ghost with the most” returns to Charlotte, and we spoke with a married duo who have been in the show for every visit.
Epic is opening a flagship location in North Charlotte + aims to build a community for the fast‑paced racket sport, from beginners to seasoned players.
Charlotte FC’s wins give Charlotte sports a boost for the AI-generated index, saying little about the Panthers and Hornets’ upcoming seasons.