CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Hornets started work on their new practice facility in Uptown with a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday for the $150 million project.
The Novant Health Performance Center will be built on top of what was once a large parking lot on North Caldwell Street directly across from the Spectrum Center.
Channel 9 Sports Reporter Dashawn Brown was there Wednesday as the shovels hit the dirt.
Hornets co-lead owner Gabe Plotkin told her they didn’t buy the team to be average – they bought the team to be great and they believe that’s what this project signals.
City officials and Hornets leaders were all out to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new facility on Wednesday.
The vision for the performance center doesn’t stop with the new practice facility for players – although that is a priority. There’s also a plan for retail, new office space, and a designated area for sports medicine and orthopedics.
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Hornets owners said this project was the first thing on the list, the moment they bought the team.
“We’re focused on being the premiere franchise in the NBA. We’ll keep saying it over and over again, and you have to have premiere facilities. We have to have the best practice facility and we have to have a great arena,” said Rick Schnall, co-lead owner of the Hornets.
He added, “It’s taking a lot of commitment from us. The city’s been unbelievable as a partner, Novant has as well, but we’re going to make a significant capital commitment to this because of its importance.”
The vision for the project goes beyond the Hornets. Both team owners and city leaders said they hope to revitalize all of Uptown Charlotte.
“We see a lot of retail and restaurant type opportunities,” Schnall said. “Obviously, we’re working with the city on what ultimately should happen with the Transit Center, which is at our front door across the street, and that’s an important aspect of what we want to do in Uptown as well.”
Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues was at the groundbreaking on Wednesday. He’s excited about what the facility can bring to the team and city.
“To me, it says they’re committed, not only to bringing a championship, premiere franchise here, but also to uplifting the community,” he said.
Right now, the timeline on the project is roughly a year and a half with plans to open the center during the 2026-27 NBA season.
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