Charlotte Hornets Celebrate Topping Off Ceremony at Novant Health Performance Center, Marking Major Milestone

The ceremony marked the completion of the building’s structural framework and brought together Hornets and Novant Health leadership, Novant Health Performance Center Foundational Partners Honeywell and Truist, construction and design partners, and more than 200 construction workers who have contributed daily to the project.

The event concluded with the traditional topping‑off ceremony, during which the final beam – adorned with an American flag, a Hornets flag and a tree in keeping with industry tradition – was raised and secured in place, honoring the workers, partners, craftsmanship and collaboration that have brought the project to this milestone.

“What began here not long ago with a groundbreaking is now taking shape as a world-class facility, made possible by incredible partners, dedicated builders and a shared belief in what this project represents. We’re proud to partner with Novant Health and grateful for the men and women on this site every day who are bringing this vision to life,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co‑Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin.

“With the backing of Foundational Partners Honeywell and Truist, we will have the technology and resources required to deliver a best-in-class NBA performance center. Together, we’re building something that will have a lasting impact on our organization and Uptown Charlotte for generations to come.”

Remarks were delivered by Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co‑Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin; Novant Health Chief Administrative Officer Kim Henderson; Gilbane Building Company Managing Director Dan Gilbane, representing the Gilbane-R.J. Leeper joint venture; and Charlotte Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee. Following the ceremony, a lunch was held in Spectrum Center’s Main Lobby for the construction workers and project teams.

As previously announced, the Novant Health Performance Center will feature more than 160,000 total square feet of space for training and performance, administrative offices, retail, orthopedic and sports medicine care once completed.

Project partners include global sports and entertainment venue design firm Populous, construction firms Gilbane Building Company and Charlotte-based R.J. Leeper, and real-estate consulting firm Lincoln Property Company, who serves as the owner’s rep. In addition to Novant Health, Truist and Honeywell are Foundational Partners for the building.