Populous to Design Charlotte Hornets’ New State-of-the-Art Performance Center

Populous has joined forces with the Charlotte Hornets and key partners to bring a cutting-edge performance center to Uptown Charlotte. The project will be constructed alongside the Spectrum Center and is set to begin in early 2025. Once completed, the facility will boast over 160,000 square feet, featuring premier training, practice, recovery spaces, administrative offices and retail areas, with the aim of serving both the Hornets organization and the broader Charlotte community.

The new performance center represents the second phase of the Hornets’ Re!magine Spectrum Center initiative, supporting the vision of establishing world-class facilities for the team. With more than 100,000 square feet dedicated to training and recovery, the space is purpose-built to enhance player performance. The facility will also house 35,000 square feet of administrative offices for the organization’s business operations and 2,500 square feet of retail space, integrating seamlessly into the Uptown Charlotte landscape.

Jonathan Mallie, Senior Principal, comments:

Populous is thrilled to partner with the Charlotte Hornets to design their state-of-the-art practice facility, elevating the organization and strengthening their position to become one of the premier teams in the NBA. The team’s presence in Uptown Charlotte will serve as a beacon of player performance, designed to attract the league’s greatest athletes.

Populous is committed to delivering a facility that not only meets the Hornets’ high standards for player development but also contributes to the revitalization of Uptown Charlotte. The integration of a public plaza at Caldwell and 5th Streets aims to create an inviting space for fans and residents, further connecting the community to the heart of the city.

David Hodge, Principal, states: 

Thoughtful and functional design is imperative for both player development and recovery, whether for seasoned veterans or the newest rookies. With over 100,000 square feet of training, practice and recovery space; 35,000 square feet of administrative offices; and a 25,000 square-foot orthopedic recovery center, Charlotte’s new, world-class training facility will usher in a new era for the team and its ownership.

With an anticipated opening for the 2026-27 NBA season, the Charlotte Hornets Performance Center is poised to become a landmark in Uptown Charlotte, fostering community engagement and setting a new standard in sports performance design.