The Novant Health Performance Center will feature team administration offices and retail space in addition to two full-size practice courts.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Charlotte Hornets broke ground on a new practice facility directly across the street from Spectrum Center in Uptown on Wednesday.Β
The Novant Health Performance Center will feature team administration offices and retail space in addition to practice courts for the Hornets. The retail sites will be built on a public plaza near the intersection of Caldwell and Fifth streets. The Hornets hope to open the facility ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.Β
For the players and organization, this will check a lot of the boxes for a state-of-the-art training facility. It’s also expected to have a big impact on Uptown with retail and office space. There are also plans for a new Novant clinic that will be open to the public.Β
“I think it’s super important for our players, for everyone,” Hornets legend Kemba Walker said. “It’s like a home away from home, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be fun.”
Hornets ownership is hopeful the facility will elevate the team back into the NBA playoffs.Β
“This is a first step,” co-owner Rick Schnall said. “It’s going to take us a little while to build it, but it’ll be a big step and we’re thrilled with what we’re going to do for our team, for our players and for the city itself.”
The Hornets previously announced plans to build a new practice center along with Spectrum Center upgrades back in 2022. The city of Charlotte is contributing $30 million to the project with the rest of the money coming from the team. The team initially asked the city to contribute $60 million for the facility, but cut that request in half in exchange for ownership of the property.Β
Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs told WCNC Charlotte at the time it was a better deal for the city.Β
“Given the income tax receipts we can expect under the proposed development, we are probably ahead,” Driggs said about the arrangement.Β
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