in collaboration with the **City of Charlotte**, are undertaking a multi‑phase renovation of **Spectrum Center**, the team’s home arena.
* The city council originally approved **\$215 million** in funding for the upgrades in **June 2022**, with an additional **\$60 million** for a new practice facility—totaling **\$275 million** ([Reddit][1], [Axios][2], [WSOC TV][3]).
* Later updates increased the estimate to between **\$245–250 million** for the arena renovation alone, not including the practice facility ([K 104.7][4], [WSOC TV][5], [QCity Metro][6]).
### 🔨 Project Timeline & Scope
* **Phase 1** began in **May 2024** and wrapped up in **October 2024**, updating concourses, adding lower level vomitories, redesigning fan sections like The Nest and Dr Pepper Pavilion, and enhancing back-of-house areas ([The Stadium Business][7]).
* **Phase 2** commenced in **spring 2025**, with expected completion before the **2025–26 NBA season**. It includes expanding lower bowl seating by 1,400–2,500 seats depending on reports, plus hospitality and concession upgrades ([spectrumcentercharlotte.com][8]).
—
## 🚫 What is incorrect:
* There is **no mention** anywhere that **Charles Lee**, Charlotte’s head coach appointed in **2024**, is involved in or has authority over stadium renovation finances.
* The **\$330 million figure** you mention doesn’t match any verified budgeting or public disclosures—actual numbers hover around **\$275–250 million**.
* The renovation was **approved and funded** through **city and team partnership**, not a coach-led initiative.
—
## 📰 Suggested Corrected Headline
> **“City and Hornets launch \$250–275M Spectrum Center renovation plan—no stadium authority or funding tied to coach Charles Lee.”**
—
### 📌 Summary Table
| Claim | Status |
| —————————————————– | ————– |
| Coach Charles Lee granted \$330M to renovate arena | ❌ No evidence |
| Renovation funding amount | ✅ \~\$245–275M |
| Involvement of city & Hornets organization in funding | ✅ Confirmed |
| Coach Charles Lee’s role in financing | ❌ Not involved |
—
## ✅ Final Takeaway
* **Charles Lee is not linked** to any stadium renovation financing—his domain remains coaching.
* The **Spectrum Center renovation** is a well-documented civic and franchise initiative in Charlotte, backed by city approval and public funds.
* If you’d like, I can produce a detailed article focusing on the **Re!magine Spectrum Center** project: its financing, timeline, upgrades, and the broader economic impact on Uptown Charlotte.
Let me know if you’d like a full-feature piece on the real renovation story instead!
[1]: https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1inuxfc?utm_source=chatgpt.com “A bid has been submitted to bring back the Charlotte Sting”
[2]: https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/08/08/charlotte-hornets-nba-practice-facilities-spectrum-center-uptown-336350?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Charlotte Hornets’ facilities will look \”dramatically different\” in a few years”
[3]: https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/plans-unveiled-215-million-spectrum-center-renovations/J4RX3KUO3ZFGZBQ664TVURPCSI/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Plans unveiled for $215 million Spectrum Center renovations – WSOC TV”
[4]: https://k1047.com/2025/02/19/hornets-begin-245-million-arena-upgrade-with-luxury-seating-area/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hornets Begin $245 Million Arena Upgrade With Luxury Seating Area – K 104.7”
[5]: https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/hornets-final-phase-spectrum-centers-250-million-renovation/LR4KRRHL7FDT3O5M53CXMPCOKI/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hornets in final phase of Spectrum Center’s $250 million renovation – WSOC TV”
[6]: https://qcitymetro.com/2025/04/29/charlotte-hornets-arena-renovation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Charlotte Hornets’ $245M renovation to transform Spectrum Center – QCity Metro”
[7]: https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2024/05/21/hornets-break-ground-on-spectrum-center-renovation/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hornets break ground on Spectrum Center renovation – The Stadium Business”
[8]: https://www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com/news/detail/hornets-sports-entertainment-unveils-updated-plans-for-phase-two-of-reimagine-spectrum-center-renovation-project?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hornets Sports & Entertainment Unveils Updated Plans For Phase Two Of Reimagine Spectrum Center Renovation Project | Spectrum Center Charlotte”
