The Charlotte Hornets celebrated a major construction milestone Monday with a topping off ceremony for the new Novant Health Performance Center, the organization’s future training and performance facility set to open in spring 2027.
The event marked the completion of the building’s structural framework and brought together Hornets leadership, Novant Health representatives, project partners, and more than 200 construction workers involved in the project.
The ceremony concluded with the raising of the final beam, decorated with an American flag, a Hornets flag, and a tree in keeping with construction tradition.
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Hornets Sports & Entertainment Co-Chairmen Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin called the moment an important step in the franchise’s long-term vision.
“What began here not long ago with a groundbreaking is now taking shape as a world-class facility,” the pair said in a joint statement. “We’re proud to partner with Novant Health and grateful for the workers bringing this vision to life every day.”
The facility will feature more than 160,000 square feet dedicated to player training, recovery, sports medicine, administrative offices, and retail space.
Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee compared the building’s progress to the team’s own growth.
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“Kind of like this building, it’s unfinished, and that’s how I feel about our team,” Lee said. “We have to find a way to get better every day.”
Charlotte native and Hornets forward Grant Williams said seeing the project come to life has been especially meaningful.
“To see it actually manifest is special, especially to be a part of it,” Williams said. “It’s been an honor to represent the city.”
Ownership also shared that the project is part of a larger effort to establish Charlotte as a premier NBA destination, both on and off the court.
“Having great facilities is a huge part of building a premier franchise,” Plotkin said.