Can the Spectrum Center be more sustainable? While that may be a constant goal for the Charlotte Hornets, 30 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students have devised new ways to improve the game-day experience for guests and staff.

The project, titled the “Arena of the Future Experience” was a collaborative effort between Honeywell, CMS, Digi-Bridge, and the Charlotte Hornets. With the Spectrum Center set to be renovated by 2026, the project's timing could not have been better.

Hugo the Hornet made an appearance during the students' presentations. | Photo by CLTtoday

Over five weeks, students focused on sustainability while touring the Spectrum Center, collaborating with Honeywell and Digi-Bridge, conceptualizing and developing blueprints + prototypes for the next-generation arena. The focus included water conservation, solar energy, and artificial intelligence. At the end of the five weeks, the students presented their projects to a panel of judges.

The winning team created a project called “StageHydra,” a concept for retractable arena seats and stages powered by water pistons, allowing the arena to be transformed for large-scale events. The students demonstrated by using water, the mechanism alleviated strain on arena employees.

The second place team created “Solar Powered Seats in Screens.” Think: airplane seating. The team explained the seats would allow fans to order food from their seats, while reducing waste, and not missing any of the action on the court.

The third place project was titled “Comfort Garden.” The garden would be a sensory-friendly space within the stadium with a custom-built irrigation system.

“Sustainability is a very important topic that is constantly top-of-mind for us at Spectrum Center,” said Donna Julian, Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Spectrum Center General Manager. “It’s incredible to have so many young minds come together and to see the various ideas the students have to pave the way for a more sustainable future in sports and entertainment.”

Students preparing to present their project to the panel of judges still managed to laugh, shaking off the nerves. | Photo by CLTtoday

The best part? Each winning team received a medal for their projects. Honeywell also donated 3D printers and virtual reality headsets to the top-ranked teams’ schools.

“Our participants’ ideas – built from passion and ingenuity – left me feeling humbled, and I know a more sustainable future, within the Spectrum Center and beyond, rests in capable hands with this talented group of students,” said Kristen Picard, Honeywell Global Head of Brand Partnerships.