Hornets Sports & Entertainment and Evolv Technology today announced a new partnership under which Evolv becomes the Official Fan Screening Provider of the Charlotte Hornets and will see its Evolv Express systems used to screen fans at Spectrum Center’s entrances. This enhancement is one of many technology upgrades made as part of the Re!magine Spectrum Center renovation project, which is focused on creating an elevated guest experience.
After seeing the successful use of Evolv at other basketball arenas, as well as other facilities in Charlotte, the systems were tested in Spectrum Center last year during the first and second rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in March and subsequently installed at all main entrances as part of the large-scale renovation.
“In the short time we used Evolv last year, we saw a really tremendous impact on the fan experience,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Spectrum Center General Manager Donna Julian. “Our guests want to get into the arena quickly so they can get their concessions, purchase merch and get settled in their seats. Evolv helps enable them to do that – and to do so in a nonintrusive manner with a heightened level of safety. We’re really excited to reopen our doors next month and for guests to see how we’ve utilized impactful technology to really elevate the experience.”
Spectrum Center is the newest customer in a long list of venues in the Carolinas that have selected Evolv as their weapons detection partner. The arena’s security director knew the benefits of Evolv from time spent working at another local venue that was using the technology and by hearing about the systems’ success at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of many school systems in North and South Carolina using Evolv.
“We are proud to continue to grow our presence in the Carolinas by partnering with Spectrum Center and aiming to enhance safety, security and the fan experience,” said John Bair, Vice President of Sports for Evolv Technology. “When a community sees that Evolv is part of a layered and effective solution, word spreads - whether it’s within a school district, a sports fandom or another community. It is incredibly satisfying to be trusted as a layer of security for venues of all kinds, and to watch our business grow through word of mouth.”
