Title
Public Hearing and Initial Findings Resolution on Refunding of Outstanding Certificates of Participation
Action
Action:
A. Conduct a public hearing on the refunding of outstanding arena certificates of participation, series 2025 up to $140,000,000,
B. Adopt an initial findings resolution calling for the execution of various documents necessary to refund outstanding arena certificates of participation, series 2025, and
C. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to take necessary actions to complete the financing, including submitting the application to the Local Government Commission.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Matthew Hastedt, Finance
Mitali Shah, Finance
Shahid Rana, Economic Development
Explanation
§ On June 13, 2022, City Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement between Hornets Sports Entertainment and the City of Charlotte in amount not to exceed $215,000,000 for arena improvements and repairs and $60,000,000 for a new Performance Enhancement Center.
§ On March 25, 2024, City Council approved an amended proposal to update the city’s investment for arena improvements and repairs in an amount not to exceed $245,000,0000 and $30,000,000 for a new Performance Enhancement Center. The total city investment remained $275,000,000.
§ The Spectrum Center Upgrades debt issuance was done in two tranches.
- In 2023, $110,000,000 in certificates of participation (COPs) were issued at a variable rate, and in 2025 converted into permanent fixed-rate financing.
- In 2025, the city entered into a construction period financing in the form of a drawdown program for $136,500,000, allowing the city to reimburse expense on a monthly basis during construction and eliminating interest expense on funds not yet expended on the project.
- The city will now convert the second tranche into permanent fixed-rate financing.
§ The projects funded with the two tranches met contractual obligations of the city to provide capital repairs and improvements, and also finance other renovations and upgrades to meet the National Basketball Association requirements, keep the arena competitive, make it more environmentally friendly, and help attract additional events.
§ This action will:
- Provide information required for Local Government Commission approval of the financing, and
- Provide approval to the City Manager and the Authorized Officers named in the Resolution to take necessary actions to complete the financing and related documentation for the life of the debt.
Next Steps
§ City Council will be asked to consider the adoption of a resolution to enter into this financing at the October 12, 2026, Business Meeting.
§ The North Carolina Local Government Commission is expected to review and approve the refunding of outstanding arena COPs, series 2025 on November 3, 2026.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Tourism Fund
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Resolution