Β CHARLOTTE, NC —Β Charlotte Hornets reps were in New York Tuesday night, pitching the Queen city as a host for an NBA All-Star Game. Β The last time the Queen City hosted the game was back in 1991. Β Charlotte is vying for the 2017 or 2018 game. Β
The Hornets and city leaders say the Cable Box needs about $42 million in upgrades. Β The money would come from the hospitality tax. Β The Hornets will have to prove the city has enough hotel rooms and local support.
“Our community is, is unique in that we can create an Olympic-style environment with a lot of energy, that there will be a lot of walkability too which we think and hope the NBA will put a lot of value in,” said Hornets President and Chief Operating Officer Fred Whitfield.
The Charlotte skyline looked much different back in 1991. Β A video on YouTube shows the Bank of America tower under construction. Β Back then it was the Nationsbank tower. Β Friday is the deadline for city’s to submit bids to host All-Star weekend.
