Charlotte NC, December 14, 2025
The Charlotte Hornets have announced a multi-year partnership with Honeywell to enhance the Spectrum Center and their upcoming training facility with advanced building automation technologies. Honeywell will oversee operations such as security and climate control, integrating AI-powered automation aimed at optimizing player performance and overall operations. The new training facility is set to open in 2027, providing an opportunity to implement cutting-edge technology. Furthermore, the already renovated Spectrum Center will gradually incorporate these smart technologies to benefit the fan experience.
Charlotte, NC – December 14, 2025
Charlotte Hornets Partner with Honeywell to Enhance Spectrum Center and Training Facility
The Charlotte Hornets have entered a multi-year partnership with Honeywell to transform the Spectrum Center and their upcoming training facility into two of the smartest buildings in Charlotte. Honeywell, a Fortune 500 company based in Charlotte, will be the official building automation partner, overseeing operations such as security and climate control. The initiative includes integrating AI-powered automation to enhance player performance, improve security, and optimize overall operations.
The Hornets’ new training facility, currently under construction and expected to open in 2027, is being designed from the ground up with full-building automation, offering Honeywell a unique opportunity to implement its technology without constraints. Meanwhile, the Spectrum Center has already undergone a $245 million renovation and welcomed nearly 400,000 fans since reopening in October. Honeywell’s smart technology will continue to be gradually implemented at the Spectrum Center over time.
Federal Charges in Separate Charlotte Train Stabbings
Two men are facing federal charges in separate stabbing incidents on Charlotte’s light rail system. Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, appeared in federal court accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in a seemingly random attack caught on video in August. Brown has a history of over a dozen arrests and faces both federal and state charges, including first-degree murder. His attorneys are seeking a mental health evaluation, citing concerns over his competency due to a schizophrenia diagnosis and past erratic behavior.
In a separate incident on December 5, Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, a Honduran national previously deported twice and convicted of illegal reentry, was charged with stabbing a man on the same transit system. He faces federal counts for violence on a mass transportation system and illegal reentry. Prosecutors emphasized the need to protect public transportation users from such threats. Solorzano-Garcia remains in custody without bond. Both cases have raised broader concerns around public safety and immigration enforcement, drawing political scrutiny.
Upcoming Events in Charlotte This Weekend
This weekend in Charlotte, a wide array of festive events cater to all ages and interests, particularly themed around the holiday season. Starting Friday, attendees can enjoy performances like Clara’s Trip, a modern Nutcracker at Booth Playhouse, and the Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at Belk Theater. Seasonal attractions include the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, and a holiday market at Seoul Food Meat Co.
Saturday features major events such as Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s concert at Spectrum Center, the Mistletoe Market and Reindog Parade at Camp North End, Carowinds’ WinterFest, and the annual Christmas Market at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Also on tap are community celebrations like Duke Mansion’s holiday event, a trivia night, a speed dating session, and a bar crawl in Uptown. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa or a princess brunch, while artistic types can join a $100 art fair or a holiday watercolor class.
Sunday activities include ice skating at the Whitewater Center, a double-feature holiday movie screening, live jazz music, and local charity drives. Many events are ongoing throughout the month, making this weekend ideal for holiday shoppers, families, and music lovers alike.
Charlotte Church’s Nativity Scene Sparks Debate
A church in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood is drawing mixed reactions after installing a nativity scene that places U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents alongside the Holy Family. Missiongathering Charlotte put up the display this week outside its church on North Caldwell Street. The scene portrays Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus as targets of immigration enforcement, with masked agents standing nearby wearing bulletproof vests and carrying handcuffs.
Pastor Andrew Shipley said the installation is meant to provoke reflection and discomfort. Shipley said he hopes people who feel anger or frustration upon seeing the scene will stop to ask why and consider whether they would want immigration enforcement affecting their own families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Charlotte Hornets’ partnership with Honeywell?
The Charlotte Hornets have entered a multi-year partnership with Honeywell to transform the Spectrum Center and their upcoming training facility into two of the smartest buildings in Charlotte. Honeywell will oversee operations such as security and climate control, integrating AI-powered automation to enhance player performance, improve security, and optimize overall operations.
What are the federal charges in the Charlotte train stabbings?
Two men are facing federal charges in separate stabbing incidents on Charlotte’s light rail system. Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, is accused of fatally stabbing 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in August. Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia, 33, is charged with stabbing a man on December 5. Both face federal counts related to violence on a mass transportation system and, in Solorzano-Garcia’s case, illegal reentry.
What events are happening in Charlotte this weekend?
This weekend in Charlotte, a wide array of festive events cater to all ages and interests, particularly themed around the holiday season. Events include performances like Clara’s Trip, a modern Nutcracker at Booth Playhouse, and the Charlotte Ballet’s “Nutcracker” at Belk Theater. Seasonal attractions include the Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field, the Carolina Holiday Light Spectacular, and a holiday market at Seoul Food Meat Co.
What is the controversy surrounding the Charlotte church’s nativity scene?
A church in Charlotte’s Optimist Park neighborhood installed a nativity scene that places U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents alongside the Holy Family. The display portrays Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus as targets of immigration enforcement, with masked agents standing nearby. Pastor Andrew Shipley stated the installation is meant to provoke reflection and discomfort, encouraging viewers to consider the impact of immigration enforcement on families.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets and Honeywell Partnership | Details the collaboration to enhance the Spectrum Center and new training facility with AI-powered building automation. |
| Federal Charges in Train Stabbings | Information on federal charges against two men involved in separate stabbing incidents on Charlotte’s light rail system. |
| Upcoming Weekend Events | Highlights of festive events in Charlotte, including performances, seasonal attractions, and community celebrations. |
| Church Nativity Scene Controversy | Discussion of the debate sparked by a church’s nativity scene featuring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
