Reusable Cups To Be Used For All Alcoholic Beverages Beginning With Tomorrow’s Hornets Game

February 28, 2025 – Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) today announced that the organization is teaming up with Bold Reuse to introduce reusable cups at Spectrum Center in collaboration with food and beverage partner Levy. The program will be implemented initially for all alcoholic beverages purchased at bars and concession stands. Guests are asked to return the cups to specifically marked return bins, after which they will be inspected, sanitized and repackaged by Bold Reuse for usage at future events.

“We are proud to work with Bold Reuse as we continue to enhance our sustainability efforts at Spectrum Center,” said Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Venues Officer Donna Julian. “We are constantly seeking opportunities to reduce waste and promote environmental awareness among our patrons, and this is just the latest example of one way we can drive change in our building and our community.”

Spectrum Center becomes the first sports and entertainment venue on the East Coast and the second NBA arena to implement Bold Reuse’s system. Bold Reuse is an Oregon-based company that aims to reduce waste by implementing reusable cups rather than single-use packaging. Through its locations in Portland, Seattle, Kansas City, Phoenix, Chicago and now Charlotte, Bold Reuse has diverted more than 5 million pounds from landfills by teaming with sports and entertainment venues, restaurants, corporations, colleges, school systems, zoos and more.

"Spectrum Center and the Hornets are setting a new standard for teams on the East Coast," said Bold Reuse CRO & Co-Founder Heather Watkins. "We’re thrilled to partner with them to bring reusable cups to Spectrum Center, reducing waste while enhancing the fan experience. As the first sports venue on the East Coast to implement reuse at scale, the Hornets are leading the way in making reuse the new norm for fans. We’re excited to see Charlotte drive this movement forward and inspire other teams and venues to follow suit." 

Some of Spectrum Center’s additional sustainability efforts related to food and beverage include using environmentally friendly plates, bowls, napkins and utensils; partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to donate left over food from events; and placing recycling and compost bins throughout the arena.

For more information on the initiative, fans can visit hornets.com/bold-reuse.