The Security Technology Will Provide A Smoother, Safer & Faster Entry Into Events; New Bag Policy Also Introduced For All Arena Events & Hornets Games

September 26, 2024 – Hornets Sports & Entertainment and Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based screening designed to create safer experiences, 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 will help patrons enter the building faster and is one of many technology upgrades made as part of the Re!magine Spectrum Center renovation project, which is highly focused on creating a frictionless guest experience. In conjunction with its enhanced screening technology, Spectrum Center announced a new bag policy for all arena events including home Hornets games, now only allowing small clutches, wallets and wristlets that do not exceed 4in x 6in x 1.5in (full bag policy below). Both the Evolv technology and new bag policy will begin immediately when Spectrum Center reopens its doors for the Maxwell concert on October 3. 

Evolv Express helps allow guests to enter a venue without always stopping for individual checks, using sensor technology combined with AI to distinguish between a wide variety of potential threats and many common everyday items, such as phones and keys. Evolv Express was created to allow people to move through screening at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at ingress points. After seeing the successful use of Evolv at other 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 enables 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.”

“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 Vice President of Sports for Evolv Technology John Bair. “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.”

NEW Spectrum Center Bag Policy

To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, Spectrum Center strongly discourages guests from bringing bags to events. Only small clutches, wallets, crossbodies and wristlets - that do not exceed 4in x 6in x 1.5in - are permitted.

• Backpacks and tote bags are not permitted.
• The NBA and Spectrum Center do not have a clear bag policy. Our policy applies to all bags, clear or not.
• Exceptions will only be made for diaper and medical bags, including breast pumps. Guests with diaper and/or medical bags will need to enter the arena at either the Hornets Fan Shop or the Hornets Box Office Entrance, both near the Trade Street Plaza, to have their bags inspected via an x-ray machine.
• All permitted bags are subject to visual or x-ray screening upon entry.
• Patrons are always encouraged to visit the Spectrum Center’s event page for additional information pertaining to each event.