The Charlotte Observer covered the meeting and said of the design, "[the designers] have fashioned a building that fits into the city, offers a taste of its history and should enhance the urban fabric.” Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory agrees. "This looks like a building that will stand in design for many generations. I think it fits into our history."
The new arena will have a two-story arcade broken into bays filled with stores, restaurants and offices, recalling the commercial buildings and textile mills that were once common to the area. The rest of the building places an emphasis on transparency and visibility, using glass and open areas to show movement and activity.
