If you’ve attended an event at Spectrum Center, Donna Julian helped make it happen. It’s more than a building to her — it’s a community place she helped introduce to Charlotte 20 years ago this year.
by Ashley Stroehlein
photographs courtesy Donna Julian
Donna Julian always knew a career in sports was her calling. The passion was sparked at a young age thanks to her father, Mulda Patterson, who often played sports radio in the house. “My father was a huge sports fan and took me to Baltimore Orioles games and Baltimore Colts games — when they were, obviously, in Maryland — and I just loved it,” Julian explains.
“When [someone sees] me do this, and they’re like, wow, it’s a woman — and a woman of color, that’s impactful. ”
Now she delights in seeing parents take their own children to a first game or concert at the facility she oversees. As executive vice president and Spectrum Center general manager for Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Julian manages a full calendar, from NBA games to concerts to special events, and is always looking for ways to bring the energy.
Julian spoke with SouthPark about what’s next as she and Spectrum Center mark a 20-year anniversary together.
Responses are lightly edited for brevity.
What stands out to you the most in the past 20 years?
The events are always going to be important because that’s the main function of my job, but it’s also about the people. It’s the people that have been on my team that I get to call coworkers. When it’s all said and done, that’s really important to me. Having touched lives and having people touch my life, seeing people that have been with me for 20 years or that have gone on to do other things makes me very proud.
You’re seen as a trailblazer. How do you embrace that role?
I don’t think about it that much, but I do realize it’s important. When [someone sees] me do this, and they’re like, wow, it’s a woman — and a woman of color, that’s impactful. So I have tried to do a better job of getting out there, because being seen by someone who looks like you is extremely powerful.
I hope I’ve had an impact on people to make some good decisions and to guide them. If I can be a role model or help someone along the way, I want to be able to do that. I just love seeing people living up to their highest potential and exceeding their goals.
New ownership, new leadership, new era. How would you describe the energy that is around the Hornets right now?
There’s such excitement, right? We’ve got visions of striving to be that NBA premier franchise. We’ve got this wonderful practice facility project that’s starting soon, and that’s going to be great for our team. I’m excited about the renovations. We want to have a top-class facility, and I think our ownership is heading in that direction. They’re very clear. I think we feel it as an organization, and I think the community feels it as well. I’m just excited to be part of that new era.
Julian, front row left, was a standout tennis player at Ohio University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in athletics administration.
What’s on your wish list for a big event?
Having someone do a residency would be really cool. It would be great to have someone set up camp and be here for a whole week. I think Charlotte would really accept that.
Do you have a favorite event?
When we opened with the Stones back in 2005, that was pretty incredible. The first Bobcats game. I think hosting the Democratic National Convention was great for us and for Charlotte.
What are some on-the-job highlights for you?
I love being in the lobby when people are coming into the building. I like to imagine their stories. They’re excited, they’re coming, they’re running — you know, all the expectation of the event. Then when you go into that arena bowl and people are just feeling good — there’s that energy, and that’s what I love the most about it.
I don’t always get to see the soundcheck because of what I’m doing at the time, but I did get to sit in and hear Stevie Wonder’s soundcheck, which was pretty impressive. I was really happy to be able to sit down and enjoy that. So I do have those little moments that are really special.
What do you do for fun?
First of all, I’m very fortunate. I have my husband and my two sons, who are young men now. We still love hanging out together. I had my 89-year-old mother that I was able to get here to see the tennis match. I love to read and watch some good old detective TV shows. That might be my second career! I actually love going to see music, sometimes in a smaller setting. I love spending time with family and friends. You realize how valuable that is and how important it is, and that’s when I’m my happiest.
Do you have a favorite volunteer organization?
One of the things I’m really proud of is being part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was their board chair for a period of time during Covid. I have a little sister, Hannah — we’ve been together for about three years. She just turned 13. I really enjoy spending time with her. I think mentoring organizations can have such a profound impact. For me, it’s about giving her the opportunity to dream big and feel like she can do and be whatever she wants. I absolutely love it, and she’s had an impact on me. SP
