Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and Shawmut Design and Construction complete phase three transformation of Barclays Center
Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment has completed phase three of its five-year, $150 million-plus transformation of Barclays Center, introducing new arrival, hospitality, art and technology enhancements throughout the arena. Built by Shawmut Design and Construction, the latest phase brings together a reimagined Main Atrium and box office, an enhanced event level club, a new American Express Card Member Entrance and Amex Lounge, and the first major upgrade to Barclays Center’s control room since the arena opened in 2012. The latest work debuted ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season, as the Brooklyn Nets mark their 60th anniversary.
The transformation begins at the arena’s primary entrance, where the redesigned Main Atrium now features WAVE, a newly commissioned site-specific installation by Sarah Sze. Suspended from the ceiling and fully interwoven with the architecture of the atrium, Sze’s largest moving image installation to date comprises 550 bespoke acrylic LED sculptural screens shaped into a wave-like form. Projected images of birds in flight, rushing water, trees, shifting skies and passing cityscapes build to a crescendo of movement, light and color that sweeps across the screens like a wave. Adjacent to the installation, a sweeping 180-degree LED wall extends the visual experience for fans arriving at the building.
From the atrium, the transformation continues at the event level club, a reimagined 9,000 s/f hospitality destination inspired by the layered evolution of the DUMBO neighborhood and Barclays Center’s tradition of celebrating the borough through thoughtfully designed spaces. Steel trusses span the high ceilings, while brick and concrete finishes reference DUMBO’s industrial character. These raw architectural elements are balanced by refined details, including an Ijen Blue stone feature wall at the entry and a sculptural food service hood that extends across the back half of the club. Suspended from the ceiling is a custom piece crafted from authentic, game-used sections of the Nets’ inaugural herringbone court, which was in use from 2012 to 2019, to pay tribute to the team’s first chapter in Brooklyn.
The event level club’s design is complemented by a culinary program built around variety and interaction and is the only premium space in the arena with show kitchens, allowing diners to watch meals being prepared in front of them. A 93-ft. LED screen spans the length of the club, immersing fans in the atmosphere of the game or event. The event level club also grants behind-the-scenes access to the practice court and exclusive views of Nets players entering and exiting the locker room area.
On the Suite Level, the new Amex Lounge is a private lounge space for American Express Platinum Card and Centurion® Members. Guests can enjoy comfortable seating and sweeping panoramic views of Flatbush Ave. and the WAVE installation. Located off Flatbush Ave., the new American Express Card Member Entrance connects all Card Members to the Main Concourse and Suite Level through a grand staircase with terrazzo flooring.
These guest-facing enhancements are supported by significant investments behind the scenes. Barclays Center has completed the first major upgrade to its control room since the arena opened in 2012, modernizing the facility to support the next generation of live-event production.
Together, these new elements build on the continued evolution of Barclays Center, with investments designed to enhance the experience across every level of the arena — from arrival and concourse spaces to premium hospitality and technology. With renovation work led by global design firm Populous and construction management by Shawmut Design and Construction, the latest transformation builds on previously completed updates across Barclays Center, including Gallagher Terrace, The Toki Row, JetBlue at The Key and Modelo Bridge.