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Spectrum Center

Charlotte · Home of 🏀 Charlotte Hornets

⚡ Quick answers

Who plays at Spectrum Center?
Spectrum Center in Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Hornets (NBA).
What is the closest airport to Spectrum Center?
Charlotte (CLT) is the closest major airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from Spectrum Center — roughly 11 min by car depending on traffic.
How much is parking at Spectrum Center?
Game-day parking starts around $10.99 USD. Skip downtown parking and ride the LYNX Blue Line instead — most of its park-and-ride lots along South Blvd and University City are free (a couple of outer stations charg…
How much is a beer at Spectrum Center?
Beer prices vary by stand and we couldn't confirm a standard price this season. A regular hot dog is about $7.00 USD (estimate). Prices vary by stand and size and may change.
How do you get to Spectrum Center without a car?
LYNX Blue Line light rail stops directly at the CTC/Arena (Charlotte Transportation Center) station, essentially across the street from Spectrum Center (the arena is bordered by Trade St, Fifth St, Caldwell St, and the Blue Line).
Where are the best seats at Spectrum Center?
Lower bowl (100s) uptown; upper 200s cheap. Central location — sit lower for the Hornets crowd.
What is the bag policy at Spectrum Center?
Only small bags, clutches or wristlets up to 5×7×1.5 in. (clear or not). No outside food or drinks; contact Guest Experience ahead for medical, dietary or infant needs. No bottles or drink containers.
Is Spectrum Center wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair and companion seats are throughout; buy through Ticketmaster or Guest Experience (704-688-8128, arenainfo@hornets.com). Disabled drop-off is on the Fifth Street side right in front of the door; the arena has no garage, so use nearby public lots. Use the Fifth Street entrance, or the Trade Street entrance, which has an elevator just inside. Free wheelchair help between the entrance, your seat and the exit is available when staff are free.
Compare beer & food prices at every arena →

✈️🚗 Getting to Spectrum Center

Nearest major airport: Charlotte (CLT) — about 8 mi / 11 min away.

🚗 Rent a car at CLT

🏟️ Fan guide

Best seats

Lower bowl (100s) uptown; upper 200s cheap. Central location — sit lower for the Hornets crowd.

Parking

Uptown decks/garages around the arena; walkable uptown. The LYNX Blue Line light rail is at the door. ($15–30 USD)

Getting there

LYNX Blue Line to the Arena/CTC station, right there; or walk in uptown Charlotte.

Bar scene

Uptown Charlotte around the arena has bars/restaurants (the EpiCentre area is the hub); NoDa (arts/brewery district) is a short drive.

Pre-game bars

  • Uptown bars (Tryon/College) — Bars & restaurants around the arena.
  • NoDa — Charlotte's brewery/arts district, short drive.

Concession prices (USD, approx)

  • Standard beer, 2026-27Not confirmed
  • Hot dog (estimate)$7.00
  • 💸 Deal: Hugo's Hive Menu: $2 hot dog at 4 locations incl. Belk Concourse and Fastbreak Market (launched Feb 9, 2026; beer not included)
  • BBQ$13

Prices vary by stand and size and may change.

Insider tips

  • LYNX Blue Line to Arena station
  • Uptown is walkable

♿ Accessibility at Spectrum Center

Wheelchair and companion seats are throughout; buy through Ticketmaster or Guest Experience (704-688-8128, arenainfo@hornets.com). Disabled drop-off is on the Fifth Street side right in front of the door; the arena has no garage, so use nearby public lots. Use the Fifth Street entrance, or the Trade Street entrance, which has an elevator just inside. Free wheelchair help between the entrance, your seat and the exit is available when staff are free.

Sensory-friendly
Sensory Room on the Belk Concourse outside Section 108, and sensory kits at Guest Experience booths outside Sections 102 and 208.
Hearing
Free assistive listening devices at Guest Services outside Section 102 (ID or card deposit); your own FM receiver works too. No captioning info listed.
ASL interpreters
Contact Guest Experience at least 30 days ahead; for concerts, request no later than three weeks after tickets go on sale.
Service animals
Guide dogs and service animals only; call 704-688-8128 about accommodations. No relief area listed.

🎒 Can I bring it? Bag & food policy

Bags
Only small bags, clutches or wristlets up to 5×7×1.5 in. (clear or not).
Bag check
No bag storage; large strollers can be checked at Guest Experience (Sections 102 and 208) if space allows.
Outside food
No outside food or drinks; contact Guest Experience ahead for medical, dietary or infant needs.
Water bottles
No bottles or drink containers.
Re-entry
No re-entry unless staff approve an exception before you leave.

Not allowed & exceptions

  • Diaper bags, medical bags and breast pumps allowed
  • Coolers, cans, glass
  • Large signs and flags; poles
  • Detachable lenses, selfie sticks
  • Wearable recording devices

⚠️ Check before you go: Official pages give two ASL deadlines (30 days before the event vs. three weeks after concert on-sale)—ask as early as you can.

From the venue's official guest guide, checked 2026-10. Rules can change by event. Official policy ↗

🧳 Visiting Spectrum Center as an away fan

The next visiting teams, and the airport you'd fly into: Charlotte (CLT) (CLT). Each link has that team's full road-trip guide.

🎟️ Tickets & more

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