Game Weekend
Spectrum Center at dusk, seen from a rooftop in Uptown Charlotte, with its curved white roof, lit sign and surrounding high-rises

Charlotte Hornets

Spectrum Center

Charlotte, North Carolina

A Hornets night at Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte.

Plan my tripJust find a hotel

The local take

An Uptown arena one block east of Trade and Tryon, directly across Trade Street from the Charlotte Transportation Center, the main hub for CATS buses, with a light-rail station steps from its entrances and the Levine Center for the Arts museums about half a mile away in a straight line on South Tryon Street.

Most Hornets home games tip off at 7 p.m. Eastern, many of them on Monday and other weeknights. Most Saturday games start at 6 p.m., and a few holiday and weekend games start at midday or in the afternoon, so check your game’s time. The arena doesn’t publish one doors-open time, so check your game’s event page. For a weekend trip, Uptown’s museums fill the day before.

Spectrum Center

Your Charlotte weekend

Pick your game, then your hotel, food and things to do, or let a quick start choose them with you.

Which game are you going to?

Charlotte Hornets

Exploring the weekend before choosing a game. Dates stay open.

Find your places.

Find your stay, your local pub, and everything around the game.

Each one picks a hotel and food that work together. Change anything below.

My weekend

7 hotels

Charlotte places

HotelSuggested

Uptown · 0.28 mi from the arena

A historic boutique hotel on North Tryon Street, about 0.3 miles from the arena in a straight line, with The Asbury restaurant and The Dunhill Bar inside.

The hotel is about 0.3 miles from the arena in a straight line, so there’s no car, train or parking to plan on a game night. Amélie’s calls itself a latte-length stroll to the arena, and Duckworth’s serves its full menu until 11 p.m. or midnight.

  • Self-park $23 a night; valet $38
  • About 8 miles from CLT
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking is in the deck behind the hotel at a nightly rate. Uptown is busy before and after the game.

On game day: Uptown stay: walk to the arena, one block east of Trade and Tryon streets. General-admission guests may use the 5th Street, Trade Street or Belk Light Rail entrance unless staff direct otherwise.

237 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

0.28 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Dunhill HotelOfficial details for The Dunhill Hotel
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Hotel

Uptown · 0.38 mi from the arena

An art-filled 254-room hotel on West Trade Street, about 0.4 miles from the arena in a straight line, with Mico restaurant, the Búho rooftop bar and a Starbucks on site.

  • Valet only, $50–$60
  • About 8 miles from CLT
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Details

Keep in mind: Parking is valet only, at a daily charge, and the garage has size limits.

On game day: Uptown stay: walk to the arena, one block east of Trade and Tryon streets. General-admission guests may use the 5th Street, Trade Street or Belk Light Rail entrance unless staff direct otherwise.

201 West Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

0.38 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph CollectionOfficial details for Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection
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Hotel

Dilworth and Myers Park · 1.1 mi from the arena

A 1917 Dilworth house run as a 12-room inn, with a Southern breakfast and parking included in the rate.

  • Free parking
  • Southern breakfast included
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Details

Keep in mind: It’s a small inn that also hosts events, so book early. Plan a ride to the arena.

On game day: Dilworth stay: take a rideshare to East 5th Street, which the arena calls generally the most convenient drop-off and pickup spot.

1122 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

1.1 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for The Morehead InnOfficial details for The Morehead Inn
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Hotel

Dilworth and Myers Park · 1.8 mi from the arena

A historic mansion with 20 guest rooms, 2 miles from the heart of Uptown by its own account, with breakfast included every day.

  • Breakfast included
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Details

Keep in mind: The FAQ says rooms have one queen or king bed, with rollaways at extra charge. There’s no restaurant; lunch and dinner can be arranged. You’ll need a ride to the game.

On game day: Dilworth stay: take a rideshare to East 5th Street, which the arena calls generally the most convenient drop-off and pickup spot.

400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

1.8 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Duke MansionOfficial details for Duke Mansion
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Hotel

Airport and south Charlotte off I-77 · 4.4 mi from the arena

A hotel off I-77 a few miles from the airport and six miles from Uptown, with free breakfast, free on-site parking and an airport shuttle.

  • Free on-site parking
  • Free breakfast
  • Airport shuttle
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Details

Keep in mind: The hotel says it’s being renovated. The shuttle serves the airport, so plan your own way to the arena.

On game day: Airport stay: book a space ahead on SpotHero, which the arena points you to, and walk in from the lot.

4900 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217

4.4 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte Airport SouthOfficial details for La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South
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Hotel

Airport and south Charlotte off I-77 · 7.1 mi from the arena

A hotel at I-77 and Arrowood Road with free parking, a free hot breakfast, a free evening 5:30 Kickback and The Kitchen + Bar on site.

  • Free parking
  • Free hot breakfast
  • 9.5 miles from CLT
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Details

Keep in mind: The hotel lists Spectrum Center 9.2 miles away and the airport 9.5 miles away, so every trip is a drive or a ride.

On game day: Airport stay: book a space ahead on SpotHero, which the arena points you to, and walk in from the lot.

8925 Red Oak Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28217

7.1 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte ArrowoodOfficial details for Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
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Hotel

University City on the Blue Line · 7.4 mi from the arena

A University City hotel with free parking, a free hot breakfast and a free evening 5:30 Kickback.

  • Free parking
  • Free hot breakfast
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Details

Keep in mind: The hotel lists Uptown Charlotte 10 miles away. McCullough Station is the nearest Blue Line stop on OpenStreetMap, about 0.4 miles away in a straight line.

On game day: University stay: walk or drive to a Blue Line station and ride to CTC/Arena Station, which the arena says is steps from its entrances.

415 West W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262

7.4 mi straight-line from the arena. This is not a walking or driving route.

Live rates are not quoted here. Confirm the full stay total, fees, and cancellation terms with the provider. Arena directions use a general arena location; follow your assigned lot and gate instructions.

Expedia opens a named-hotel search, not a verified property page. Enter dates there; adults and rooms are prefilled.

Directions: Directions to arena for Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University PlaceOfficial details for Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte University Place
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Your weekend

2 adults, 1 room
Stay
Not chosen
Food
None chosen
Do

Choose a hotel first

Travel & full itinerary

The full plan, stop by stop

2 adults · 1 room

Choose a hotel to plan travel.

Your home base

No hotel chosen yet

Your hotel sets the area, both arena journeys and the travel between your stops.

Nothing is in your plan until you choose it. A quick start above the list can choose one for you.

Make time for a good meal

Food for the weekend

Compare and choose food

No food picks yet. Add places in the comparison above when you’re ready.

Check opening hours for your dates and reserve directly where needed.

The reason for the trip

Spectrum Center

Pick your game when you’re ready.

Nights open · 2 adults, 1 room

A different hotel?

Your arena travel updates to match. Any food you picked yourself stays.

Get to know the areas

UptownWalking to the game and a first visit

Stay among the towers, museums and restaurants of central Charlotte and walk to the arena.

Office towers, museums on South Tryon Street and hotel bars

To the arena
Walk to the 5th Street, Trade Street or Belk Light Rail entrance. Premium tickets may name a different entrance, so check yours.
After the game
Walk back through Uptown with the crowd.
The tradeoff
Uptown hotels charge nightly for garage or valet parking. The arena says traffic patterns and road closures may change.

Hotels in this area

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Dilworth and Myers ParkA quieter stay with breakfast included

Historic inns south of Uptown, with breakfast included and a ride to the game.

Historic neighborhoods south of Uptown

To the arena
Take a rideshare and set your drop-off on East 5th Street, then follow posted signs and arena staff.
After the game
Follow your app, posted signs and arena staff to the pickup spot; the arena says it can move for traffic, road closures and public safety.
The tradeoff
These inns have 12 and 20 rooms, so book early, and the Duke Mansion says its rooms have one queen or king bed. You’ll need a ride to the arena.

Hotels in this area

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University City on the Blue LineA car-free game night on the train

A base near the northern LYNX Blue Line, with free parking and breakfast and a train to the station beside the arena.

Hotels and restaurants near the UNC Charlotte campus

To the arena
Ride the LYNX Blue Line toward Uptown to CTC/Arena Station and use the Belk Light Rail entrance.
After the game
Walk back to CTC/Arena Station and ride north.
The tradeoff
The hotel lists Uptown 10 miles away, so allow time for the train ride.

Hotels in this area

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Airport and south Charlotte off I-77Early flights and a car

Hotels off I-77 with free parking and breakfast, for early flights or a car.

Hotel corridors near the airport and I-77

To the arena
Drive north on I-77 and exit at the John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street, then go to the space you booked.
After the game
Walk back to your lot and drive out with the crowd.
The tradeoff
You’ll drive or ride into Uptown for everything, including the game. Hotel shuttles, where offered, serve the airport, not the arena.

Hotels in this area

We may earn a commission. Rates and availability are confirmed with the provider.

Upcoming games at Spectrum Center

Visiting with the away team? Each game has its own page.

To the game and back

Choose a route from the area you’re staying in.

From Uptown on footUptownwalk
Getting there
Walk to the arena, one block east of Trade and Tryon streets. Unless staff direct otherwise, general-admission guests may use the 5th Street, Trade Street or Belk Light Rail entrance.
Getting back
Walk back through Uptown with the crowd.

Bags must fit within 5 × 7 × 1.5 inches, clear or not, and every guest is screened. Entrances and opening times can vary by event, and you can’t re-enter once you leave without approval from arena staff first.

Route information
From Dilworth or Myers Park by rideshareDilworth and Myers Parkrideshare
Getting there
Set your drop-off on East 5th Street, which the arena calls generally the most convenient location, and walk to the 5th Street entrance.
Getting back
Follow your app, posted signs, police and arena staff to the pickup spot.

The arena publishes no fixed rideshare zone and says drop-off and pickup spots can change for traffic, road closures and public safety. Prices and waits after the game are set by the app.

Route information
From University City on the LYNX Blue LineUniversity City on the Blue Linetransit
Getting there
Walk or drive to a Blue Line station and ride toward Uptown to CTC/Arena Station, steps from the arena’s entrances; the Belk Light Rail entrance faces the line. A one-way fare is $2.20, sold in the CATS Pass app and at the ticket machines on each station platform.
Getting back
Walk back to CTC/Arena Station and ride north.

No train times or last-train time are copied here, so check CATS for your date, especially after a weeknight game. The Blue Line uses proof of payment, so have a valid ticket or pass before you ride.

Route information
From the airport hotels by carAirport and south Charlotte off I-77drive
Getting there
Book a space ahead on SpotHero, which the arena’s site points guests to for finding and reserving parking near the arena. The arena says nearly 30,000 off-street spaces sit within a 15-minute walk. Drive north on I-77 and exit at the John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street.
Getting back
Walk back to your lot and drive out with the crowd.

The arena lists public and private garages, decks and lots and publishes no prices; availability, prices and routes vary by event. You can also park at a LYNX park-and-ride lot and take the train to CTC/Arena Station.

Route information

At Spectrum Center

Small bags only

Every bag, clear or not, must fit within 5 × 7 × 1.5 inches: small bags, clutches, crossbody bags and wristlets. Backpacks, totes, camera bags and drawstring bags aren’t allowed. Diaper bags with a young child and medical bags are exceptions. The arena doesn’t provide general bag storage.

Arena information
Getting in

General-admission guests may use the 5th Street, Trade Street or Belk Light Rail entrance unless directed otherwise. Entrances, opening times and screening can vary by event, so check your game’s event page. Leaving the arena ends your night unless staff approve re-entry before you exit.

Arena information
Mobile tickets only

Hornets tickets are digital, in the Hornets + Spectrum Center app or Ticketmaster; screenshots and printed copies may not be accepted. There’s no public will call, and the ticket office is closed during Hornets games. Children 2 and older need a ticket.

Arena information
Cashless arena

Concessions, bars and shops take cards and mobile payments only. Cash-to-Card kiosks around the arena turn cash into a prepaid card. At Hornets games, alcohol sales end after the third quarter unless announced otherwise.

Arena information
By light rail

The arena sits beside CTC/Arena Station on the LYNX Blue Line and across Trade Street from the Charlotte Transportation Center, and it encourages public transit for busy events. A one-way fare is $2.20 and a day pass $6.60, sold in the CATS Pass app and at the ticket machines on each station platform.

Arena information
Parking is off site

Nearly 30,000 off-street spaces sit within a 15-minute walk, in public and private garages, decks and lots. The arena points you to SpotHero to find and reserve one, or to a park-and-ride lot and the LYNX train.

Arena information
From CLT airport by bus

The CATS Sprinter runs between the airport and the Charlotte Transportation Center, across Trade Street from the arena, for $2.50 a ride, every 30 minutes on weekdays and from 6 a.m. on weekends.

Arena information
Accessible entry

The arena recommends the Fifth Street side, near the accessible drop-off, or the Trade Street entrance, with an elevator directly inside. For accessible seating and other help, call Guest Experience at 704.688.8128.

Arena information

Find your game & tickets

Use the team schedule for home dates and tip-off times.

Charlotte Hornets schedule

Useful things to know

What bag can I bring to Spectrum Center?

One small bag, clutch, crossbody or wristlet no larger than 5 × 7 × 1.5 inches, whether clear or not. Backpacks and totes aren’t allowed, and the arena doesn’t provide general bag storage.

Can I take the train to the arena?

Yes. The LYNX Blue Line stops at CTC/Arena Station, steps from the arena’s entrances. A one-way fare is $2.20. Check the CATS Pass app for train times on your date.

Can I bring a stroller or a baby?

Yes. Strollers are allowed but can’t block aisles or exits, and large ones can be checked at the Guest Experience booths outside Sections 102 and 208. Children under 2 can enter without a ticket on a ticketed adult’s lap, and the Novant Health Parents Room is outside Section 108.

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