Step Inside: Spectrum Center – Home of the Charlotte Hornets

Home of the Charlotte Hornets

Spectrum Center is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is the home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. The home of “Buzz City” sits in the Uptown part of Charlotte and is a sports and live entertainment venue that hosts dozens of events each year, from concerts to comedy acts to sporting events. It replaced the Charlotte Coliseum as the home of the Hornets franchise.

What Events are Coming Up at Spectrum Center?

Spectrum Center History

Spectrum Center opened in 2005, the same year that the NBA resumed play in Charlotte with the Bobcats.. The previous Hornets franchise had moved to New Orleans and was later renamed the Pelicans, but the NBA promised Charlotte another franchise. The arena was constructed despite the Charlotte Coliseum only being 13 years old at the time. When it opened, it was called Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The naming rights were sold in 2008 and it became Time Warner Cable Arena for the next eight years. Once Charter Communications purchased Time Warner Cable, it was renamed Spectrum Center in 2016.

The arena has undergone multiple renovations since it opened. There have been updates to scoreboards, screens, locker rooms, suites, and mor. In 2022, the Charlotte City Council approved a $275 million renovation plan. It will add an additional 2,500 seats in the lower bowl, a great variety of suites, a new courtside club, update the concourses and concession stands, and build a new practice facility across the street. Spectrum Center is one of the smallest arenas in the NBA and the renovations will work to change that. The renovations will begin in May 2024 and Spectrum Center will be closed during the construction with hopes to reopen for the start of the 2025–2026 NBA season.

Spectrum Center opened with a concert by the Rolling Stones in 2005. Since then, it has become a premiere site for concerts, tours, and sporting events. It has been a host site for the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tournament four times and will be again in 2024. It has also hosted the ACC men’s basketball tournament twice, the SoCon men’s basketball tournament once, and was the host site for the Center Intercollegiate Athletic Association men’s and women’s basketball tournaments from 2006–2020. Spectrum Center hosted the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Countless WWE events and multiple UFC fights have taken place here. It was previously home to the Charlotte Sting of the WNBA and the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL.

Parking and Admission at Spectrum Center

Spectrum Center is right off of I-85 and I-77 in Charlotte. There are nearly 30,000 off-street parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. Using the ParkMobile app, visitors can find seven lots near Spectrum Center to park in, and in most of them, you can reserve a spot ahead of time. Parking starts at $10 through ParkMobile. The arena is also easily accessible via public transportation as the Charlotte Area Transit System has buses, the LYNX light rail service, and the CityLYNX streetcar line all making stops nearby.

Spectrum Center has a no-bag policy, meaning that you aren’t allowed to bring a bag in that’s larger than 10″ x 10″ x 4″. It is now a 100% cashless venue as well. Tickets for most Spectrum Center events and all Charlotte Hornets games are 100% mobile . Animals are not allowed in Spectrum Center, with the exception of guide dogs and service animals.

Spectrum Center Capacity & Seating Options

Currently, Spectrum Center’s capacity is 19,077 for NBA games. The arena exceeds the requirements for an ADA-compliant venue with designated wheelchair and companion seating, an advanced Assistive Listening System, and interpreting services for concerts. There are suites available for all events, with more to come with the renovations. Club seats offer a VIP experience with access to lounges, complimentary dining, and more. Premium Seat holders also get to enjoy a private entrance to the arena. There is both a lower bowl and an upper bowl with seats for all events.

What are the best seats at Spectrum Center?

The best seats at Spectrum Center vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Spectrum Center seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Spectrum Center

Spectrum Center has a variety of food and beverage options with nearly 50 concessions stands, bars, and food carts available on the concourses. You’re able to choose from options such as Carolina Moonshine Bar-B-Que, Domino’s, JJs Red Hots, Dippin’ Dots, and more. From popcorn buckets to burgers and chicken tenders to fries, there isn’t a lack of options. Almost all concession stands serve sodas and water as well. For alcoholic beverages, there are several locations that serve Michelob, Corona Light, Sierra Nevada, Goose Island, Bud Light, Budweiser, and more. Plus, there’s an entire craft beer garden. There are more bars and food options in the club seats and suite-level sections.