How to Tailgate in Charlotte
Get ready for game day in the Queen City.
by Arielle Patterson
Whether you’re a football fan or not, tailgating is an experience everyone can enjoy. Follow this guide for the best Panthers tailgate experience, from prime parking lots to pregame with other fans to the closest spots to grab a bite to eat before kickoff.
Tailgating near Bank of America Stadium
Nothing beats going to Bank of America Stadium to cheer on the Carolina Panthers.
On Sundays, the streets of Uptown Charlotte are filled with fans ready to root for the Carolina Panthers, especially when the team is playing at Bank of America Stadium.
In Uptown, there’s no shortage of tailgating locations to choose from. Parking lots behind Bank of America Stadium are popular options for a pre-game tailgate. Find your parking spot and fire up the grill at one of the lots on Cedar or McNinch Streets.
The Pecan parking lot B-3, off Cedar Street, is the go-to for the die-hard PantherFanz Tailgating Club. You certainly won’t be able to miss the painted PantherFanz bus, team flags waving around and the smell of smoked barbecue in the air.
Tailgate Parties
The parking lots near Bank of America Stadium aren’t the only spots to experience a tailgate atmosphere with fellow Panthers fans.
Some of the most enthusiastic fans tailgate with the Roaring Riot, a group dedicated to providing game-day experiences, both at home and on the road. The group’s Tailgate with a Purpose raises funds for the Roaring Riot Foundation through lively pre-game tailgates in the parking lot at 628 W. Morehead St. Members of Roaring Riot and their guests can enjoy free food and purchase drinks before walking over to the stadium.
Before every Panthers home game, check out Gameday Hospitality’s Carolina Blue Zone. Purchase one of four tailgate ticket options for access to a buffet, drinks, games, entertainment and more. This pre-game tailgate experience starts three hours before kickoff at 1022 S. Tryon St.
WFNZ hosts The Dog House, known as “the greatest tailgate experience in Charlotte.” These game-day parties, located in the station’s parking lot at the corner of Mint and Morehead Streets, include a full bar, live entertainment, TVs and a live broadcast of the game from WFNZ.
Eat
Avoid the concession lines at the stadium by getting food from these nearby restaurants.
Graham Street Pub & Patio is just steps away from Bank of America Stadium. Get your fill of elevated pub fare, such as an appetizer platter that’s perfect for sharing, wings, wraps, burgers and more, along with brunch options. On Sundays, experience Graham Street Pub’s game-day parties, which include sounds from the game and music from DJ Glory before and after.
Another popular game-day restaurant in Uptown is Queen City Bites & Crafts. The menu features a little bit of everything, from nachos, burgers and wings to hot dogs and even breakfast burritos until noon. After the game, explore the other bars and eateries located within Brevard Court.
Clutch Kitchen & Pour House is a neighborhood sports bar that’s a short walk from Bank of America Stadium via the Wesley Heights greenway behind the stadium. Clutch offers a full bar with more than 15 beers on tap, an expansive food menu and Sunday brunch. If you don’t have tickets to the game, get cozy in front of one of the more than 20 TVs upstairs, downstairs or on the patio.
Get hyped up for game day at a sports bar owned by former Panthers linebacker, Thomas Davis. Davis and his wife, Kelly, opened Ten58 Sports Bar and Lounge as a haven for sports fans. Decked out with black-and-blue décor, this bar and lounge serves classic, American pub-style food including five different signature wing flavors.
If you’re running late for the game and don’t have time for a sit-down meal, grab a sandwich, salad or breakfast burrito from Rhino Market & Deli. With locations in Uptown and Wesley Heights, your pre-game grub is just a few minutes away from the stadium.
Gear
Before you tailgate with Panthers fans, make sure you look the part. Grab your official Panthers merch from the team store, located at Bank of America Stadium, or on the team’s website.
Pop into local shops like 704 Shop and Girl Tribe for Charlotte-centric clothing and accessories to show off your Queen City pride. Sports fans also love Glory Days Apparel, the go-to shop for Charlotte sports-themed t-shirts with flashy designs that are perfect for game day.
Other Panthers Game Experiences
If you can’t make it to Bank of America Stadium to watch the Panthers play, enjoy a game-day experience with other energetic fans at one of these local sports bars and restaurants.
Take the LYNX Blue Line light rail to Bland Station and watch the Panthers game at All American Pub. This popular South End sports bar offers a full menu of classic pub fare, along with craft beer and frozen cocktails. Take advantage of Sunday drink specials during game time, including a $5 Panthers shot.
Settle in for game day at Caswell Station, a cozy home-turned-restaurant in Elizabeth. Before kickoff, indulge in brunch specialties like shrimp and grits, French toast and eggs benedict. Or go with the classic football-watching combo of chicken wings and ice-cold beer.
Find a seat by one of the 21 TVs inside or on the sprawling outdoor patio at Angry Ale’s in Montford. This friendly neighborhood hangout serves juicy, made-to-order burgers, bowls and weekend brunch. Sunday Funday drink specials include $14 mimosa bottles so you can toast to every Panthers touchdown.
