A Basketball Fan's Guide to Charlotte
Your guide to pro hoops in the Queen City.
by Andy Goh Oct 18, 2022
From the ABA’s Carolina Cougars to the Larry Johnson, Alonzo Mourning and Muggsy Bogues-led Hornets teams of the '90s to today’s current Hornets squad led by superstar LaMelo Ball, Charlotte is home to countless memories. This guide will show how to make an evening in Charlotte around a game of basketball.
Watch the Game Courtside
Built in 2004, Uptown’s Spectrum Center is a dazzling and modern home court that has all the features and amenities you could expect. Topping out at nearly 20,000-seat capacity for basketball games, Spectrum Center is not only a suitable arena for LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets, but the NCAA and collegiate conferences that hold tournaments here as well.
That doesn’t mean Spectrum Center is your only option for hoops. Head up north to the campus of UNC Charlotte and Dale F. Halton Arena to catch the 49ers battle on the hardwood. Division 2 college basketball is alive and well at Curry Arena on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte, where the Royals’ men's and women's basketball teams compete. The Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls battle CIAA opponents at the Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium. For fans of Stephen Curry, one of Charlotte’s brightest hometown heroes, you can catch a game at his old stomping grounds at Davidson College's John M. Belk Arena.
Grab Your Gear
Alexander Julian designed the purple and teal pinstripe Hornets uniforms that debuted in 1988 and completely took over fashion in hoops, sports and pop culture in the early '90s. As a hoops fan in the Queen City, you need some quality gear to live up to this iconic standard.
Your first stop should be the Hornets Fan Shop, located on the ground floor of Spectrum Center. There’s no shortage of jerseys, hats, T-shirts and more that will have you looking like a true Hornets fan.
Charlotte also has local apparel brands that sell apparel with unique designs that you can’t find at the official NBA stores. Make sure to visit CLT Find, 704 Shop or Glory Days Apparel to connect your fandom with the city it represents.
If hoops-inspired street wear is more your thing, head over to Social Status in Plaza Midwood, a boutique clothing and accessories store that will have at least a couple pairs of Jordans calling your name.
Where to Watch (and Grab a Drink)
Can’t get tickets to the game? There are more than a few places to catch tip-off that will give you a game-day atmosphere. In Uptown, check out The Public House, Ten58 Sports Bar & Lounge, 204 North Kitchen & Cocktails, Dandelion Market, Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar, Tilt on Trade, Valhalla, or Mortimer’s Cafe & Pub for a fun and lively gameday atmosphere featuring traditional pub fare along with plenty of beers on tap.
The Local, located just a block away from the entrance to Spectrum Center, is the home bar for The Crown Club CLT, the premiere Hornets fan club and watch party.
Where to Stay
Cheering on your favorite hoops team takes a lot of energy and, win or lose, at the end of the night, you want to be comfortable.
Book a room at the Aloft Charlotte City Center, a modern lodging spot just footsteps away from the Spectrum Center. Just as close to the arena is the Hilton Charlotte Uptown for a more traditional stay. If you’re feeling fancy, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton Charlotte, JW Marriott Charlotte or the Omni Hotel after the game and you might run into some of your favorite players. You’ll also have a wonderful and classy experience in one of Charlotte’s historic boutique hotels in the heart of Uptown such as the Dunhill Hotel or The Ivey’s Hotel.
Where to Play
Ready to get your game on? There are a few places where you can join the action on the court. Latta Park is the quintessential stop for basketball, whether you're just practicing your jump shot or playing three-on-three. The open air courts at Cordelia Park were renovated by the Hornets and the NBA before the 2019 All-Star Game and showcase original artwork painted on the blacktop. A few other city parks that offer great hoops are Hornets Nest Park and Freedom Park.
