Spectrum Center is the Uptown Charlotte arena that is home to the Charlotte Hornets. It hosts more than 150 events yearly, from sports to live entertainment events.
Famous musical bands like the Rolling Stones and U2 have performed in this arena, and it played host to the 2019 NBA All-Star game, one of the biggest events Charlotte has ever hosted.
To begin our article, here are some interesting key facts about the Spectrum Center arena.
- Spectrum Center: Key Facts
- Where Is Spectrum Center Located?
- The Best Way to Get to Spectrum Center
- Parking Near Spectrum Center
- The Best Restaurants Near Spectrum Center
- The Best Bars Near Spectrum Center
- The Best Hotels Near Spectrum Center
- The History of Spectrum Center
- Where to Get Tickets for Spectrum Center
- Does the Spectrum Center Offer Tours?
Spectrum Center: Key Facts
| Owner | Charlotte City |
| Tenants | Charlotte Hornets |
| Standard seating capacity | 19,077, expandable up to 20,200 |
| Opening date | October 21, 2005 (renovated in 2016) |
| Building cost | $260 million ($361 million in 2021) |
| Website | https://www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com/ |
| Surface | Multi-surface |
Where Is Spectrum Center Located?
Spectrum Center is located in the center of Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It borders Fifth Street, Trade Street, Caldwell Street, and the Lynx Light Rail Transit Line.
The arena sits adjacent to the Charlotte Transportation Center, the main hub for bus services operated by CATS.
| Address | Spectrum Center333 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202 |
| Contact | +1 704-688-9000 |
| Working hours | During events or tours |
The Best Way to Get to Spectrum Center
A great advantage of Spectrum Center is that it’s located right next to Charlotte’s main bus terminal. As a result, there are many ways to reach the arena.
Getting to Spectrum Center from the interstate
From I-85
If you’re approaching Spectrum Center via I-85 from the south, exit at Billy Graham Parkway, go to I-77 North, and then exit at Trade Street.
Exit at the John Belk Freeway or Trade Street if you’re approaching the arena via I-85 from the north.
From I-77
If you’re approaching the arena from the south of I-77, exit at John Belk Freeway or Trade Street.
On the other hand, if you take I-77 and approach from the north, exit at Brookshire Freeway, Trade Street, John Belk Freeway, or 5th Street.
Getting to Spectrum Center from the airport
If you’re coming to Spectrum Center from the airport, follow Josh Birmingham Parkway until you reach Billy Graham Parkway South. Then proceed to I-77 and exit at John Belk Freeway or Trade Street.
Parking Near Spectrum Center
There are nearly 30,000 parking spaces around Spectrum Center.
Here’s a list of six of the closest parking lots and their price rates, so you can plan where to leave your vehicle accordingly.
| Parking lot | Location | Distance from the arena | Parking rate |
| Lot #125 | Lot #125 | 200 feet/1 minute | $12 for 2 hours |
| Lot 402 | Lot 402 | 0.2 miles/4 minutes | $10 for 2 hours |
| Charlotte Plaza | SP+ Parking | 0.2 miles/4 minutes | $12 for 2 hours |
| Preferred Parking | Preferred Parking | 0.3 miles/6 minutes | $14 for 2 hours |
| Southland Parking | 418 E 6th St Parking | 0.1 miles/1 minute | $9 for 2 hours |
| Bank of America Parking Lot | Bank of America Center | 0.1 miles/1 minute | $18 for 2 hours |
The Best Restaurants Near Spectrum Center
Aria Tuscan Grille
The Aria Tuscan Grille is located near the heart of Charlotte city. Bringing the Italian spirit and cuisine, the restaurant serves old-world Italian food in a modern ambiance.
The restaurant’s interior features a kitchen with a view, live music almost every weekend, a street-level view of Uptown Charlotte, and a wine wall with a selection of Italian wines.
Some of the most popular dishes in this restaurant are the Bianca Pizza (White Pizza) and the Carbonara (pasta specialty made with scrambled eggs). The food is delicious, the portions are adequate, and the service is pleasant and amiable.
| Location/address | Aria Tuscan Grill100 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Tuesday-Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PMFriday-Saturday: 5 PM – 10 PMMonday & Sunday: Closed |
| Contact | +1 704-376-8880 |
| Price range | $$$ |
The Capital Grille
Another excellent restaurant located only two blocks from Spectrum Center, Capital Grille aims to make every gathering an event to remember. The restaurant is open seven days a week, so you can reserve a table anytime you want.
The Capital Grille is well known for its delicious and uniquely prepared steaks. The meat is dry-aged for up to three weeks before being prepared and served to the guests.
A notable feature of this restaurant is the floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk, housing a selection of more than 3,000 wines. This makes the Capital Grille a unique place to visit and dine.
| Location/address | The Capital Grille201 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11.30 AM – 9 PMFriday: 11.30 AM – 10 PMSaturday: 5 PM – 10 PMSunday: 5 PM -9 PM |
| Contact | +1 704-348-1400 |
| Price range | $$$$ |
Mert’s Heart and Soul
Are you looking for a more traditional American restaurant? If so, Mert’s Heart and Soul glow with the American spirit.
The interior of the restaurant has a striking red color, and the floor is a plethora of colorful tiles. It has a cafe-style ambiance, with simple tables and retro seats. Every restaurant corner is covered with pictures and posters of celebrities and artists.
This restaurant’s specialty dish is smoked beef ribs marinated in homemade barbecue sauce. Mert’s Heart and Soul makes its own seasoning, which gives the meat a unique taste. In terms of drinks, the restaurant offers a wide selection of beers and wines.
| Location/address | Mert’s Heart And Soul214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 8 PMFriday-Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Contact | +1 704-342-4222 |
| Price range | $$ |
Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen – Uptown
Probably the only restaurant in Uptown Charlotte that features a wood-fired kitchen, Rooster’s offers a food and wine bar with a menu mix of French, Spanish and Italian dishes.
The restaurant has an open kitchen at the center of the dining room, where guests can witness the preparation of every meal. The seating is simple and antique-like, with finishes of leather and beautifully crafted woodwork.
One of the best parts of Rooster’s is its rotating seasonal menu. Each season there is a new variety of dishes you can try. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of wine and beers.
| Location/address | Rooster’s Wood-fired Kitchen – Uptown150 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Friday: 11 AM – 10 PMSaturday: 4 PM – 10 PMSunday: Closed |
| Contact | +1 704-370-7667 |
| Price range | $$ |
The Best Bars Near Spectrum Center
Ri Ra Irish Pub
A genuine Irish pub, Ri Ra incorporates every aspect of the Irish culture and ambiance. The name Ri Ra originates from the word divilment (devilment), which is Irish for fun, excitement, and rowdiness.
The pub was majorly destroyed during a 2009 fire but was successfully restored and celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2018. Original Irish pub parts have been brought in from Ireland and incorporated into Ri Ra’s furniture.
The pub features several rooms, including the Shop Bar, the Victorian Bar, the Whiskey Room, the Dining Room, and the Patio.
So if you’re a fan of Irish beer and a nice and tasty Irish dish, Ri Ra is the place for you.
| Location/Address | Rí Rá Irish Pub208 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AMFriday: 11 AM – 2 AMSaturday: 10 AM – 2 AMSunday: 10 AM – 12 AM |
| Contact | +1 704-333-5554 |
| Price range | $$ |
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
Ducworth’s Cellar is a gastropub with a dark, rustic ambiance. It was built in 1912 and is located underground, a few blocks from Spectrum Center.
The pub offers a specialty of rare beers and signature cocktails served at adequate temperatures. In-house mixing specialists handcraft the cocktails to achieve the best flavor.
You can also grab a bite to eat at Duckworth’s Cellar, as the gastropub features a wide variety of small and large meal plates and desserts. The pub sources its ingredients and menu items from local farms. As these ingredients change seasonally, so does the pub’s menu.
| Location/address | The Cellar at Duckworth’s330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Sunday-Wednesday: 4 PM – 11 PMThursday-Saturday: 4 PM – 12 PM |
| Contact | +1 980-349-4078 |
| Price range | $$$ |
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
Located 22 stories into the skyline, Nuvole is Charlotte’s highest indoor & outdoor rooftop bar and lounge. The establishment offers a panoramic view of the city, accompanied by a modern ambiance, cocktails, drinks, and small plates.
Nuvole is truly a blend of urban elegance and natural beauty, emanating through the refreshing taste of its handcrafted cocktails.
Nuvole also offers a penthouse suite with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, two baths, a fireplace, and an overall modern design. The lounge is right above the AC Hotel & Residence Inn. To access it, you must enter the hotel’s main entrance and take the elevator 22 stories.
| Location/Address | Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo220 E Trade St Suite 2200, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 5 PM – 11 PMFriday-Saturday: 5 PM -1 AM |
| Contact | +1 980-960-9800 |
| Price range | $$$ |
World of Beer
The last bar that we find worthy of visiting after seeing Spectrum Center is World of Beer. It provides a cozy and simple atmosphere that makes customers relax after a long and stressful day.
Something that stands out with the World of Beer bar is the service. Customers have praised how friendly and pleasant the staff is. The drinks are served quickly, and the food is prepared swiftly.
As for drinks, World of Beer offers hundreds of beer varieties. If you have a favorite beer, WOB will surely have it. To make things even better, the food prepared here is so delicious that it enhances the flavor of the beers.
| Location/address | World of Beer210 E Trade St E280, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Working hours | Monday-Thursday: 2 PM – 11 PMFriday-Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AMSunday: 12 PM – 10 PM |
| Contact | +1 704-499-8870 |
| Price range | $$ |
The Best Hotels Near Spectrum Center
Holiday Inn Charlotte-Center City
The Holiday Inn hotel is located in the center of Charlotte city. Many local attractions like the Charlotte Convention Center surround it. Spectrum Center is only three minutes away on foot.
The hotel has its in-house restaurant, offering Italian cuisine. Breakfast is included and conveniently served at the hotel’s lounge.
Each room has room service, high-speed Wi-Fi access, HDTV, and excellent bedding. If you’re a fan of working out, you will certainly enjoy the Holiday Inn’s fully-equipped fitness center. The hotel also provides private parking space.
| Location/address | Holiday Inn Charlotte-Center City, an IHG Hotel230 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Check-in/check-out | 4 PM/11 AM |
| Contact | +1 704-335-5400 |
| Price range | $$ |
Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City
Hyatt House is the closest hotel you can find to Spectrum Center. It’s situated on the same block as the arena. Staying here would be like staying at the Spectrum Center itself.
Each room has a private bedroom, a living area, and a fully equipped modern kitchen. The rooms are spacious, with a modern yet minimalistic design.
Your day at the Hyatt House hotel starts with a complimentary breakfast. Each evening the guests gather at the hotel’s bar for drinks.
The hotel also features a 24-hour workout gym, a terrace pool, and an event space. Pets are allowed in the hotel but must be constantly observed.
| Location/address | Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City435 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Check-in/check-out | 3 PM/12 AM |
| Contact | +1 704-373-9700 |
| Price range | $$$ |
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte City Center
The second closest hotel to Spectrum Center would probably be SpringHill Suites by Marriott. It is located adjacent to it and offers an excellent view of the arena.
SpringHill Suites provides spacious suites, private parking, an in-house restaurant, and a fitness center for all guests.
As a guest in the hotel, you can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, after which you can go for a drink at the bar.
The hotel provides free bicycles, so you can visit one of many points of interest around Charlotte. Some are the Blumenthal Performing Arts Museum or the Mint Museum Uptown.
| Location/address | SpringHill Suites by Marriott Charlotte City Center311 E 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Check-in/check-out | 3 PM/11 AM |
| Contact | +1 704-439-8100 |
| Price range | $$ |
Hilton Charlotte Uptown
Hilton is the fourth and final hotel that we wish to mention in this article. It is located around 0.3 miles or seven minutes away on foot from Spectrum Center.
Other popular attractions are also close to the Hilton, including the Bank of America Football Stadium and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.
The rooms at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown are spacious and equipped with HDTVs, refrigerators, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable bedding. Each room also has a tea/coffee maker. You can also use your smartphone to open the room door through the Hilton Honors application.
Since the hotel doesn’t have an indoor fitness center, Planet Fitness is only two blocks away. This is where you can exercise or unwind after a busy day.
| Location/address | Hilton Charlotte Uptown222 E 3rd St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA |
| Check-in/check-out | 4 PM/11 AM |
| Contact | +1 704-377-1500 |
| Price range | $$ |
The History of Spectrum Center
Owned by the city of Charlotte, Spectrum Center hosts events and games with a seating capacity of over 19,000 people. The Charlotte Hornets are the arena’s main tenants.
Before Spectrum Center, the Charlotte Coliseum was home to the Charlotte Bobcats (Charlotte Hornets at the time). The Coliseum opened in 1988 and hosted over 370 NBA games until 1997 when it was decided that a new arena would be built in Uptown Charlotte.
Construction of Spectrum Center began on July 29, 2003. The arena opened two years later, in October of 2005, under the name of Charlotte Bobcats Arena. The building cost was then estimated at around $265 million.
In 2014, the Charlotte city council granted the Hornets $34 million for arena renovations. The renovations began in 2016. One major upgrade was installing a new scoreboard (worth almost $7 million).
In 2022, Charlotte proposed another grand investment to renovate the arena and the space surrounding it. The renovation plan is estimated at around $250 million.
Where to Get Tickets for Spectrum Center
For non-event days, you can purchase tickets from the ticket office at Spectrum Center. The office is open every Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Note that the office does not sell printed tickets; any purchased tickets will be sent to your smartphone.
You can also purchase tickets at the following kiosk locations:
- Box Office Lobby (near the Guest Experience Booth)
- Section 101
- Section 210 (top of North Escalator)
Mobile tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com.
Spectrum Center only sells mobile tickets. This increases the protection against fraudulent tickets. You can view each ticket purchased digitally using the Ticketmaster or Spectrum Center apps.
Note that digital tickets can be sold or transferred but not printed physically. Make sure to show your mobile ticket barcode at the entrance using one of the smartphone apps above.
Spectrum Center does not offer ticket refunds.
Does the Spectrum Center Offer Tours?
Spectrum Center provides public tours with a certified guide based on event schedules and availability.
James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.