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A Local's Guide to Charlotte's Sports Scene: Everything You Need to Know
Author:Â Jamie Milam
Date: November 26, 2024
The roar of the crowd. Cheering on your team with loved ones. Overpriced beer and hot dogs... What's not to love about sports?
Sports do more than just entertain us—they bring communities together. And I really feel this as a Charlotte local. We cheer our teams on, together, as a group of people united by the love of sports. Attending a live event is one of my favorite ways to connect with my son, and I love all the rituals and experiences surrounding sporting events.
So whether you're relocating to Charlotte, have lived here a while, or are just visiting, I want to help give you some insider's info. Here's a local's guide to the sports scene in Charlotte, North Carolina so you can dive right in and become part of this awesome community.
I'll give you the typical breakdown of all our teams, plus some bonus tips to enjoy them like a local. Ready? Let's gooooooo!
Charlotte Professional Sports: 7 Teams to Follow
It doesn't matter if you love any and every sport or just tune into one or two—Charlotte has a lot of options. Here's your guide to the Charlotte sports scene with seven teams or events to check out:
The Panthers have been playing in Charlotte for over 30 years and games are always packed with fans. While the city has had to bear the many ups and downs of our franchise, one thing remains the same - we still show up to support them. True fans stay fans even in the down seasons! Don't be surprised if you hear their team chant, "Keep Pounding," over and over again as we cheer them on!
Sport: Football (NFL)
Where they play: Bank of America Stadium
When to watch: Season runs from September-January
Pre- and post-game eats: Try Ten58. It's owned by former Panthers defensive linebacker, Thomas Davis, who also happens to be my son's favorite player. It's fully decked out in Panthers decor and also plays homage to his college days as a Georgia Bulldog.
Insider's tip: Choosing the right location of your seats is key! I like sections 337-341 in the summer because you tend to get the shade a bit sooner and the sun isn't glaring into your eyes! However, top bowl seats really aren't bad in the stadium if you are looking for a much more cost-effective way to see the game live (try sections 537-546 if you want to be in the shade). Or if it's winter and you want to be in the sun a bit more, head to the opposite sides!
Debuting in 2022, Charlotte FC is the newest professional team in Charlotte—and they've quickly become a popular one! They made it to the MLS playoffs in the 2024 season. This team is owned by the Panthers owner, David Tepper, and their logo includes a crown to pay homage to the Queen City's namesake, Queen Charlotte.
Sport: Soccer (MLS)
Where they play: Bank of America Stadium
When to watch: Season runs from March-November.
Pre- and post-game eats: Big Ben British Pub for classic British pub eats and fun vibes, or Clutch Kitchen & Pour House, for local brews super close to the stadium.
Insider's tip: Without a doubt, the best experience at a game is in the Supporter's Section, a standing-room only area. It's a first-come, first-serve seating area with this general admission ticket, so come early to grab your spot. It's here that you'll be immersed right into the culture of CLT FC the moment you hear Pepas start to play and the Supporters turn in their seats and begin the Poznan dance. You may also be able to get super cheap tickets if you wait to purchase last-minute and are flexible with where you sit.
Home in Charlotte for ten years now, the Knights are always a fun team to cheer on! Warm summer evenings, beer in hand, and an awesome ballpark—you're sure to have a great time.
Sport: Baseball
Where they play: Truist Field
When to watch: Season runs April-September.
Pre- and post-game eats: The Graham St. Pub and Patio has great food and drinks with a street-level patio and a rooftop with skyline views overlooking Truist Field.
Insider's tip: The team hosts several "family funday" themed events and on Sundays it's common to let the kids run the bases after a game. Your furry friends can join you for Bark in the Ballpark on designated dates throughout the season too. Try to attend a game on a Friday evening—they always have an amazing fireworks show you won't want to miss!
After their origins in Charlotte in 1988, the team left for New Orleans in 2002... until NBA legend and minority owner Michael Jordon brought them back to the Queen City again so fans could cheer them on again.
Sport: Basketball (NBA)
Where they play: Spectrum Center
When to watch: Season runs October-April
Pre- and post-game eats: While it may not have the typical "sports bar" vibe, Mert’s Heart and Soul has some of the best comfort and soul food in town (it was featured on Diner's Drive-Ins & Dives!). It's within walking distance to Spectrum Center, making it a great stop for a bite to eat before or after the game.
Insider's tip: If you find yourself needing to stretch your legs or want to socialize with friends who are seated in a separate section, head to "The Nest" on the upper concourse at Sections 216-218. Here, this large opening allows fans to still have a full view of the game while buying a beer or hanging out.
Champions of the Calder Cup in 2019, cheering on the Checkers is always a fun time! The team originally assembled in the late 1950s and landed at the Bojangles Coliseum in 2015.
Sport: Hockey
Where they play: Bojangles Coliseum
When to watch: Season runs October-April
Pre- and post-game eats: Try out the Red Line Club, located right in Bojangles. If you get the right seat, you might be able to high-five the players as they head out onto the ice!
Insider Tip: A lot of people tend to have their dinner at a Checkers game, making the concession lines even longer than normal. So plan to eat ahead of time or get to the game early to get it out of the way before the crowd hits. Also... if you're hoping to catch a good 'ole hockey fight then be sure to check the promotion schedule in advance and avoid selecting a Family Game night where the players are encouraged to keep it clean and family-friendly.
NASCAR has been a Charlotte staple for decades. Racing in the city started in 1949 and has not let up since. You can both check out the races live in action, or visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte to learn more about the history of the sport.
Sport: NASCAR
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway
When to attend: Races are held intermittently throughout the year
Pre- and post-race eats: There isn't a ton immediately in the area, but there's a BJ's not too far, which is always a great family-friendly option. Alternatively, you can check out Gibson Mill, which has a selection of restaurants and breweries.
Insider Tip: A NASCAR race is an all-day event, y'all. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because the parking lots fill up fast— many people RV in and are there overnight in advance—so you may have a good distance to walk. You can bring a soft-sided cooler filled with food & beverages (including alcohol so long as it's not in glass containers!). Bonus pro tip: bring a seat cushion—like I said, it's an all-day affair—and earplugs!
Charlotte is home to the Wells Fargo Championship, which draws all the big names in golf today. This is part of Charlotte's affinity for golf; the city, notably, is home to more than 20 different golf courses.
Sport: Golf
Where: Quail Hollow Golf Course
When to watch: The tournament is typically held in May each year.
Pre- and post-tournament eats: Re-entry isn't permitted, but the on-site concessions at Quail Hollow Club offer upscale options like artisan sandwiches and local craft beer, ensuring you're fueled without leaving the grounds. If you want to grab breakfast before tee time, check out the Original Pancake House in SouthPark For dinner afterward, it's worth heading over to Little Mama's on Sharon Rd, the sister concept to Mama Ricotta's - make sure to order the Goat Cheese & Mascarpone Dip, you can thank me later on that one!
Insider Tip: Parking is not included in your ticket and you'll need to shuttle so plan accordingly! The walking paths around Quail Hollow can get crowded, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a lightweight folding chair to claim a spot near the 18th hole.
So, who are you going to cheer on first? With so many amazing professional sports teams in Charlotte, you can really fill up your social calendar with fun times. Grab your friends and family and make a day of it!
Will you be traveling into Charlotte to catch a game and need a place to stay? I highly recommend my local Uptown Airbnb! It's less than a mile from the Bank of America Stadium, Truist Field, and Spectrum Center—just a quick 15-minute walk to all the action.
To cheering on our teams,
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About Me
I'm Jamie Milam, a determined AF woman who's embraced life after divorce by finding peace through self-awareness, intentional decision-making, and thrilling new travel adventures.
As a Realtor® in Charlotte, NC (and your connection to top agents nationwide), I’m passionate about guiding you through your homeownership and design goals—while also helping you create space for the things you love. My mission is to empower you to create a life of alignment too - at home, abroad, and within.
Whether it’s through real estate tips, home design inspiration, or solo travel experiences for divorced, independent women, I hope this space encourages you to discover deeper self-awareness and build a life that aligns with your passions and needs.
Have you scoped the podcast that empowers women to make aligned decisions in a divorce?
Free Boundaries Journal
Jamie Milam is a Realtor® in the Charlotte, NC area, licensed in both NC & SC, and has the ability to refer you to a number of agent partners across the nation, regardless of where you may live. She is an enthusiast for the power of awareness and believes it can be used in all facets of life to support aligned living.
**Disclosure** This post may contain affiliate links and they are at no additional cost to you, though I may earn a small commission. Don't worry, I only recommend products or services that I have tried or believe would be of great value to you! All opinions expressed are those of my own!
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