What to Know Before Visiting Spectrum Center in Charlotte [Hornets]


Sportsfanfocus.com has no affiliation with Spectrum Center or any events hosted at this facility (info)

Spectrum Center currently serves as the home arena for the Charlotte Hornets. There are certain policies and procedures you will want to be aware of beforehand, as well as arena gate and parking lot locations for easy entrance.

In this article we will discuss:

  • What to bring to Spectrum Center for a Game
  • Can You Buy Tickets at Spectrum Center?
  • Spectrum Center Gate Information
  • How to Park at Spectrum Center
  • Does Spectrum Center Take Cash?

What to Bring to Spectrum Center for a Game

If you are going to an NBA game, planning ahead is always important. Below is a list of things you might need to bring, and you will want to make sure you are complying with any security protocols the stadium has:

  • Reserved Parking – Purchasing a parking pass in advance can help reduce hassle on gameday. However, there are parking options near the arena that allow you to pay on site. This is where you can learn more about parking options.
  • Stadium Approved Bag – If you have a bag, make sure it is approved. Most types of bags are not approved. There are exceptions for small bags that meet certain size requirements, and there are also exceptions for certain types of medical and parental bags. This is where you can read more about approved bags for Spectrum Center.
  • Cashless Payment – Spectrum Center does not accept cash inside the arena, so you will need to bring an alternate form of payment (learn more).
  • Noise-Canceling Headphones – Stadiums can get very loud, and noise-canceling headphones may be needed.

Spectrum Center Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the Spectrum Center ticket page (click here). If the event is sold-out, you will need to use online ticket brokers like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or Vivid Seats to purchase tickets.

If you wish to visit the Hornets box office in person, The Spectrum Center ticket office is open on Friday from 10am to 2pm. The Ticket Office is also open on event days, but the hours vary by game.

Spectrum Center Mobile Tickets

As of this year,Spectrum Center uses digital, mobile tickets for events. If you do not have a smartphone, it would be best to contact the ticket office and let them advise you on how to proceed. This is where you can view the contact information for Spectrum Center.

If you use digital tickets, be sure to have your phone fully charged when you leave for the event. It’s also important to download your tickets in advance of the event (if possible) in case there is limited cellular service in the vicinity of arena.

Downloading the official Hornets mobile app can help with digital ticketing needs for Charlotte Hornets games.

Spectrum Center Gate Information

Spectrum Center has two main public entry points around the exterior of the arena. Below we have listed the location of some of the most popular public entry points (click on the entrance to learn more).

To read more about Spectrum Center Entry Gates (including VIP entry points), visit our Spectrum Center Entrance Guide.

How to Park at Spectrum Center

These are some of the most popular ways to purchase a parking pass for Spectrum Center:

  • Purchase a parking pass via SpectrumCenter.com through ParkMobile and other 3rd Party partners.
  • Buy a Parking Pass from online ticket brokers like Ticketmaster, StubHub, and Vivid Seats.
  • Use parking apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a nearby parking spot.

You can go to SpectrumCenter.com and follow the links on their parking page which direct you to other 3rd-party parking providers (including ParkMobile.com). The two most popular parking areas include:

  • Spectrum Center City Green Garage
  • Spectrum Center Ellis Parking Garage

The Spectrum Center City Green Parking Garage is located northeast of Spectrum Center about 2 blocks along East 6th Street. There are entrances on East 5th Street and East 6th Street. The Spectrum Center City Green Parking Garage is only a 3-4 minute walk to Spectrum Center. You can get a prepaid parking pass or you can pay at entry, assuming there is availability.

The Spectrum Center Ellis Parking Garage is located northeast of Spectrum Center about 5 blocks along East 9th Street. The Spectrum Center Ellis Parking Garage is only a 10-15 minute walk to Spectrum Center. You can also get a prepaid parking pass or you can pay at entry, assuming there is availability.

To read more, visit our article that discusses parking at Spectrum Center.

Does Spectrum Center Accept Cash Inside the Arena?

As of this year, Spectrum Center does not accept cash inside the arena. Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, and mobile payment methods are the preferred payment options used inside the arena. This is the same for all merchandise, concessions, tickets, and parking.

Spectrum Center does offer cash conversion “reverse ATMs” as a convenience to fans that wish to exchange cash for credit (source). If you have any questions, we recommend reaching out to the Spectrum Center.

Spectrum Center Contact Info

This website (sportsfanfocus.com) has no affiliation with Spectrum Center, the Charlotte Hornets, the NBA, or any of the events hosted at this facility.

Any information is provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, meaning much of this information is subject to change, and although we do our best to keep these guides updated, we can’t guarantee accuracy at all times. For all official information, we urge you to contact Spectrum Center staff. Contact information is below:

Joshua Lloyd

Joshua is lead content creator for basketball and golf at Sports Fan Focus. Golf is a passion of his and he enjoys both playing and watching golf in his spare time. To read more about Joshua, visit the SFF About Us page.

Recent Posts