A Guide to Charlotte’s Sports Teams and Stadiums
Charlotte, North Carolina, is well known for its sports, and that’s no accident. Between those visiting the city for its sports, living there permanently, or even just looking at Charlotte houses for sale, it’s obvious how important the city’s sports and sports stadiums are. Basketball, Hockey, Football, Golf, Racing, and more are vital parts of the culture of North Carolina. But how do you figure out your way around if you’re visiting for the first time? Worry not, because we’ve got you covered. Here are the most vital places to see for die-hard Charlotte sports fans.
Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium in uptown Charlotte is where the city’s premier NFL team, the Carolina Panthers, resides. The Panthers have called uptown Charlotte home since 1993, and since then have garnered quite the following among those in Charlotte. Their stadium is nothing to sneeze at either, with a maximum occupancy of 75,000 and a long history of crowd-pleasing performances. The Panthers’ motto, “Keep Pounding,” is a mark of Charlotte’s tenacity and ability to keep forging ahead. No matter how many times the Panthers are brought down, they keep coming back and fighting.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets, who reside in Spectrum Stadium, are one of North Carolina’s major professional basketball teams. Buzz City’s Hornets have changed designations over the years, going by the moniker of the Bobcats between 2002 and 2014, but now that the original 1988 name has returned to the city, its citizens couldn’t be happier. When the Hornets aren’t playing, Spectrum Stadium hosts its share of events, including Pride Night, Women’s Empowerment Night, and Buzz City Heroes, an event honoring local healthcare workers. The Hornets’ home in uptown Charlotte is a spot to remember, that’s for sure.
PGA
The PGA Tour isn’t always the first thought one has regarding Carolina sports. Up until 2022, the Quail Hollow Club in South Charlotte was home to the Wells Fargo Cup, one of the PGA Tour’s biggest yearly events. With that event moving to Arizona, Quail Hollow will play host to the Presidents’ Cup, a highly anticipated day that will draw massive crowds. And that isn’t all; in 2025, the PGA will be bringing their Championship golf match to Charlotte as well, cementing Quail Hollow as a must-see destination for golf fans of all types.
NASCAR
The Charlotte Motor Speedway is a must-see hot spot for racing fans. After checking out the NASCAR Hall of Fame uptown, Concord’s premier racing destination is always revving its engines for fun and excitement. Dating back to 1949, the city of Charlotte’s obsession with the sport of auto racing has defined the culture of North Carolina, with events celebrating racing and surrounding NASCAR, such as the Circle K Speed Street 600 Festival, taking place even outside the stadium itself. As for Charlotte Motor Speedway itself, the track is active year-round, with events such as the Coca-Cola 600, NASCAR All-Star Race, and Bank of America 500 decorating the calendar.
