Spectrum Center Parking Tips in Charlotte, NC

The Charlotte Hornets of the NBA play their home games at the Spectrum Center. If you are attending an upcoming basketball game or any other type of event at this arena, plan your parking strategy today. 

This detailed Spectrum Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Spectrum Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Spectrum Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Charlotte
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Charlotte Hornets events
• Other valuable Spectrum Center parking tips to save time and money

Don’t let your Spectrum Center outing turn into a hassle because of parking issues. Use the guide below to get the information you need for an enjoyable evening with family and friends.

Related: Check out the best Carolina Panthers parking tips.

Official Spectrum Center Parking Lots

Various lots are associated with Spectrum Center available through the use of ParkMobile. While these varied lots aren’t directly on the arena’s property, they are nearby and will offer you a short walk. If you book in advance through ParkMobile, you’ll know you have a space reserved and can look forward to a hassle-free process on the event day. 

Main Parking Lots 

There are three parking facilities that you can book through ParkMobile that could be considered the “main” parking lots for Spectrum Center. Those are as follows:

• Center City Green
• Wake Forest Garage
• Queen City Quarter

Each of these garages provides drivers convenient access to the arena and modest prices ranging from $20 to $30. When you purchase parking in any of these facilities for a given event, your purchase will include marked start and end times for when you can use the garage.

If you can find a spot here for the next Charlotte Bobcats game, you will be in a great spot.

EV Parking at Spectrum Center

There are EV chargers around Spectrum Center, including Tesla Destination Chargers and ChargePoint Charging Stations. However, you might have trouble accessing those chargers when the streets are busy before an event, so don’t rely on needing to charge when you get to the area around the arena.

Instead, charge up in advance and use any of the standard parking spaces that are available. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

All of the parking facilities near Spectrum Center will have ADA parking spaces. You won’t be able to reserve those accessible spots specifically, so it’s important to arrive early to improve your odds of getting an ADA space while they are still available. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Spectrum Center

If you use the SpotHero widget below to look for third-party parking solutions, you’ll find that while the options are somewhat limited, there are a few choices in the area.

Perhaps the best parking option around the Spectrum Center in Charlotte is The Ellis Garage. Less than a 10-minute walk from the gates of the arena, prices here are sometimes lower than $10. The Carillon Garage in the heart of downtown is also viable, although it tends to come with a higher price tag. 

Free Parking at Spectrum Center

You will not find free parking near Spectrum Center on the event day. Of course, that’s the case at virtually every venue across the country, as paying for parking is just part of the modern entertainment experience.

Fortunately, affordable parking lots can be found within walking distance of the arena. If you don’t want to pay anything for parking, you can look into some alternative forms of transportation. 

Public Transportation to Spectrum Center

Here’s how you can utilize public transportation to get to the Spectrum Center.

LYNX Light Rail

One of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to reach the Spectrum Center is by using Charlotte’s LYNX Light Rail system. With seven park-and-ride lots available throughout the city, you can leave your vehicle and take a train to the venue.

Disembark at the Charlotte Transportation Center station to get to the Spectrum Center. This station is conveniently located within walking distance of the Spectrum Center, making it an ideal choice for event attendees.

Fares for the LYNX Light Rail are quite affordable, and parking at most park-and-ride lots is free, making this one of the most economical transportation methods to and from the Spectrum Center.

Joy Rides Bike-Sharing Program

For those looking for a more active mode of transportation, consider the Joy Rides bike-sharing program. Although not a traditional form of public transportation, it offers flexibility and convenience, especially for those near the Spectrum Center.

You can park your car in a suitable location further away from the venue, then ride a Joy Rides bike for the remainder of your trip. The program allows for short rentals of less than 30 minutes for a small fee, but you can also opt for a daily pass or a monthly membership if you plan to use the service frequently.

This bike-sharing option provides an efficient mode of transportation and an enjoyable way to explore Charlotte on your way to and from the Spectrum Center. Remember to wear a helmet and follow all local bike laws to ensure a safe journey.

Ridesharing to Spectrum Center

Using a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber is a good way to get to Spectrum Center without parking. There isn’t a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone around the arena, so you’ll need to arrange with your driver where you will meet when you request the ride.

It’s best to plan on meeting a short distance away from the venue rather than on one of the streets immediately next to the arena. Walking a block or two away will leave you facing far less congestion and road restrictions, making it easier to hop in and be on your way. 

Spectrum Center Events

Basketball games make up a big portion of what goes on at Spectrum Center, but concerts and other types of entertainment also use this venue regularly. We’ve added the table below to make it easy for you to pick out the right tickets for your next visit to Spectrum Center.

Bars and Restaurants near Spectrum Center

One of the best things about attending Spectrum Center events is the selection of dining and drinking options within a short distance of the stadium. Whether you are looking for a casual meal or an upscale dining experience, this part of Charlotte has something for everyone. 

The RedEye Diner is a popular spot in the area that is only a few minutes walk from the gates of Spectrum Center.

Other options nearby include:

• Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen
• Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen

Spectrum Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Spectrum Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

If you attend an event on a weeknight evening, Charlotte traffic could make getting to Spectrum Center on time difficult. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Simply check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Spectrum Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around Spectrum Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending an event at Spectrum Center in Charlotte requires careful planning for parking and transportation. This Spectrum Center parking tips guide provides valuable information on various parking options, including official lots available through ParkMobile and third-party parking solutions found through out SpotHero widget.

The main parking lots, including Center City Green, Wake Forest Garage, and Queen City Quarter, offer affordable access to the arena. While free parking is unlikely, public transportation, including the LYNX Train and the Joy Rides bike-sharing program, provides affordable alternatives. Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber are also convenient for avoiding parking hassle.

By following these Spectrum Center parking tips, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable experience at the arena.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Spectrum Center (FAQs)