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A-Z Guide

The following A to Z Guide will assist guests with all information needed while visiting Spectrum Center.

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating is available for purchase on a first-come-first-serve basis. One accessible seat and up to three companion seats can be purchased. When ordering accessible tickets, please indicate the type of accessible seating needed (wheelchair seating, etc.). For more information on ADA services, please visit our ADA Seating page or contact arenainfo@hornets.com or 704.688.8128.

Address

Spectrum Center | 333 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Age Restriction

Unless otherwise noted, children two years of age and older must have a ticket to enter the arena.

Alcoholic Beverage Policies

Alcoholic beverages may be purchased by persons aged 21 or older with legal identification. No more than two alcoholic beverages may be purchased by a patron at once. Alcohol sales terminate at the end of the third quarter of Hornets games and sales can be terminated at any time at the discretion of management.

Animals

Only service animals may be admitted.

Assisted Listening Devices

Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) are available free of charge at the Guest Experience booths, which are located outside sections 102 and 208. Patrons will be asked to leave a state-issued photo identification as a deposit for the device.

ATMs

As Spectrum Center is now a 100% cashless experience at all concession stands and retail locations, there are reverse ATM kiosks located in the Box Office lobby and outside sections 102 and 211 for guests to convert cash to a prepaid debit card that can be used anywhere inside or outside the arena.

Baby Changing Stations

Changing stations are located inside all restrooms within Spectrum Center.

Bag Policy

To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, Spectrum Center strongly discourages guests from bringing bags to events. If a bag is necessary, the following restrictions and processes apply:

  • Small bags, clutches, crossbodies and wristlets are permitted.
  • Bags should not exceed 5in x 7in x 1.5in.
  • Exceptions will be made for diaper bags, breast pump bags, and bags needed for medical purposes.
  • All guests entering with diaper bags, breast pump bags, and bags needed for medical purposes are subject to visual search and x-ray screening upon entry.
  • All permitted bags are subject to visual or x-ray screening upon entry.

Banners and Signs

Signs must be non-flammable, small enough for one person to hold and may not block another guest’s view. Policy may vary depending on event.

Box Office

The Ticket Office will only be open on ticketed event days. Opening hours on event days will be four hours prior to the scheduled ticketed time of each event. The Ticket Office is closed during Hornets games. Please call 704.688.9000 for more information.

On non-event days, the Box Office is open every Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for walk up sales. On event days, opening hours will vary based on show time and event. The Box Office is closed during Hornets games. All tickets purchased at the Box Office will be delivered via mobile delivery. Please call 704.688.9000 for more information.

Camera/Video Recording Policy

Still photography using a camera lens of six inches or less is allowed. Audio and video recording is prohibited during most events at Spectrum Center. Policy may vary depending on event.

Child Admissions

Unless otherwise noted, children two years of age and older must have a ticket to enter the arena.

Club Seating

Lower Level club seats are located in sections 104-106 and 113-115. Tickets include access to concessions in the Club Lounges with additional food and beverage options, as well as private restrooms. These areas will be completely transformed in the Summer of 2025, as part of Phase Two of the Re!magine Spectrum Center project.

Code of Conduct

  • Players and fans respect and appreciate each other.
  • Guests will be treated in a professional and courteous manner by all arena and team personnel.
  • Guests will enjoy the basketball experience free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.
  • Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.
  • Guests will sit only in their ticketed seats and show their tickets when requested.
  • Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or attempting to enter the court will be immediately ejected from the arena.
  • Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
  • Guests will comply with requests from arena staff regarding arena operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Guests will comply with all COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Arena staff has been trained to intervene when necessary to help ensure that the above expectations are met, and guests are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to the nearest usher, security guard or guest experience team member. Guests who choose not to adhere to this Code of Conduct will be subject to penalty including, but not limited to, ejection without refund, revocation of season tickets and/or prevention from attending future games. They may also be in violation of local ordinances resulting in possible arrest and prosecution.

Concessions

Levy is the food service provider at Spectrum Center, offering guests a variety of traditional fan favorites such as char-grilled hamburgers, hot dogs with regional toppings, nachos and pizza. Visit our Concourse Dining page for more information!

Concourse Dining

Contact

To reach someone from our Guest Experience team during normal business hours, email arenainfo@hornets.com or call 704.688.8128.

Courtside Club

A premium club on the Event Level of Spectrum Center, open to those with Courtside tickets. Courtside ticket holders may enter the arena through the VIP Door at the Trade Street Entrance.

Courtside Seating

Courtside seats refer to the first two rows of the Lower Level. Tickets include access to new Courtside Club on the Event Level. Courtside ticket holders may enter the arena through the VIP Door at the Trade Street Entrance.

Dining and Catering

Levy is the food service provider at Spectrum Center. With top quality flavors focused on local fresh ingredients, Levy Restaurants at Spectrum Center delivers a well-crafted, balanced experience through imaginative dishes blended with heartfelt hospitality. For information on catering or event dining, contact Laura Stenberg at 704.688.8208 or lstenberg@levyrestaurants.com.

Distribution of Materials

Conducting surveys or otherwise interfering with the free movement of guests, distributing leaflets or other printed materials, and performing services, whether for a consideration or free, is expressly prohibited on arena property.

Drop Off / Pick Up

Our disabled drop off is located on 5th Street, just in front of the entrance.

Elevators and Escalators

There are several public elevators and escalators available for use. A public elevator is located in the Main Lobby at the Trade Street entrance. For ticket holders who enter through the Bank of America 5th Street Executive Entrance, there are elevators to the Event Level, Founders Level and Suite Level.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Arena personnel have been trained and instructed to assist in evacuation should an emergency arise. Appropriate emergency lights and sound alarms are located throughout Spectrum Center.

Employment

Want to be a part of the Spectrum Center team? Visit our Employment page to learn more about our employment opportunities.

Entry

Entry into the arena is easier than ever before. General Admission guests have three door options when entering the building – our 5th Street Entrance, our enhanced Trade Street Entrance or our brand new, Light Rail Entrance.

Entry Inspection

Spectrum Center utilizes innovative Evolv technology – a frictionless experience that allows Guests to enter the building with ease.  . Guests may retain small personal items (cell phones, keys, wallets) on them when entering the arena, unless directed by a security personnel.

To ensure a safe and efficient entry process, Spectrum Center strongly discourages guests from bringing bags to events. If a bag is necessary, the following restrictions and processes apply:

  • Small bags, clutches, crossbodies and wristlets are permitted.
  • Bags should not exceed 4in x 6in x 1.5in.
  • Exceptions will be made for diaper bags, breast pump bags, and bags needed for medical purposes.
  • All guests entering with diaper bags, breast pump bags, and bags needed for medical purposes are subject to visual search and x-ray screening upon entry.
  • All permitted bags are subject to visual or x-ray screening upon entry.

Event Level

The Event Level refers to the ground level within Spectrum Center, where access to the arena court, Hardwood Club, Courtside Club, Inner Circle Club, loading dock, locker rooms and hardwood/courtside seating is located.

Family Restrooms

Family restrooms are located on the Main Level outside sections 102 and 111, and on the Upper Level outside sections 212 and 228.

Firearms / Weapons

No weapons of any kind are permitted inside Spectrum Center.

First Aid

First Aid stations are located outside sections 111 and 222.

First Time Kids

Kids attending their first Hornets game can visit the First Time Kids Cart outside section 113 to receive a certificate, First Time Kids button and a small gift.

Flight Deck

An exclusive dining experience located on Founders Level for premium seat holders and Hive Society Members during Hornets games and select concerts. Call 704.688.8250 to make reservations. Walk-up guests are welcome.

Founders Level

The Founders Level is a premium seating level that includes Flight Deck, Royal Boxes, Terrace Tables and Founders Suites seating. Our Founders Level will be completely transformed in the Summer of 2025, as part of Phase Two of the Re!magine Spectrum Center project.

Game Times

Most Hornets home games begin at 7 p.m. Consult the most updated team schedule online at hornets.com or via the Hornets + Spectrum Center App. Game times and dates are subject to change.

General Admission Policy

For events that have General Admission floor tickets available, guests will be able to line up beginning at 8 a.m. the day of the event at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina HomeCourt Entrance. All General Admission floor ticketholders must enter through this location. If a specific event requires a deviation from this policy, that information will be listed on the event’s page on the Spectrum Center website.

Groups

Group discount opportunities are available for select games and events. For more information, please visit our Group Sales page.

Guest Experience Booths

During any event, members of our Guest Experience team are stationed at the Guest Experience booths located outside sections 102 and 208.

Hardwood Club

The Hardwood Club is our most-exclusive club located on the Event Level, open to Hardwood ticket holders – who are seated in the first row of the North and South baselines – and guests only.

Hornets Fan Shop

The best place to get the latest Hornets gear, the Hornets Fan Shop is located adjacent to the LYNX Blue Line between Trade Street and 5th Streets. Current store hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Hornets game days, the Hornets Fan Shop opens an hour and a half before tipoff and remains open throughout the game. For 24/7 shopping, visit HornetsFanShop.com.

Hornets Information

For the most up-to-date Hornets information, visit hornets.com. To reach a ticket representative, call 704-HORNETS.

Inner Circle Club

The Inner Circle Club is a premium club on the Event Level of Spectrum Center, open to guests seated in the first two rows of the East and West end, as well as the first four rows on the North and South sides of the arena. Inner Circle Club ticket holders may enter the arena through the VIP Door at the Trade Street Entrance.

Location

Spectrum Center is located two blocks from the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets in the heart of Uptown Charlotte and is bordered by 5th Street, Trade Street, Caldwell Street and the LYNX Blue Line.

Lost and Found

For lost items, please email arenainfo@hornets.com or call 704.688.8128.

Lost Children

Lost children should be taken to a Guest Experience representative or to the nearest Guest Experience booth, located on the Main Level outside section 102 or on the Upper Level outside section 208.

Media Entrance

Media members should enter through the Rick Bonnell Media & Employee Entrance, located on the 5th Street side of Spectrum Center.

Meetings, Conferences and Banquets

Spectrum Center has a variety of spaces available to accommodate meetings, banquets and events. For more information, visit our Event Spaces page.

Men’s Restrooms

Men’s restrooms are located on the Main Level outside sections 103, 106, 108, 112, 115, 116; on the Upper Level outside sections 201-202, 205, 214-215, 218-220 and 230-231; on the Founders Level outside R3, R10, R31 and R35; and on the Suite Level outside S12, S27, S28, S33 and S43.

Merchandise

Please see the Hornets Fan Shop entry above.

Metal Detector / Handheld Wand

Guests must pass through a metal detector and/or a handheld wand when entering Spectrum Center. Security reserves the right to, at any time during an arena event, have guests walk through a metal detector or a handheld wand.

Mobile Ticketing

All Spectrum Center events have moved to mobile ticketing, with limited exceptions. Utilizing Safetix™ technology, mobile ticketing is the safest and most convenient way to receive and manage tickets while also increasing protection against fraudulent tickets. Tickets can be viewed – and transferred to other individuals – on smartphones using the Hornets + Spectrum Center App or the Ticketmaster app. For the quickest and easiest entry process, add your tickets to your phone’s Apple Wallet or Google Pay in advance of the event. Screenshots or recordings of tickets are not valid for entry.

Nursing and Pumping Suite

In partnership with Novant Health, a Mamava pod is located on the Main Level outside section 107 for mothers in need of privacy to nurse and/or pump. The 4-foot by 8-foot pod features comfortable benches, a fold-down table and an electrical outlet.

Outside Food and Beverages

No outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles or cans may be brought into the arena. There are limited exceptions for guests with medical needs.

Parking

There are more than 30,000 parking spaces in both garages and parking decks within a 15-minute walk of Spectrum Center. For updated information, visit our Parking and Traffic Information page.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

  • Large Banners and Flags: Items that are affixed to a pole or stick made of wood, metal, plastic or any other hard material and that are more than 18 inches in length
  • Whistles, foghorns, airhorns or plastic horns, such as vuvuzelas and didgeridoos
  • Laser pointers or any similar devices
  • Items intended to create optical illusions or interfere with the ability of the eye to perceive depth or distance, such as pinwheels or umbrellas
  • Any weapons or items that can be used with the intent to inflict damage of harm, including guns and knives
  • Cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, vape pens and pipes
  • iPads or Tablets
  • Aerosol cans
  • Fireworks
  • Frisbees
  • Mace or Pepper Spray
  • Poles, selfie-sticks or missile-like objects that can be thrown
  • Strollers
  • Tripods
  • Umbrellas
  • Beach balls
  • Bats and clubs
  • Skateboards or hoverboards
  • Illegal substances

Re-Entry Policy

Re-entry to Spectrum Center is not permitted during any event.

Refunds and Exchanges

Spectrum Center has a no refund policy on tickets and concessions.

Reporting Issues

Contact a member of the Guest Experience team via email at arenainfo@hornets.com or text the location of the incident including section, row and seat number to 845.HORNETS.

Royal Boxes

Royal Boxes are "open-air," semi-private boxes located on Founders Level that are available in two-, four-, six- or eight-seat options.

Season Tickets

For information regarding the purchase of Hornets season tickets, please see the Season Memberships page on hornets.com.

Sensory Inclusion Program

In partnership with KultureCity and Schindler Spectrum Center is sensory inclusive. Sensory kits are available for check out at the Guest Experience booths located outside sections 102 and 208.

Service Animals / Guide Dogs

Only certified service animals that are trained or are in training are allowed in Spectrum Center, and a permit is required. All service animals must remain on a leash or harness at all times. Email arenainfo@hornets.com with questions.

Sign Interpreters

Sign language interpretation of events is available for guests who are hearing impaired. Requests for this service should be made by contacting our Guest Experience team at 704.688.8128 or arenainfo@hornets.com at least 30 days prior to the event.

Smoking

Spectrum Center is a smoke-free facility. The policy is highly enforced and prohibits the use of and/or bringing any smoking products such as Tobacco products, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, vape pens and pipes within the arena. If confiscated, arena staff will not be responsible for holding any smoking products or prohibited items.

Stairs

Stairs are located on the Main Level outside sections 103, 107, 112, 116; on the Upper Level outside sections 205, 211, 222 and 228; on the Founders Level outside R13, R28 and R37; and on the Suite Level outside S11, S24, S31 and S44.

Strollers

Large strollers may be checked in at one of the Guest Experience booths located outside sections 102 or 208.

Suite Level

The Suite Level is a premium seating level that includes five unique options at a variety of price points. There are 28 Standard Suites, which accommodate up to 24 guests, four Party Suites, which can hold up to 72 guests and 13 Mini Suites that accommodate up to 12 guests each. There is also one Super Suite, which can hold up to 76 guests and one Theater Box, which holds up to 130 guests.

Suites

Please visit our Premium Services page to learn more about suites.

Terrace Tables

Terrace Tables are "open-air," semi-private boxes located on Founders Level that are available in two-, four-, six- or eight-seat options.

Tours

Spectrum Center offers guided public tours based on availability and event schedules. A tour can be scheduled by calling 704.688.8128.

Use of Likeness

Entry via ticket grants permission to the Hornets, the NBA and their designers and agents to utilize your image, likeness, actions and statements in any live or recorded audio, video or photographic display, or other transmission, exhibition, publication or reproduction made of, or at, Hornets games in any medium or context without further authorization or compensation.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchair escorts are available upon entering Spectrum Center to transport guests with special needs to their seat. Please be aware that escorts will not remain with guests during the event, nor will guests be allowed to remain in the wheelchair for the duration of the event. For more information, please contact arenainfo@hornets.com or 704.688.8128 prior to the event or visit one of the Guest Experience booths located outside sections 102 and 208.

Will Call

Third party will call is no longer available at Spectrum Center. For select non-Hornets events, an artist will call may be available at the Box Office.

Women’s Restrooms

Women’s restrooms are located on the Main Level outside sections 102, 104, 107, 111-112, 113, 116; on the Upper Level outside sections 205, 213, 218-220, 225-226 and 233; on the Founders Level outside R3, R10, R31 and R35; and on the Suite Level outside S13, S27, S28, S32.