Where Do the Charlotte Hornets Play Basketball?

By Sarah Miller · January 7, 2045

The Charlotte Hornets play their home basketball games at the Spectrum Center, located in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art arena, which opened in 2005, serves as the primary venue for NBA games hosted by the Hornets and has a seating capacity of approximately 19,077 for basketball events.

Overview of the Spectrum Center

The Spectrum Center is the official home of the Charlotte Hornets and one of the premier sports and entertainment venues in the Southeastern United States. Strategically situated in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, the arena provides fans with easy access via public transportation, parking garages, and nearby hotels.

Key Features of the Arena

Opened: October 2005
Location: 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Seating Capacity: 19,077 for NBA games
Named After: Spectrum (a brand of Charter Communications)
Owner: City of Charlotte
Operator: Hornets Sports & Entertainment

History of the Hornets' Home Venues

Prior to moving into the Spectrum Center, the Hornets played at the Charlotte Coliseum, also known as "The Hive," from their inception in 1988 until 2002. When the original Hornets franchise relocated to New Orleans in 2002, Charlotte was left without an NBA team until the creation of the Bobcats in 2004.

In 2014, the Bobcats rebranded as the Charlotte Hornets, reclaiming the history and records of the original Hornets from 1988–2002. Since then, the Spectrum Center has been the symbolic and physical home of the revived Hornets franchise.

Spectrum Center Seating and Fan Experience

Fans attending Hornets games enjoy modern amenities including HD video boards, luxury suites, club seating, and interactive fan zones. The arena was designed with acoustics in mind, amplifying crowd noise to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

Notable Amenities

Digital ticketing and mobile entry
Premium dining options and local food vendors
Kiddie Court for family-friendly activities
Accessibility features for guests with disabilities
On-site box office and merchandise stores

Venue	Years Active	Capacity (Basketball)	Location	Current Use
Charlotte Coliseum ("The Hive")	1988–2002	24,042	Independence, NC	Demolished in 2007
Spectrum Center	2005–Present	19,077	Uptown Charlotte, NC	NBA Games, Concerts, Events

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a shift from the larger, suburban Charlotte Coliseum to the more centrally located and modern Spectrum Center, reflecting broader trends in urban arena development. While the current venue has a smaller capacity, its downtown location enhances accessibility and integrates the team into the city's cultural and economic core.

How to Attend a Hornets Game at Spectrum Center

Attending a Charlotte Hornets game is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. Tickets can be purchased through the official NBA website, Ticketmaster, or directly via the Hornets’ official site.

Box Office Hours: Open on game days and major events
Doors Typically Open: 1 hour before tip-off
Basketball Arena Policies: Clear bag policy, no outside food or drinks
Public Transit: CATS LYNX Blue Line stops at the Convention Center station, adjacent to the arena

Frequently Asked Questions About Where the Charlotte Hornets Play

Where do the Charlotte Hornets play their home games?

The Charlotte Hornets play their home games at the Spectrum Center, located at 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202.

When did the Spectrum Center open?

The Spectrum Center opened in October 2005 and replaced the old Charlotte Coliseum as the city's main indoor arena.

What is the seating capacity of the Spectrum Center for Hornets games?

The Spectrum Center has a seating capacity of 19,077 for NBA basketball games, making it one of the mid-sized arenas in the league.

Is the Spectrum Center accessible by public transportation?

Yes, the Spectrum Center is accessible via the CATS LYNX Blue Line, with the Convention Center station located directly adjacent to the arena.

Has the arena had any other names besides Spectrum Center?

Yes, it was previously named Charlotte Bobcats Arena from 2005 to 2008 before securing the naming rights deal with Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable).