Hornets Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern Conference

Head Coach: Steve Clifford

Team Mascot: Hugo

Year Opened: 2005

Capacity: 19077

City / State: Charlotte / North Carolina

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Hornets vs Hawks

Rival Team: Atlanta Hawks

Both the Hornets and Hawks play in the Southeast Division, and the two cities are only four hours apart creating one of the fiercest rivalries for the Hornets and their fans. Both Charlotte and Atlanta are similar cities vying for the title of being the largest city in the south, so you’ll find plenty of bad blood between these two teams.

Hornets vs Heat

Rival Team: Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have been the dominant team in the Southeast Division for most of the last several seasons, which hasn’t sat well with the Hornets or their fans. The Heat have also eliminated the Hornets from the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, so you’ll find no love lost between these two teams.

Hornets vs Pelicans

Rival Team: New Orleans Pelicans

Hornets fans hate the Pelicans due to their original team being stolen from them, so you’ll hear plenty of boos when New Orleans comes to town. The two teams may only play once a year due to the teams being in different conferences, but that doesn’t stop Hornets fans from coming out in high numbers to support their new team during these matchups.

Hornets Stadium Guide

In Game

Basketball runs deep in North Carolina, and the fans love for the Hornets is no different. While major college programs like North Carolina, Duke, and NC State may get the bulk of the press, the Hornets are still very popular among Carolinians. The crowd and atmosphere at Hornets games are electric, and you’ll find plenty of diehards in the crowd for the marquee games.

While the crowds can be a bit smaller for less important games, you’ll still find plenty of diehards in the crowd. You’ll also have the chance to grab tickets at bargain prices as low as $16 for the upper deck.

Another cool aspect of attending a Hornets game is the fact you’ll have the chance to catch a glimpse of the greatest player of all-time, Michael Jordan. Jordan is part owner of the team, so you’ll often find him in the crowd cheering on the Hornets just like you.

Additionally, Spectrum Centers location in Uptown Charlotte means there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and hangout before the game.

Carolinians love for basketball, and the state’s incredible basketball history make attending a Hornets game an excellent experience.

Things to check out

History of Charlotte Basketball Display

The tribute to Carolina's basketball past adorns the wall of Spectrum Center, so make sure to check it out during your visit. The wall is located along the escalator is home to some incredible basketball memorabilia representing the state’s strong college and pro basketball history.

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Hornets Team Store

The Hornets store offers just about every piece of Hornets gear you could imagine, including jerseys, hats and much more. A game ticket is not required to access the store, so even if you’re not attending a game stop by and grab some Hornets swag during your trip to Charlotte.

State of the Art Scoreboard

The new video scoreboard is the most technologically advanced scoreboard and sound system in the country and features one the largest video screen at any NBA arena. The Jumbotron offers you dynamic look at every play during the game and is a must see for any basketball fan out there.

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Craft Beer Garden

All you craft beer enthusiasts out there will love your trip to Charlotte thanks to Spectrum Center’s craft beer garden. You’ll find a variety of excellent craft beers inside the arena including Foothills Brewing and Triple C Brewing Co. so you won’t leave a Hornets game thirsty.

Hugo’s Hangout

Located on the upper level, Hugo’s Hangout offers a variety of interactive games and activities for kids. The whole thing is basketball themed and the attendants even are wearing referee uniforms. If you’re coming to the game with kids in tow then make sure to stop by Hugo’s Hangout.

Hugo the Hornet

Hugo the Hornet is the Charlotte Hornets mascots and has been entertaining crowds since the start of the franchise. During the game you’ll find Hugo throwing T-shirts into the crowd, messing around with fans, and pumping up the crowd.

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Charlotte Honey Bees

The Charlotte Honey Bees perform a variety of dances during the game in addition to pumping up the crowd at pivotal times. Keep your eyes peeled for these dancers as they’ll keep you entertained throughout.

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Buzz City Brass

The Buzz City Brass put on incredible pregame and postgame concerts, so arrive early and stay late to enjoy this musical accompaniment to the Hornets.

Swarm Squad

The Swarm Squad provide incredible entertainment during stoppages in play. Whether they’re dunking basketball or firing t-shirts into the crowd, you won’t want to miss the Swarm Squad.

Big Pat

Big Pat has been the Hornets PA announcer for years and is one of the best in the business, so keep your ears peeled for this Charlotte legend while taking in the game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Charlotte Hornets Chant

    Charlotte Hornets! (clap)

    Charlotte Hornets! (clap)

    Charlotte Hornets! (clap)

Hornets Bars & Restaurants

  1. Valhalla Pub and Eatery

    Valhalla Sangria

    Rustic pub featuring rotating craft brews, artisan cocktails & from-scratch American eats.

    317 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-3273

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Prohibition Bar

    Prohibition Bar

    Awesome watering hole with reclaimed-wood furnishings & a patio offering 1920s-style drinks.

    200 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-358-4244

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Tilt on Trade

    Tilt on Trade

    A Lively gathering spot for cocktails & beer at a long bar, plus sports on TV, arcade games & a patio.

    127 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-347-4870

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  4. Cowbell Burger & Whiskey Bar

    Eat more Cowbell burger beer

    Cocktails, gourmet burgers & more in a trendy room with dark wood, chandeliers & music memorabilia.

    201 N Tryon St #1010, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    980-224-8674

    Bar website

    american - bbq

  5. Ink N Ivy CLT

    Ink Ivy

    Ink N Ivy is all about being yourself and eating the food you love.

    222 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-5424

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Hooters

    Working Man Friend Beer Tiki Hut Pub & Grill Beer 4th and Mill Beer

    We've got it all - appetizers, salads, burgers, you name it. And those Hooters world-famous Wings.

    123 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-4566

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  7. Howl at the Moon

    Howl at the Moon Cocktails

    Lively bar with a party vibe featuring dueling piano shows & novelty bucket drinks. There's never a boring drink!

    210 E Trade St #308, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-936-4695

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. All American Pub

    All American burger

    Famosu for their Bloody Mary Bar.

    200 E Bland St, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

    704-370-2000

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Sports One Charlotte

    Sports One

    One of the best sports bar and grill in Charlotte.

    521 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-733-9962

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  10. The Belfast Mill

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    The Belfast Mill Irish Pub is an authentic Irish style pub that serves up a great pint of Guinness as well as a variety of other Irish beers.

    144 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-7160

    Bar website

    european - sportsbar - $$

  11. Courtyard Hooligans

    Courtyard

    Courtyard Hooligans is an International Sports Pub with a large import and craft beer selection

    140 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    35.223355, -80.846724

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  12. Rooster’s Uptown

    Roosters Uptown

    Urban. Cozy. Spirited.

    150 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-370-7667

    Bar website

    american - european - $$

  13. French Quarter

    French Quarter bar

    Where every hour is happy hour!

    321 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-377-1715

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

    Chima Brazilian Steakhouse

    The meat in this steakhouse is perfectly seasoned and placed on skewers to cook slowly over a wood burning flame.

    139 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-601-4141

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  15. Mimosa Grill

    Mimosa Grill

    Pioneering Charlotte's uptown restaurant scene since 1995, Mimosa Grill has focused on using the best locally and regionally grown ingredients.

    327 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-343-0700

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

    Ruths Chris Steak House

    Your last bite is just as good as your first.

    222 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-388-9444

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  17. Morton’s The Steakhouse

    Mortons

    Morton's steak house is widely regarded as the best place for prime steak anywhere.

    227 W Trade St #150, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-333-2602

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  18. Mert’s Heart & Soul

    Merts

    Good food, good friends, good American life!

    214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-342-4222

    Bar website

    american - $$

  19. Mellow Mushroom

    Mellow Mushroom

    Delicious quick bites from Mellow Mushroom sure to fill you

    255 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-371-4725

    Bar website

    american - bbq - cafe - $$

  20. Al Mikes Tavern

    AlMikes Tavern

    One of the chillest places to hang out with great friends

    401 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

    704-332-6789

    Bar website

    american - $$