Sports Lovers Guide to Charlotte
From inspiring venues to sports bars to get your pregame on, there are plenty of ways to support Charlotte’s seven professional sports teams.
by Tracy Jones
If you love live slam dunks, impossible touchdowns, clutch homeruns and slap-shots on ice, then the Queen City is a sports fan’s paradise. Plus, as the host to major sporting events like the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, International Champions Cup, ACC Football Championship, NCAA Basketball Tournament, Wells Fargo Championship and the 2022 Presidents Cup, Charlotte is an athletic city in its own right.
Off the Field
Sports lovers can grab tasty food and drinks, play mini golf, ping pong or hit the arcade before the big game.
Topgolf
Area: Southwest Charlotte, University City Area
Swing for the green from the golfing lanes or climate-controlled bays. Each bay offers a great hangout spot featuring a sofa booth where you can relax, eat, drink and watch the Panthers on a big screen. If you’re looking for a private sports party, Topgolf should be at the top of your list.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Area: Uptown
Before the big game, get amped up at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, an interactive entertainment attraction dedicated to honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. Go full throttle at more than 50 interactive exhibits, like the realistic racing simulators and Pit Crew Challenge. Then check out the latest exhibit on Glory Road, which features 18 iconic race cars, and visit the Gear Shop to score unique gifts for gear heads of all ages.
Stroke
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Get a hole in one and sip your martini to celebrate. This miniature golf hot spot has a cocktail bar and lounge. Try this place for your next date or a night out with friends.
Pins Mechanical
Neighborhood: South End
Select a pint from their carefully curated collection of craft beer. Compete in classic games like foosball, duckspin and pinball inside this sprawling 23,000-square-foot gaming paradise.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
Area: Concord
Did you ever want to drive a real NASCAR race car and ride around a state-of-the-art speedway? Here’s your chance to be like Richard Petty himself and compete with others around the track. You’ll be in radio contact with a spotter that’ll help guide you on the track, but the rest is up to you.
Queen Park Social
Neighborhood: Lower South End
No matter your level of sport fandom, you’ll have a ball inside this 18,000 square-foot warehouse, featuring drinks, food, bowling and games.
Puttery
Neighborhood: South End
An adults-only miniature golf bar financially backed by professional golfer Rory McIlroy, Puttery offers two unique courses: The Library, a secret study themed adventure, and the Conservatory, a desert theme with giant redwoods and cacti mixed in.
Slingshot Social Game Club
Neighborhood: South End
Pull up to one of Slingshot Social Game Club's 48 "Beer Wall" taps, including wine and cider selections, to fill your cup before entering into a match of Extreme Duckpin or Superskee. Or, try your hand (or feet) at one of their high energy arcade games including Connect 4 Hoops, Mario Kart Grand Prix, Guitar Hero or Dance Dance Revolution Extreme
Turn Up the Action
If you’re not attending the game, sports fan havens like lively taverns and sports bars near major fields and stadiums are the next best thing to watch all of the excitement with fellow fans.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
Neighborhood: Uptown, Ballantyne
If you’re looking to park yourself at the bar and watch the game, Duckworth’s should be at the top of your list. Their large craft beer selection and food menu makes them a great destination to enjoy before, during or after the event.
The Fairwood 226
Neighborhood: South End
Come here in time for kickoff and simultaneously watch every game going on that day. On a sunny day, take advantage of the bar’s outdoor and rooftop seating.
Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards
Neighborhood: Collingwood
This beloved pool hall and sports bar caters to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a great place to chill, pop a coin in the juke box and watch the Charlotte Hornets.
Lucky Lou’s Tavern
Neighborhood: Madison Park
Wide screen TV’s hang over the bar, the beer is cheap and the service is friendly. Inside, this family-owned tavern features pool tables, an outdoor patio and even, karaoke.
Big Ben Pub
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Located just a few steps from the CityLYNX Gold Line, the Big Ben Pub has been one of the best places for soccer fans in Charlotte to hang out. With the match on TV, a cold beverage and a piping hot plate of fish and chips in front of you, it’ll feel like you’re across the pond without the plane ride.
Selwyn Pub
Location: Myers Park
Styrofoam cups serving in-house “transfusion” cocktails have made Selwyn Pub a Charlotte icon for decades. Whether you’re watching NCAA Tournament action or the slate of games on NFL Sunday, this place is one of the best in town for taking in the game.
Celebration Time
For the post-game play, whether you’re celebrating your team’s big or mourning their loss, check out these 19th hole destinations to commemorate the hard fought battle.
Sticks + Beans
Area: Concord
Mellow out in the elegant lounge inside this cigar bar where the plush couches, pool tables and laid back ambiance makes everyone feel welcome. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, “Cigar bartenders” will help you pair cigars and drinks to your liking.
Carolina Prime Restaurant & Steakhouse
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Since 2005, Carolina Prime Restaurant & Steakhouse has been a go-to steakhouse for visitors and locals alike. Relax, kick back and feast on one of their popular steak plates.
Midwood Smokehouse
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Enjoy the finest classic Southern barbecue with all of the fixings at Midwood Smokehouse. Pick your four proteins from their Combo Platter and try the brisket too – it’s the hang gliding of barbecue.
The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar
Neighborhood: South End
Time to unwind from the roaring crowd. Serving high end whiskey, craft beer and hand-rolled cigars, this chic lounge has a soothing atmosphere that makes for a perfect night cap after the game.
Whiskey Warehouse
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
While sipping fine whiskey or craft beer, sink into their comfortable leather couches or get some fresh air on their rooftop bar. Known for their variety of spirits, brews, burgers, and wings, Warehouse is a great place to rebound from the day.
Graham Street Pub & Patio
Location: Uptown
Located in the shadow of Bank of America Stadium, and just a short walk from Truist Field, Graham Street Pub is great for football, soccer and baseball game festivities. Enjoy a plate of wings and an ice-cold beer from their rooftop bar in the summer or inside if it’s cold.
Updated by Cassie Townsend, August 2022
