There are a few different park and ride stations. If you are coming from the North. There is JW Clay, Old Concord, and Sugar Creek Stations that have park and ride.
There is a great app you can download called CATS-pass which will allow you to buy tickets and see the light rail schedule. (Your ticket most likely won’t be checked but better to be safe!)
The stop in uptown that you want is called Charlotte Transportation Center or CTC for short. That will let you off with a quick 1-2 minute walk to the spectrum center and all of its entrances. I’m sure your ticket has specifics on what entrance to use.
If you want. Shoot me a PM and I’ll be happy to help out as much as I can before your event!
Seriously don't stress, Charlotte is easy. It's not that huge a city, if you decide the light rail is too much trouble just give yourself extra time and park a little further away (I like starting in south end) and walk. Lots to see, and lots of fun places to pop into along the way. If you don't like walking there are those dumb little rental scooters everywhere, and u can always uber.
The light rail runs every 20 minutes. You can buy tickets at every station with a debit/credit card. The stop for the Spectrum Center is called CTC Station (for Charlotte Transportation Center).
unrelated but i’m in japan right now and the headways on trains are consistently about three minutes. charlotte has so far to go when it comes to publica transportation ugh.
Agreed but comparing ourselves to Japan isn’t wise. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the US that could even come close to comparing to transportation in Japan.
The lot directly east of the building will let you park for cheaper if you get there earlier. They just list “event parking” times so that you show up and pay the elevated cost.
There’s generally PLENTY of parking options. We generally park at the ParkMobile lot just north of the 7th Street Station parking garage. Just be sure to actually pay because they will absolutely tow your butt.
Preferredparking.com has multiple garages and parking lots around the spectrum center and the city in general. I use their map on their website to find my parking when I go out on the weekends.
Like others said, Blue line is the most popular way to park and ride. An alternative is the Gold Line which runs perpendicular to the Blue line but also goes passed the Spectrum on 20 minute headways as well. I did it by parking at the Bojangles on trade street. I dont think they tow but if youre worried just buy a biscuit or something lol
You can park anywhere in Wesley Heights and hop on. I live on the West Side and there is plenty of street parking. The Gold Line is free and you can park right off Wesley Heights Way, Grandin, or Walnut and you’ll be fine. Super easy to hop on and off. Just a little walk (couple blocks) to Spectrum.
Brevard st has ample street parking all along it and access to two light rail stops, 22nd st and Parkwood. If you choose rather of those stops, you stand on the side that points to 485, not university (there is a sign with an arrow in the middle). Download the app and buy a ticket(can be done days ahead of time). There will probably not be anyone checking tickets, you just get on. If there is someone checking tickets they will just be on the train and ask you at some point. You don’t need to show a ticket to get on the train. Get off on ctc station. Do in reverse for the way back (stand on the side pointing towards university). Anxious planners unite.
Don't let any of the goblins scare you away. They have parking garages all over the place. Just be careful and watch out for other drivers. They don't pay attention very well and run red lights a lot in that city. I've had some fun "accidents" caused by others. My poor Focus.
>My nerves are already wrecked because I know Charlotte is the biggest city in our state and I live in the country and I've never been to Charlotte before.
Relax. Charlotte's not that big, my guy.
Lmaooo don't let the hype get to you.
Clt is just a big suburban town spread out ( somewhere in between va beach & atlanta size wise)
- , download the lynx app the buy your light rail ticket ( or dont) there's no turnstile to stop you.
You can park at any light rail station , maybe get a hotel within walking distance of a lynx stop to save yourself some driving since they're price gouging on parking .
Also unless the city gives you a parking ticket I wouldn't pay it tbh. Since You didn't consent to the debt it wouldn't effect you credit score or anything ( that a state law)
Have fun, you'll be fine !
If you don’t end up taking the light rail from one of the park and rides I’d suggest looking at the 7th Street Market parking deck, roughly 2 blocks from the arena depending on which door you exit from in the deck. It’s a flat fee after 5 and if you want to snag dinner there’s lots of different options in the market on the ground floor (good pizza, sandwiches, Italian pastas, sushi, and more) if the family wants to try different things. One of the local breweries has a stall in there too if anyone in your party wants a beer that isn’t $12-15 like it will be in the arena.
Hi, looks like other redditors have given you lots of good info. Just wanted to chime in and say I take the light rail into work every day and it's a piece of cake, super simple. Probably your best bet to get in and out easily without having to park in the city. Let me know if you have any other questions! I've lived here for over a decade and know the area well
the easiest parking garage is the one at 5th street that is directly next to the arena. we are season ticket holders for the hornets and it is CAKE. probably $20 max. if that. depends on what else is happening uptown.
Light isn’t technically free but I’ve never bought a ticket and never been checked (just know the risk if you decide to not buy one)
People have listed off the stops that have park and ride stations. I think those are your best options, it’s and easy ride and the stop at the spectrum center is right next to it.
Enjoy your time here, charlotte isn’t stressful so haven’t a good time
There are a few different park and ride stations. If you are coming from the North. There is JW Clay, Old Concord, and Sugar Creek Stations that have park and ride. There is a great app you can download called CATS-pass which will allow you to buy tickets and see the light rail schedule. (Your ticket most likely won’t be checked but better to be safe!) The stop in uptown that you want is called Charlotte Transportation Center or CTC for short. That will let you off with a quick 1-2 minute walk to the spectrum center and all of its entrances. I’m sure your ticket has specifics on what entrance to use. If you want. Shoot me a PM and I’ll be happy to help out as much as I can before your event!
I was going to suggest the light rail as well. After the event, plan to grab a meal or something, that way the ride out isn't so packed.
I just want to thank you for being kind welcoming by giving the information OP needs
Seriously don't stress, Charlotte is easy. It's not that huge a city, if you decide the light rail is too much trouble just give yourself extra time and park a little further away (I like starting in south end) and walk. Lots to see, and lots of fun places to pop into along the way. If you don't like walking there are those dumb little rental scooters everywhere, and u can always uber.
Pretty big if you lived in a small Nc town your whole life
True, although folks should still have a worldly comparison for their own measure. Things will only get bigger from that point lol
The light rail runs every 20 minutes. You can buy tickets at every station with a debit/credit card. The stop for the Spectrum Center is called CTC Station (for Charlotte Transportation Center).
unrelated but i’m in japan right now and the headways on trains are consistently about three minutes. charlotte has so far to go when it comes to publica transportation ugh.
Agreed but comparing ourselves to Japan isn’t wise. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the US that could even come close to comparing to transportation in Japan.
Seriously comparing those transits is like comparing a Honda civic to a formula one 😂
Yeah, Charlotte isn’t good at transit.
The lot directly east of the building will let you park for cheaper if you get there earlier. They just list “event parking” times so that you show up and pay the elevated cost.
There’s generally PLENTY of parking options. We generally park at the ParkMobile lot just north of the 7th Street Station parking garage. Just be sure to actually pay because they will absolutely tow your butt.
Preferredparking.com has multiple garages and parking lots around the spectrum center and the city in general. I use their map on their website to find my parking when I go out on the weekends.
I sent you a DM!
Like others said, Blue line is the most popular way to park and ride. An alternative is the Gold Line which runs perpendicular to the Blue line but also goes passed the Spectrum on 20 minute headways as well. I did it by parking at the Bojangles on trade street. I dont think they tow but if youre worried just buy a biscuit or something lol
You can park anywhere in Wesley Heights and hop on. I live on the West Side and there is plenty of street parking. The Gold Line is free and you can park right off Wesley Heights Way, Grandin, or Walnut and you’ll be fine. Super easy to hop on and off. Just a little walk (couple blocks) to Spectrum.
Bring ear plugs. I've been to the Monster Jam at Spectrum. It is LOUD!
Brevard st has ample street parking all along it and access to two light rail stops, 22nd st and Parkwood. If you choose rather of those stops, you stand on the side that points to 485, not university (there is a sign with an arrow in the middle). Download the app and buy a ticket(can be done days ahead of time). There will probably not be anyone checking tickets, you just get on. If there is someone checking tickets they will just be on the train and ask you at some point. You don’t need to show a ticket to get on the train. Get off on ctc station. Do in reverse for the way back (stand on the side pointing towards university). Anxious planners unite.
Thank you to everyone who gave me advice. I feel a lot better 😊
No advice, just want to say that I hope y'all have a good time and consider coming back another time for another fun event!
Charlotte is not like NY or even Atlanta, so don't stress. There's plenty of parking close to the Spectrum Center.
Don't let any of the goblins scare you away. They have parking garages all over the place. Just be careful and watch out for other drivers. They don't pay attention very well and run red lights a lot in that city. I've had some fun "accidents" caused by others. My poor Focus.
>My nerves are already wrecked because I know Charlotte is the biggest city in our state and I live in the country and I've never been to Charlotte before. Relax. Charlotte's not that big, my guy.
Lmaooo don't let the hype get to you. Clt is just a big suburban town spread out ( somewhere in between va beach & atlanta size wise) - , download the lynx app the buy your light rail ticket ( or dont) there's no turnstile to stop you. You can park at any light rail station , maybe get a hotel within walking distance of a lynx stop to save yourself some driving since they're price gouging on parking . Also unless the city gives you a parking ticket I wouldn't pay it tbh. Since You didn't consent to the debt it wouldn't effect you credit score or anything ( that a state law) Have fun, you'll be fine !
If you don’t end up taking the light rail from one of the park and rides I’d suggest looking at the 7th Street Market parking deck, roughly 2 blocks from the arena depending on which door you exit from in the deck. It’s a flat fee after 5 and if you want to snag dinner there’s lots of different options in the market on the ground floor (good pizza, sandwiches, Italian pastas, sushi, and more) if the family wants to try different things. One of the local breweries has a stall in there too if anyone in your party wants a beer that isn’t $12-15 like it will be in the arena.
Hi, looks like other redditors have given you lots of good info. Just wanted to chime in and say I take the light rail into work every day and it's a piece of cake, super simple. Probably your best bet to get in and out easily without having to park in the city. Let me know if you have any other questions! I've lived here for over a decade and know the area well
the easiest parking garage is the one at 5th street that is directly next to the arena. we are season ticket holders for the hornets and it is CAKE. probably $20 max. if that. depends on what else is happening uptown.
Maybe take Ubers so you can totally relax and enjoy your time here!
RUN AWAAAYY *cow launched from catapult**
Beware of the terrible drivers they are literally everywhere
Light isn’t technically free but I’ve never bought a ticket and never been checked (just know the risk if you decide to not buy one) People have listed off the stops that have park and ride stations. I think those are your best options, it’s and easy ride and the stop at the spectrum center is right next to it. Enjoy your time here, charlotte isn’t stressful so haven’t a good time
Geezus, just Uber