Your Guide to Charlotte’s Sports SceneIf you’re a serious sports fan who loves to cheer on your local team, then you’ll want to keep reading. We’ve compiled Charlotte’s top sports teams and some fun facts you can share at your next trivia night.
The Charlotte Hornets
Whether you’re a Charlotte native or new to the city, you’ve surely heard about the Charlotte Hornets, the professional basketball team based right here in the Queen City. What you might not have known is that they’re mainly owned by Basketball Hall-of-Fame member Michael Jordan, or that they recently selected James Bouknight with the 11th overall pick for the 2021 NBA draft. Bouknight was named the All-Big East First Team in addition to the NACB District I player of the year. Come watch the Hornets play at the Spectrum Center just minutes from West End Towns and a 30-minute drive from Camber Woods.
The Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers compete in the NFL as members of the league’s south division. Did you know the team hosts its annual training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg? Visit the Bank of America Stadium, minutes from our West End Towns community, to see the action unfold.
The Charlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights are a Minor League Baseball team that was established in 1976, but they only joined the International League in 1993. They’re part of the Triple-A East and the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Come experience one of the many themed game nights like their $1 hotdog Tuesdays. You can even bring your dog to the game with their Bark in the Park Thursdays. Located in Charlotte, they play their home games at Truist Field, minutes from our West End Towns community.
The Charlotte Checkers
The Charlotte Checkers are a minor-league professional ice hockey team members of the American Hockey League and are affiliated with the Florida Panthers and Seattle Kraken. They won their first division title during the 2018-2019 season with 110 points, making it the first time a Charlotte-based hockey team had broken the 100 point record since the mid-70s. Home games take place at the Bojangles’ Coliseum, a convenient distance from Empire Kennington.
Charlotte FC
As the city’s inaugural Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Charlotte FC not only brings world-class soccer to its passionate fanbase but also cements the city’s status as a hub for sports enthusiasm. Their home turf is none other than the iconic Bank of America Stadium, where the roar of the crowd and the echo of goals reverberate through the heart of Charlotte. While the venue is an impressive four-minute drive from West End Towns, games can still be accessed from our other communities as well, including Camellia Gardens.
NASCAR in Charlotte
Charlotte is considered to be one of the most influential hubs for American motorsports, with extensive NASCAR teams and open-wheel sports car teams hailing from our city. In fact, the Charlotte Speedway was the first track to feature the NASCAR Strictly Stock race in 1949. These races now take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway about 20 minutes from the NASCAR Hall of Fame. What’s the best part? Our communities, Kennington and Camellia Gardens, are under a 20-minute drive.
There’s a lot to love about Charlotte — so why not call it home? Explore our communities that will keep you close to other trendy attractions and local excursions.
Images courtesy of: Nick Crain (Charlotte Hornets); Robert Hanashiro (Carolina Panthers); Bizz Journal (Charlotte Knights); Paul Branecky (Charlotte Checkers); Erik Spanberg (Charlotte Independence); Chuck Burton (NASCAR in Charlotte).