How to attend a Charlotte Hornets game this year

That experience has a few changes this year that I want to fill you in on. And if you’ve never gone to a game, this will be a good primer for you too.

(1) Take the light rail to the arena

I hate trying to find parking uptown, or anywhere for that matter, and the $4.40 round-trip you’ll drop on a Blue Line ticket is a fraction of what you’d pay anywhere in the center city. If you’ve been scared off of this route because of the situation during Panthers games, this is way different. Time Warner Cable Arena’s capacity is less than a third than that of the football stadium.

Going to the arena, you’ll probably have to stand if you get on anywhere north of Arrowood Station, you’ll probably have to stand but it doesn’t get too packed. On the way back, it will be crowded but I’ve actually never had to wait for a second train. I’ve always gotten on the first one that came by. And it doesn’t hurt at all that the light rail station is directly in front of the arena. In previous years, a Hornets ticket has been a valid light rail pass on Wednesdays, but I’ve yet to hear if that’s going to be the case again this year.

(2) Get your free stuff

Opening night means a free T-shirt for everyone, but this year also brought an interesting twist that appears like the Hornets are going to try to make happen: Swarm Socks.

This is Charlotte’s response to the Terrible Towel in Pittsburgh and the Hornets are trying to make it a new tradition. “Wave it, don’t wear it” is stitched right into the fabric.

Here are the giveaways the Hornets have planned for the season:

• December 12 (vs. Celtics): Hornets-themed duffel bags
• December 26 (vs. Grizzlies): Hornets winter knit caps

• January 16 (vs. Bucks): Hugo the Hornet plush hat
• April 8 (vs. Nets): Limited-edition Hornets-themed T-shirt

(3) Allow more time to pass through security

A new wrinkle this year: You actually have to go through a full metal detector this year instead of being wanded (though wands are still around for secondary measures). Allow a little extra time to make it into the arena this year.

(4) Take some pictures

The Hornets have fully embraced the selfie generation and have plenty of opportunities for you.

(5) Hit the craft beer garden early

The wait here is going to be really long during intermissions, so hit this up in the upper deck first thing when you get there. You could also try the start of the second quarter, which is when most of the starters are sitting on the bench so you’re not going to miss as much as you would at other times of the game.

Beers are $10. Currently on tap: Sugar Creek pale ale and white ale, NoDa Jam Session and Coco Loco porter, Triple C IPA and Golden Boy, and Foothills Hoppyum.

(6) Try the new food offerings

I’ve already written a full story on the new food options this year, so check that out.The new RuRu’s Tacos and IOS location isn’t finished yet, but they were still serving food Sunday.

I went with the Queen City Q pulled pork nachos (two locations, lower concourse and upper deck) and a Jam Session.

(7) Learn the Hornets talking points

You don’t have to be an expert on the team to sound like one. Here are some things you can throw out there and sound like you know what’s going on.

• As the starters run the floor on a fast break: “Big Al sure looks quicker out there now that he’s dropped 25 pounds.”
• When Jeremy Lin checks in the game: “How the heck does he get his hair to stay like that while he’s playing?”
• Whenever there are a lot of passes: “Wow, the ball sure moves when we have three playmakers on the floor.”
• If the other team gets an easy dunk: “Man, I wish we still had a rim protector on the roster.”

(8) Listen to the band

Win or lose, the Hornets have a brass band out on the lower concourse. They’re worth a listen.