Charlotte prepares for massive sports weekend with ACC Championship and Charlotte Invitational
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Carlos Alcaraz is the back-to-back Wimbledon champion (2023 and 2024). Photo: Frey/TPN/Getty Images
It's a massive sports weekend in Charlotte, as the city prepares to host tennis stars at the inaugural Charlotte Invitational and the ACC Championship.
Why it matters: Major events not only put a spotlight on Charlotte, but they also fill hotels and restaurants around the city.
By the numbers: The 2023 ACC Championship generated $31.8 million and more than 48,00 people traveled to Charlotte for the game, with 24,000 hotel rooms booked, per the ACC.
Charlotte Invitational
The Charlotte Invitational will be held at Spectrum Center at 7pm Friday, Dec. 6. It features one of the best players in tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion. He'll face Frances Tiafoe.
- The doubleheader also includes Madison Keys vs. Sloane Stephens.
- Your ticket gets you into both matches. The arena opens at 5:30pm and fans should be in their seats by 6:45pm for player introductions. The women will play first (the matches do not have set times).
- Tickets start at $40.
Fun fact: Serena Williams and Venus Williams played at the Uptown arena in 2006.
ACC Championship
No. 18 Clemson (9-3) takes on No. 8 SMU (11-1) at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8pm on ABC.
What to expect: Fan Fest takes place Friday night from 3-9pm and Saturday from 10am-7pm in Romare Bearden Park (300 S Church St.), which is just over a quarter of a mile from the stadium.
- There will be a Chris Lane concert at 5:45pm.
- Stadium gates open at 6:30pm.
- Tickets start at $60.60.
The intrigue: This is SMU's first year in the Power Five conference and they've dominated, going undefeated in conference play.
What we're watching: There are a number of scenarios that could unfold this weekend to determine who will chase the national championship.
How it works: The College Football Playoff includes an expanded 12-team format.
- The five highest-ranked conference champions are automatically in the Playoff. The top four are seeded 1-4 and have a first-round bye. No. 5-12 face each other Dec. 20-21 to determine who advances to the quarterfinals on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Axios Ross Terrell reports.
The bottom line: The ACC Championship isn't just important for Clemson and SMU. It has implications for the SEC, specifically Alabama (9-3).
What's next: Teams will find out their bowl selection on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Transportation
Expect pricey parking and heavy traffic in Uptown this weekend. The CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar and the Lynx Blue Line both include stops right outside Spectrum Center (CTC/Arena Station) and within walking distance from Bank of America Stadium.
- Charlotte Gateway Station and the Mint Street stop on the Gold Line are roughly half a mile from the stadium. The Gold Line, which runs east and west, is currently free to ride.
- The Blue Line runs north and south from UNC Charlotte to I-485. Weekly unlimited rides cost $30.80 ($2.20 for adult oneway fare and $1.10 for kids).