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Carolina Hurricanes
If you’re coming in winter or spring, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes play in Raleigh’s Lenovo Center. This fast-paced NHL experience brings electric crowds, thrilling goals and the Canes’ signature Storm Surge celebrations after a home victory.
Duke Basketball Museum and Duke Athletics Hall of Fame
You'll probably have to take sides in one of college basketball’s biggest rivalries. If you’re rooting for the Blue Devils over the Tar Heels, then head to the Duke Basketball Museum and Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in the Schwartz-Butters Athletic Center. Between the trophy case, jerseys, and tributes to players and teams from the past, there’s plenty for Dukies to see here.
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
After soaking in the history, settle in at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club for a luxurious, classic retreat, or opt for Unscripted, a trendy boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and vibrant downtown atmosphere.
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
End the night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, catching a minor league game under the lights. Watch the Durham Bulls take the field, enjoy ballpark favorites like locally made BBQ and craft beer, and keep an eye out for fan-favorite mascot Wool E. Bull as he entertains the crowd.
Carolina Basketball Museum
If you're pledging your allegiance to the Tar Heels instead, walk through basketball history at the Carolina Basketball Museum. Relive iconic moments, championship wins and legendary plays as you pass by game-worn jerseys, championship trophies and personal items from legendary players (think Vince Carter and Tyler Hansbrough).
The Carolina Inn
Cap off your UNC experience by staying at The Carolina Inn, an elegant spot in Chapel Hill. Located right on campus, this iconic inn exudes timeless charm, with historic décor, cozy accommodations and nods to UNC’s storied past.
ACC Hall of Champions
The ACC — the Atlantic Coast Conference — was founded in Greensboro in 1953, so naturally Greensboro is your next stop. Plan an outing to the ACC Hall of Champions, which tells the story of the founding of the ACC and highlights both the academic and athletic accomplishments of member schools. Many of the schools have dedicated exhibits, there are a number of full-sized mascots and there’s an interactive broadcasting booth where you can find out firsthand just how hard it is to call a play.
Greensboro Grasshoppers
Spend the afternoon with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, provided they’re in town. You'll get a kick out of watching Willie Mae Mays, the team's resident bat dog, retrieve bats and participate in skits.
Print Works Bistro
Check into your room at Proximity Hotel, one of the greenest hotels in the nation, and enjoy dinner at its restaurant, Print Works Bistro. If you’re more in the mood for beer and burgers, try downtowns Natty Greene’s Brewpub.
Racing Shops
This afternoon, focus on paying a visit to one of your favorite race teams. With 90% of all NASCAR racing teams having headquarters in the Charlotte area, it’s an easy task. Cabarrus County, Charlotte’s northern neighbor, maintains a list of racing team shops you can visit, plus a list of racing attractions and activities from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority has a breakdown of race team shops and other motorsports attractions to see.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a sight every motorsports fan should see. The showpiece is the Glory Road exhibit, which is in its fifth rendition and showcases 19 race-used cars while celebrating NASCAR's 75th anniversary. Equally impressive are the activities available here. You can practice your skills as a driver in a racing simulator, tour a mock garage and even compete against other visitors in a pit stop game. When you're done touring the hall, grab a bite to eat — try one of the lauded barbecue sandwiches — at the on-site Pit Stop Café.
Spectrum Center
Now it’s time to consider taking in another league. Since the return of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team in 2014 (after a decade as the Charlotte Bobcats), the fan base has been vocal in the support of its team. Go catch a game (October through April) at Spectrum Center, also Uptown.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers play just a few blocks away at Bank of America Stadium (August to December), and any of their home games are a guaranteed good time. Plus, the Uptown stadium plays host to two major college football games each December: the ACC Football Championship and the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Charlotte FC — which set an MLS attendance record with its inaugural home match in 2022 — also plays at BoA Stadium from late February through October.
Charlotte Knights
The Triple-A Charlotte Knights offer one of the best skyline views in all of baseball April through September. Popular theme nights include Thirsty Thursdays, featuring discounted draft beer, and Friday Night Fireworks, which light up the Uptown skyline. Pregame at Paper Mill Pub, which recently opened in the stadium. Pro tip: You don't need a ticket to hang out here, but fans headed to the game can enter the stadium from the pub.
If you're up for even more and want to explore North Carolina's coast while you're here, the spectator-friendly Carolina Pro-Am SUP Surf takes place every April in Wrightsville Beach, drawing world-class competitors. And Carolina Cup, also in April in Wrightsville Beach, is the largest SUP race on the East Coast and offers additional days of expos, demonstrations and clinics.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Carolina Hurricanes
Stop 2
Duke Basketball Museum and Duke Athletics Hall of Fame
Stop 3
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
Stop 4
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Stop 5
Carolina Basketball Museum
Stop 6
The Carolina Inn
Stop 7
ACC Hall of Champions
Stop 8
Greensboro Grasshoppers
Stop 9
Print Works Bistro
Stop 10
Racing Shops
Stop 11
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Stop 12
Spectrum Center
Stop 13
Carolina Panthers
Stop 14