Going to the ACC Football Championship in Charlotte? What to know ahead of Clemson vs. SMU
As Southern Methodist University and Clemson prepare to face off in Charlotte this weekend for the ACC Football Championship Game, many Mustang and Tiger fans are gearing up to tailgate.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium, which leaves plenty of time for fans to set up their tents and grills and enjoy some drinks before the game.
If you’re planning on attending the matchup, here’s everything you need to know about how to get tickets, where to park, tailgating and what you can (and can’t) bring inside the stadium.
How can I buy tickets to the ACC championship game?
You can purchase tickets online at ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $60 to $1,600+.
Tickets can also be purchased on third-party websites, such as VividSeats and SeatGeek.
When will the gates at Bank of America Stadium open?
Gates at Bank of America Stadium will open to fans at 6:30 p.m., according to the ACC.
Where can you park close to Bank of America Stadium?
Parking costs will vary, but there are more than 30,000 parking spaces within a 10 to 15-minute walk of Bank of America Stadium.
▪ Legacy Union Parking: The Seven20 Garage, located across from the Lowe’s Gate Entrance at Bank of America Stadium, will be open for fans. You can pre-schedule a mobile parking pass for the game at lazparking.com/local.
▪ Reserved parking: If you’d like to plan ahead and book a paid parking space for the game, you can do so online. On the Bank of America Stadium SpotHero Parking Page, you can find a list of available parking options that can be reserved in advance.
What about public transit and rideshare options?
If you want to skip the uptown traffic and take public transportation to the stadium, the LYNX Blue Line offers light-rail service between uptown Charlotte and I-485 at South Boulevard with stops at the Carson, Stonewall and Convention Center stations.
Tickets for the light rail can be purchased at a Ticket Vending Machine at each station platform or online through the CATS-Pass mobile app.
If you’re taking a rideshare service, like Uber or Lyft, fans are encouraged to get dropped off and picked up next to Romare Bearden Park at the corner of Third and Church Streets.
Where can you tailgate at Bank of America Stadium?
There are two official tailgate spots where Panthers fans often tailgate, according to Tailgater Concierge, a website that provides tailgate information for football fans on game days:
Stadium Lot 1: Located at the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street, directly across from the stadium’s north gate.
Stadium Lot 99: Located at the corner of College Street and Fourth Street.
Tailgating-friendly lots can be located by looking for containers marked “For Coal and Ash Disposal Only.”
If you’d like to plan ahead and book a paid parking space for the game, you can do so online. On the Bank of America Stadium SpotHero Parking Page, you can find a list of available parking options that can be reserved in advance.
Can you bring alcohol into Bank of America Stadium?
No. While alcohol is allowed at tailgates, “patrons who attempt to bring their own alcohol into the stadium or who are obviously intoxicated will not be admitted into the stadium,” according to the stadium policy.
Fans can purchase up to two beers at a time inside the stadium until the end of third quarter, when alcohol sales are discontinued.
Which items are not permitted inside Bank of America Stadium?
The following items are not allowed inside the stadium:
Alcoholic beverages
All balls, including footballs
Non-transparent bags
Baby seats
Balloons
Coolers, cans and bottles
Explosives
Fireworks
Folding chairs
Food and beverages, except two sealed non-flavored water bottles per person
Horns, bells, whistles and other noise makers
Illegal drugs
Laptops
Laser pointers
Pets, except service animals
Seat cushions with zippers, clasps or packers
Selfie sticks
Strollers
Umbrellas
Video equipment
Weapons
Any other items that could be considered a safety hazard
Prohibited items that are discovered during security inspections must be returned to the owner’s vehicle or thrown away, according to stadium policy.
What items are permitted inside Bank of America Stadium?
The following items are permitted as long as they are inspected by security personnel:
Any transparent bag smaller than 12 inches by six inches by 12 inches
Purses or bags smaller than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches
Baby bjorns
Containers for medical supplies for diabetics
Flags without poles or sticks
Seat pads without covers, zips, clasps or pockets
Tablets
Small portable radios or televisions with headphones or earpieces
Since the goal is to get fans into the stadium as quickly as possible, fans are encouraged not to bring any bags or items that require inspection, the policy says.
Chyna Blackmon’s reporting contributed to this story.
This story was originally published December 4, 2024 at 8:00 AM.
