Elton John will be performing in Charlotte, North Carolina as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Many fans are wondering what time the gates will open for the concert so they can get into the venue early and secure a good seat or standing spot. In this article, we will provide a quick answer about when gates open and give more details about the concert venue, parking information, and tips for having the best experience at the show.
Quick Answer
For Elton John’s concert at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 16, 2023, the gates are scheduled to open at 6:30pm. The concert is slated to begin at 8:00pm.
About the Venue
Elton John will be performing at Spectrum Center in uptown Charlotte. This indoor arena has a maximum concert capacity of around 20,000 people.
Spectrum Center originally opened in 2005 and is home to the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Over the years, it has hosted many major concerts and sporting events. The venue has decent acoustics and sightlines, with lower and upper bowl seating as well as floor general admission sections.
Seating at Spectrum Center
There are a few different seating sections at Spectrum Center for concerts:
- Lower bowl seats are closest to the stage and more expensive.
- Upper bowl seats are further back but elevated for decent views.
- Floor seats are general admission standing room only on the ground level.
- Suite level seats offer premium views from private suites.
Seats are first come, first served within each ticketed section. Getting to the venue early allows fans to get closer to the front within their section. Floor tickets especially require an early arrival to get a prime standing spot near the catwalk.
Food and Drinks
Spectrum Center offers a variety of food and drink options from vendors and concession stands:
- Standard arena fare like hot dogs, burgers, nachos, fries, pretzels, popcorn.
- Beverages including soda, water, beer, and cocktails.
- Specialty stands with barbecue, tacos, pizza, ice cream, etc.
Making purchases is cashless – fans can pay with credit/debit cards or mobile payment apps. There are also drink stations to refill water bottles inside the arena.
Merchandise
Elton John tour merchandise will be available for purchase at the concert. Typically there are multiple merchandise booths located in the concourses. Popular items include t-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, programs, pins, and more.
Merchandise lines tend to be very long directly before, during, and after the show. Getting to the arena early is the best way to avoid merchandise lines and get the best selection of items. There are usually item limits in place as well.
Parking at Spectrum Center
Spectrum Center is located in uptown Charlotte, so parking can be a challenge during major events. Here are some parking options nearby:
- Spectrum Center VIP Parking Deck – Attached parking garage with entrances on Graham and 6th Streets. This is the most convenient parking for the arena but also the priciest at around $40-60 per space.
- Public lots and decks – There are various city-run parking lots and decks within a few blocks walk of Spectrum Center in the $10-20 range.
- Street parking – Limited metered parking is available on streets near the arena but fills up fast. Rates vary by time and proximity.
- Ride sharing – Uber, Lyft, or taxi drop-offs are permitted near venue entrances.
Allow extra time to account for traffic, pedestrian congestion, and getting parked before the gates open. Arriving early also allows time to explore restaurants and attractions around downtown Charlotte before the concert.
Security and Entrance Process
All fans entering Spectrum Center go through a security screening checkpoint similar to airports:
- Bags are inspected and sometimes searched.
- Walk-through metal detectors screen all guests.
- Prohibited items are confiscated (weapons, bottles, video/audio recorders, etc.)
Having bags transparent and minimal can speed up the security process. Make sure to only bring permitted items and arrive with ample time to get inside.
After security, tickets are scanned at the entrance gates on the ground level. Seats tickets indicate a section, row, and seat number to find. Floor tickets provide standing room access only.
Guest services staff can provide help finding seats if needed. Ushers monitor each section.
Tips for an Awesome Concert Experience
Here are some tips for Elton John fans to make the most of their concert experience in Charlotte:
Arrive Early
Get to Spectrum Center at least 1-2 hours before showtime, earlier if possible. This allows time to park, get through security, buy merchandise, find seats, use the restroom, get food/drinks, and soak up the atmosphere. The earlier the better!
Check Weather and Dress Accordingly
October weather in Charlotte can be warm during the day but cooler at night. Check the forecast and dress in layers. T-shirts with jackets work well. Comfortable closed toe shoes are also a good idea for standing on arena floors.
Charge Your Phone
Phones tend to die quickly at concerts while taking photos/videos. Bring an extra battery pack or charge your phone fully before arriving. However, be mindful of blocking views when taking photos and videos.
Save Money on Food/Drinks
Arena food and drinks are expensive. Eat before arriving or bring snacks like granola bars to save money. You can also bring a sealed plastic water bottle to refill inside for free.
Use Earplugs
Even with decent acoustics, concerts can get very loud. Bringing earplugs helps protect your hearing and keeps your ears from ringing after the show.
Stay Hydrated
Dancing and singing along takes energy. Drink water before and during the show to stay hydrated.
Have Fun and Make Memories
Sing, dance, and enjoy seeing a music legend like Elton John while you can! Take some photos and videos to look back on later. Soak up the memories of a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.
Conclusion
In summary, gates open at 6:30pm for Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour stop at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC on October 16, 2023. Arrive early to get parking, navigate security lines, find your seats, and be set for the 8:00pm showtime. Spectrum Center offers decent views and amenities for concert-goers. Follow the tips above for having the best experience and maximizing your enjoyment of seeing Elton John live! It will be an epic night singing along to classic hits like “Bennie and the Jets”, “Rocket Man”, “Candle in the Wind” and more.