Charlotte Checkers Hockey
Rating
Family of 4
$80-130 total: tickets $15-30 per person; parking $15-20 near Bojangles' Coliseum; food adds $30-40
Duration
2.5-3 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 3 and up
About
The Charlotte Checkers are Charlotte's AHL hockey team — the top affiliate of the NHL's Florida Panthers — and a Checkers game at Bojangles' Coliseum is one of the best live sports experiences in the city for families.
AHL hockey occupies a unique position in the sports world: these are genuine professional athletes at the top of their careers, either working toward an NHL roster spot or veterans maintaining their playing level. The on-ice product is excellent — fast, physical, and strategic in ways that reward attentive watching. For kids who have never seen live hockey, the speed and intensity of the game in person is a genuine revelation compared to watching on TV.
Bojangles' Coliseum is an old-school arena — built in 1955 and renovated periodically, it has the right character for hockey. The lower bowl puts you close to the ice, and the building acoustics amplify crowd noise dramatically. When the Checkers score on home ice with a packed house, the noise level is remarkable.
For older kids who want to feel the energy of a live sporting event, this delivers.
The team runs robust family programming throughout the season: post-game skates, player meet-and-greet events, themed nights (Star Wars, Disney princess nights, etc.), and family four-pack ticket deals. Check the promotional schedule when choosing a game — the right theme night can transform the experience for young kids.
The arena is always cold. Hockey rinks maintain temperatures in the low 60s even in summer — bring a layer for everyone in the group.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Saturday afternoon or evening games — best atmosphere. The arena is always cold; dress accordingly
Wait Times
15-20 minute wait at concessions before puck drop; arrive early
Nearby Food
Full concessions at Bojangles' Coliseum. Uptown Charlotte restaurants nearby for pre-game dinner.
Why Kids Love It
AHL hockey is the highest level of minor league professional hockey — the Florida Panthers' top affiliate plays incredibly physical, fast-paced games at Bojangles' Coliseum. The arena is a classic old-school hockey barn that gets loud fast. The pace of the game is constant, the physical play is intense, and the proximity to the ice means you can actually hear the hits and skate edges.
For a first live hockey experience, this is the perfect setting: professional quality, intimate scale, and half the price of an NHL game.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Dress warm — hockey arenas run cold by design. Even in summer, bring a light jacket for everyone in the family.
- Arrive for warm-ups (30-45 minutes before puck drop) — players skate close to the glass during warm-ups and kids can sometimes get pucks or sticks.
- Lower bowl seats are worth the upgrade for families — the action is fast and the ice is hard to follow from the upper bowl if you're not familiar with the game.
What to Bring
- Light jacket or fleece — the arena is cold
- Earplugs for sensitive ears (can get loud)
- Cash for concessions (though card accepted)
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$80-130 total: tickets $15-30 per person; parking $15-20 near Bojangles' Coliseum; food adds $30-40
Tips to Save
- Family 4-packs are available through the Checkers' website — lower per-ticket cost plus a voucher for concessions.
- Midweek games are cheaper and less crowded.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Monday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Sunday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Tuesday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Saturday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Thursday
- Game days vary — check schedule
- Wednesday
- Game days vary — check schedule
