Sports Connection

Sports Connection in Ballantyne is a dependable family entertainment center serving Charlotte's southern suburbs with a practical lineup of indoor activities that work year-round. Located on Ardrey Kell Road, it offers bowling, laser tag, batting cages, and an arcade — a solid combination that covers different interests and ages without needing to drive to multiple locations.

For families with sports-oriented kids, the batting cages are a differentiator. You won't find this at most Charlotte entertainment centers, and for baseball or softball families, it turns a fun outing into something with actual skill development. Kids who play rec league sports particularly love the chance to practice in an environment that feels like real training.

Bowling is the most family-friendly activity — bumper bowling makes it accessible for kids as young as 5, and the lanes accommodate groups of mixed ages without anyone feeling left out. It's the go-to anchor for birthday parties at this location, and staff are experienced at managing groups.

Laser tag and the arcade fill out the visit nicely. The tag arena at Sports Connection is a solid multi-level setup that gets competitive fast with older kids — expect a lot of running and a lot of arguments about who tagged whom. The arcade has a mix of redemption games and skill games calibrated appropriately for the elementary-through-teen range.

Food on-site covers the basics (pizza, drinks, typical snack fare). Ballantyne's restaurant density means you have excellent options within a mile if you want a proper post-visit meal.

For south Charlotte families in the Ballantyne, Stonecroft, or Rea Road corridor, Sports Connection is the closest major indoor family entertainment option. On rainy Saturday afternoons, expect crowds — weekday mornings during school breaks are the sweet spot for shorter waits and a more relaxed pace.