Y'all ready for this? Get ready for an early dose of March Madness when the 2026 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Tournament returns to Spectrum Center — marking the 15th year the Queen City has hosted the tournament.

The ACC Tournament features North Carolina's biggest and most prestigious men's college basketball programs, making the ~ two-hour drive from Tobacco Road to the Queen City — including UNC, Duke, NC State, Clemson, and Wake Forest.

Tournament schedule

First round — Tuesday, March 10
Second round — Wednesday, March 11
Quarterfinals — Thursday, March 12
Semifinals — Friday, March 13
Championship game — Saturday, March 14

Ticket information

Tickets are sold per session, granting fans entry to multiple games per day. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, as the tournament is expected to attract major attendance from fans from out of town.

Guests to the new and improved Spectrum Center will find a brighter space, more seating, and hangout spots for all events. | Photos by CLTtoday

New and improved

Tournament goers can expect a heightened viewing experience, thanks to the completion of the Spectrum Center's $245 million renovation project, titled “Re!magine Spectrum Center.” Enhancements include an upgraded concourse with grab-and-go concession, revamped club spaces, and new speaker systems.

Transportation and parking

Expect high traffic around Uptown each day of the tournament. Fans heading out to Spectrum Center are recommended taking rideshare options, like Uber of Lyft. CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar and the Lynx Blue Line are also both conveniently serving near Spectrum Center.

Future tournaments in Charlotte

No "one and done" story here. The Queen City is scheduled to host the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament every year through 2028.

Economic impact

With so many sports fans expected to visit Spectrum Center + nearby restaurants and hotels over the next three years, the ACC commissioner believes more than $400 million in sports revenue could come to the Queen City. We call that a slam dunk.