There are certain places in Charlotte that are significant to the city’s history, skyline, and culture – and they are places that all Charlotteans recognize. Here are 10 of Charlotte’s most iconic places. How many have you been to?
1. Bojangles Coliseum
The Bojangles Coliseum is an 8,600 multi-purpose arena that was opened in Charlotte in 1955. Originally called the Charlotte Coliseum, this space has been home to many basketball and hockey teams over the years. Today the Coliseum is mostly used for concerts and other events. Named for one of the South's favorite fast food restaurants, the Bojangle's Coliseum red and yellow exterior and signage is instantly recognizable to any Charlottean in the area.
2. Bank of America Stadium
The Bank of America Stadium is home to Charlotte's beloved NFL Football Team - the Carolina Panthers. During football season, locals and visitors flock to the stadium each week to tailgate, share food and fun with friends and cheer on the Panthers. If you've lived in Charlotte for a while, this stadium is most likely one of your favorite buildings in the QC.
3. The Firebird at the Bechtler Museum
The Firebird at the Bechtler Museum is a fun, playful sculpture that was introduced to Charlotte in 2009. Since then, many Charlotteans walk by the work of art each day on their way into work Uptown, and tourists get a kick out of visiting and taking pictures in front of the giant silver bird.
4. Duke Energy Center
The Duke Energy Center is a 786-foot-tall corporate skyscraper in Uptown Charlotte. While it's unique shape makes this tower hard to miss on the Charlotte skyline, the feature that makes it truly unique is the Wells Fargo Lights.
The building is outfitted with hundreds of LED lights that light up the sky at night in all different colors. Each evening there is a specific reason for the colors displayed on the building, for example they might be Panthers blue on a game day or they may be the color of a certain non-profit who is hosting an event that day.
If you're curious as to why the building is colored a certain way on a certain day, check out their Twitter page
here to see why.
5. The Fillmore
The Fillmore is an iconic concert venue in the QC that is a fabulous place to catch an intimate show or your favorite artist. Located at the Music Factory, the Fillmore's interior is decorated with beautiful vintage chandeliers and decorations. You'll feel like you're watching a show in an elegant 1920s theater, even at the most modern music shows, and you'll love every minute of it. Most Charlotteans have experienced at least one concert here.
6. Bank of America Corporate Center
The Bank of America Corporate Center is a 871 ft. skyscraper that was built in Uptown Charlotte in 1992. The World Headquarters of Bank of America, this building is the tallest building in the Charlotte skyline and most recognizable to many locals. No matter where you've been, you'll instantly feel back at home when you get a glimpse of this tower peeking over the others in our fabulous city.
7. The Amphitheater at SouthPark Mall
The Amphitheater at SouthPark Mall is a well known outdoor event venue. In the summers, this is the location of the popular Pops at the Park, where Charlotte locals come out to sit on the lawn and listen to the magic of the Charlotte Symphony. Many festivals, art shows and other events have been hosted here and it's likely if you're a local you've been to one of them!
8. Queen Charlotte at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
This iconic statue of Queen Charlotte is one you have most likely seen if you've traveled in and out of the Charlotte airport. Designed and dedicated in 1990, this statue honors Queen Charlotte and her English settlers to this area. The statue was placed at the airport as a way of welcoming those who land in Charlotte whether coming home or visiting. Built so that she looks like she is bent like a willow branch held aloft by the wind, the Queen greets everyone who steps into the QC.
9. BB&T Ballpark
The BB&T Ballpark is a newer structure in the QC, just built in the past few years- however it's quickly becoming an iconic place in Uptown Charlotte. Built in the heart of the city with a view of the skyscrapers that surround Uptown, this is a fabulous place to catch a ball game and a fireworks show in the summer.
10. 7th Street Station
The iconic 7th Street Station Uptown is one of our favorite places that give the QC it’s unique charm. This train station is recognizable by the brightly colored blocks and shapes that decorate the outside, which are always noticed by people walking by. A cool feature of the station is that if you press on some of these colored blocks, they will play music, which is great fun for kids and adults to try as they are waiting for a train or just walking by.
Tell us what we are missing in the comments! Or share your photos of other iconic Charlotte hotspots on Instagram(@onlyincharlotte ) or Only In Charlotte on Facebook.
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