CHARLOTTE, N.C. — "OMG" Usher fans! The eight-time Grammy award-winner singer will bring his "USHER: Past Present Future" tour this week.
If you want to see the "Superstar," he'll be in the Queen City on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Spectrum Center.
The "USHER: Past Present Future" tour features over two dozen stops and follows the R&B icon's lauded 30-year career following the release of his latest album, "Coming Home." The second Charlotte show was added to the tour after the initial tour announcement, in response to "incredible fan demand."
There will be much going on with fans flocking to Uptown for the big show. Here's what to know before you head out this week.
How to get to the Spectrum Center
Whether you're coming from near or far, there are plenty of ways to get to the Spectrum Center in Uptown, located at 333 East Trade Street. There are nearly 30,000 off-street parking spaces within a 15-minute walking distance of Spectrum Center. Guests can also find and reserve parking at seven different lots around the venue using Park Mobile.
Here are some ways suggested to get to the arena:
- I-85 from the South: Exit at Billy Graham Parkway, take Billy Graham Parkway to I-77 North, exit at either I-277 North or Trade Street.
- I-85 from the North: Exit at the I-77 exit at either John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street.
- I-77 from the South: Exit at either John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street.
- I-77 from the North: Exit at either Brookshire Freeway (I-277 East), 5th Street, Trade Street or John Belk Freeway (I-277).
- Brookshire Freeway (I-277) from the West: Exit at either I-77 South or Brevard Street.
- NC 49/US 29 from the Northeast: Follow Tryon Street to Uptown, Spectrum Center is one block east of the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets.
- CLT Airport: Follow Josh Birmingham Parkway 1.5 miles to Billy Graham Parkway South. Proceed on Billy Graham to I-77 North. Exit at either John Belk Freeway (I-277) or Trade Street.
If you're not driving to the concert, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available.
Spectrum Center is located next to Charlotte’s main bus terminal. In addition, the arena has stops for both the Charlotte and Gold Rush street trolleys. You can find a schedule and pick-up/drop-off locations here.
What (not) to bring
Concertgoers should know the Spectrum Center has a no-bag policy, though exceptions will be made for purses smaller than 10”X10”X4." Exceptions will be made for diaper and medical bags, including breast pumps.
The venue recommends not bringing a bag/purse as they will be required to go through an x-ray machine prior to entering, which leads to longer wait times.
Have your mobile tickets handy
All tickets for Hornets games and Spectrum Center events continue to be digital, with limited exceptions.
Have your tickets saved to your mobile wallet before arriving at the arena and have your ticket barcode up on your screen before you reach the entrance. Find more information on mobile tickets here.
In addition, Spectrum Center is a 100% cashless experience at all concession stands and retail locations to eliminate the numerous shared touchpoints through cash transactions.
Reverse ATMs are located throughout the arena to convert cash onto cards if necessary.
What's the forecast?
The good news is the Charlotte area is expected to stay rain-free and quiet headed into the weekend, meaning you won't have to worry about bringing your rain gear to see Usher.
Highs will be near 80 degrees through Saturday. Find the full forecast from your WCNC Weather Impact Team here.
Are there tickets left?
If you've read this far down and still don't have a ticket to the show, don't fret! Tickets are still available for the show, but they won't last long. Find tickets to the "Past Present Future Tour" here.