ACC Tournament brings economic boost to Charlotte businesses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The ACC Tournament is back in Charlotte this week, bringing thousands of college basketball fans into the city and providing a major boost for local businesses.

While the games take place inside the arena, the impact is being felt across Uptown and throughout Charlotte, where restaurants, bars, and small businesses say the multi-day event is one of their busiest times of the year.

“This is one of our busiest times of year,” said Gena DiPaolo, owner of Geno D’s Pizza. “We’ve been preparing for it since last week. We’re doubling up on our product. We’re ready for it.”

Business owners say the tournament draws fans from across the region, many of whom spend time exploring the city before and after games.

Inside the Market at 7th Street, vendors say tournament week brings a steady stream of customers through the doors.

“It’s just an influx of people to really help bring business to the city, which we need,” said Janelle Doyle, owner of It’s Poppin. “For it to come during a weekday, which is some of the slower times of the week for small businesses, it’s everything. It really helps.”

The market sits just blocks from Spectrum Center, making it a convenient stop for fans looking to grab a bite or explore the area between games.

Vendors say the tournament also introduces new visitors to local businesses they may not have discovered otherwise.

“We really love when people come in and can kind of see what we see when we go see our Hornets play,” Doyle said. “Having different games here really helps showcase Charlotte, showcase our beautiful Spectrum Center and all of the businesses around it.”

According to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, last year’s ACC Tournament generated nearly $34 million in economic impact. The event also brought thousands of fans to the city and accounted for more than 20,000 hotel room nights during tournament week.

Business owners say that kind of traffic can make a significant difference.

“From all over, just to see people traveling and trying different places in the market and supporting small local businesses,” DiPaolo said.

City leaders say events like the ACC Tournament remain a key part of Charlotte’s sports tourism strategy, helping attract visitors and their spending to Uptown businesses each year.

Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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