Charlotte Hosts Thrilling Sports Events This Week

Charlotte, NC, January 9, 2026

This week, Charlotte, North Carolina, offers an exciting lineup of sporting events that engage fans and energize the community. Highlighting this week’s schedule is the Carolina Panthers hosting the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL playoffs, marking their first home playoff game in a decade. Additionally, fans can catch the Charlotte Hornets taking on the Indiana Pacers, along with multiple games featuring the Charlotte Checkers. These events not only showcase athletic talent but also bring the community together, reinforcing local pride and economic vitality.

Columbia, SC – While the heart of South Carolina beats strongly within our capital city, the broader regional landscape often offers vibrant opportunities for engagement and entertainment that resonate with our own community spirit. This week, just a short drive up I-77, Charlotte, North Carolina, presents a dynamic lineup of sporting events from January 8th to January 14th, 2026, showcasing the power of organized civic initiatives and individual achievement in fostering regional excitement. For residents of the Richland County community and those keen on South Carolina gatherings, these neighboring events highlight the energy that well-supported sports can inject into an area.

The dedication of local organizers and the collective enthusiasm of fans are tangible drivers of economic and social vitality. These events underscore how public-private partnerships and the initiative of various sports organizations bring significant moments to life, demonstrating a model of community growth that thrives with active participation and limited governmental encumbrance.

Carolina Panthers Host Playoff Football

Perhaps the most anticipated event of the week is the return of NFL playoff football to Bank of America Stadium. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET, the Carolina Panthers are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round. This marks the first home playoff game for the Panthers in a decade. The game promises an electric atmosphere, a testament to the loyal fanbase and the hard work of the team throughout the season. Such high-stakes events not only showcase athletic prowess but also rally communities, creating shared experiences and boosting local pride. The anticipation surrounding this game reflects the significant investment individuals and organizations make in supporting professional sports, yielding substantial returns in civic engagement and regional identity.

Charlotte Hornets Bring NBA Action Home

For basketball enthusiasts, the Charlotte Hornets will be in action at the Spectrum Center. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Hornets are set to face the Indiana Pacers in a home game. This encounter provides a local opportunity to witness top-tier professional basketball and support the region’s NBA team. The consistent operation and fan engagement of a professional franchise like the Hornets demonstrate the effectiveness of stable organizational structures and the appeal of individual athletic achievement. These events contribute to the local economy and offer accessible entertainment for families and sports aficionados, highlighting the benefits of a thriving private sector in regional development.

Charlotte Checkers on the Ice

Ice hockey fans have multiple opportunities to catch the Charlotte Checkers in AHL action at Bojangles Coliseum. The Checkers will host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on both Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Later in the week, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM, the Checkers will play against the Springfield Thunderbirds. These games offer fast-paced, high-energy entertainment suitable for all ages. The sustained success of minor league teams like the Checkers illustrates the value of grassroots sports development and consistent local leadership in providing diverse athletic opportunities for the public.

Collegiate Competition

The spirit of competition extends to the collegiate level as well. On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Queens University Royals Women’s Basketball team will host the Jacksonville Dolphins at Curry Arena in Charlotte. College athletics are vital for developing talent and fostering a sense of community pride within academic institutions. These events provide a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their personal initiative and dedication, inspiring future generations in the Richland County community and beyond.

Fostering Regional Vitality Through Sport

The array of sporting events scheduled in Charlotte this week exemplifies the broader benefits of robust community engagement and strategic investment in local and regional attractions. From professional playoff football to collegiate basketball, each event reflects a commitment to excellence and provides opportunities for individuals to gather, celebrate, and support shared interests. For those interested in Columbia SC events, observing how a neighboring city manages and promotes such diverse sporting spectacles can offer valuable insights into enhancing our own local calendar and encouraging vibrant South Carolina gatherings.

The successful orchestration of these events speaks to the effectiveness of local leadership and the civic innovation demonstrated by sports organizations and municipal entities working collaboratively. It shows that when communities embrace personal initiative and support varied athletic pursuits, the entire region benefits from increased activity, stronger bonds, and a palpable sense of shared achievement.

Conclusion

This week’s sporting calendar in Charlotte offers a compelling example of how diverse athletic events can energize a metropolitan area and its surrounding regions. From the intensity of NFL playoff football to the skill of NBA and AHL matchups, alongside collegiate contests, there are ample opportunities for sports enthusiasts to engage. We encourage all South Carolinians to explore these regional offerings, supporting the athletes and organizations that contribute so much to our collective quality of life. By embracing these events, whether as participants or spectators, we reinforce the vibrant spirit of individual achievement and community strength across our state. Stay engaged, support local and regional initiatives, and contribute to the flourishing civic landscape that defines our Southern communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most anticipated sporting event in Charlotte from January 8-14, 2026?

The Carolina Panthers are scheduled to host the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card round on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium.

Are there any Charlotte Hornets home games this week?

Yes, the Charlotte Hornets will play against the Indiana Pacers at the Spectrum Center on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

What are the Charlotte Checkers’ home games during this period?

The Charlotte Checkers will host the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM and Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Bojangles Coliseum. They will also play the Springfield Thunderbirds on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Bojangles Coliseum.

Is there any college basketball scheduled in Charlotte this week?

Yes, the Queens University Royals Women’s Basketball team will host the Jacksonville Dolphins at Curry Arena on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

Key Sporting Events in Charlotte (January 8-14, 2026)

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Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.