Venue Guide: PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC

PNC Music Pavilion History

Nestled in the rolling countryside on the northeastern edge of Charlotte, North Carolina, the PNC Music Pavilion has hosted big-name acts and major music festivals since opening on July 4, 1991. Originally called the Blockbuster Pavilion, then the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, this outdoor venue attracts fans from up and down the East Coast to see top performing artists in a spectacular, fresh-air setting.

PNC Music Pavilion Performers

Ray Charles christened the stage back in 1991. Since, the venue has hosted many other legends including Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles, Elton John and The Who. It’s welcomed the hottest in rock, pop, country, jazz, hip-hop and R&B, too, with artists like Coldplay, Britney Spears, Imagine Dragons, Snoop Dogg, Phish and Luke Bryan bringing in sold-out crowds. The PNC Music Pavilion is also a favorite stop for big summer tours and festivals, hosting The Vans Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, Ozzfest and Smokin’ Grooves Festival.

Planning Your Visit to the PNC Music Pavilion

The venue sits near the University of North Carolina at Charlotte campus. For a bite to eat pre- or post-show, plan a stop at the Shoppes at University Place, where you’ll find Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar & Ribs, a good place to enjoy Southern comfort food and saucy BBQ specialties. The area also offers Mediterranean (CAVA), Mexican (Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant) and Indian (Chatpatay Casual Indian Cuisine) options. Or, make your way slightly east to Harrisburg, where Captain Steve’s Family Seafood Restaurant serves up generous plates of surf and turf. If you’re itching to get to the show, however, the PNC Music Pavilion has a wide selection of concessions. Just head straight there and find parking right at the venue.

PNC Music Pavilion Frequently Asked Questions

What are PNC Music Pavilion’s parking options?

On-site parking is included in the ticket price. For an extra cost, you can get a space in the premier parking lot closest to the pavilion entrance. ADA parking is available, but limited. Dedicated drop-off areas are located at the A/B Parking Gate Entrance.

Does PNC Music Pavilion serve food?

Yes. Enjoy classic concession options like burgers, nachos and popcorn. Or save your appetite for specialty fare: fried chicken and homemade cheddar biscuits at Chef Art Smith’s ArtBird, an Impossible Meat–filled Philly classic at Questlove’s Cheesesteak, or traditional street tacos at Trejo’s Tacos stand.

What are the seating options at PNC Music Pavilion?

The PNC Music Pavilion can hold approximately 19,000 people, with roughly 7,000 seats under the pavilion, over 2,000 reserved lawn seats and 10,000 more general admission spots on the lawn. The seating chart will slightly change depending on the show. The venue offers accessible seating — just be sure to request when purchasing your tickets. Get tickets here.

What are the PNC Music Pavilion safety & security guidelines?

All bags are subject to search. Each guest is  allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (4.5”x 6.5”). For more information on permitted items and the venue’s latest health and safety guidelines, contact the box office at (704) 549-1292.

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