Getting There
Most traveling sports fans fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), which is approximately 117 miles and a 2-hour-plus drive from downtown Asheville via I-85 to I-26 or I-40 West. Asheville also has its own Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located about 20-30 minutes from the UNC Asheville campus in Fletcher, NC, with service from American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Allegiant — flying into AVL is the most convenient option if routing allows. Renting a car at either airport is strongly recommended, as Asheville has no rail connection and intercity bus service from CLT involves lengthy transfers.
Getting Around
Asheville's public transit system, ART (Asheville Rides Transit), operates 18 bus routes out of its central hub at 49 Coxe Avenue in downtown, with a flat $1 fare and service running roughly 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday — ART Route N1 and N2 serve the UNC Asheville campus, but frequency is limited and late-night game-day service may not align with tip-off times. Uber and Lyft both operate in Asheville (pickup at AVL is designated past the north end of the terminal), but surge pricing after evening games can push fares higher; for maximum flexibility around Kimmel Arena, a rental car is the most reliable option. Kimmel Arena sits on the UNCA campus about five miles from downtown, so fans staying in the city center will need transportation to and from games.
Where to Stay
Downtown Asheville is the clear base camp for visiting sports fans — it puts you within easy rideshare or driving distance of Kimmel Arena and centers you near the city's food and nightlife scene on Lexington Avenue and in the River Arts District. Expect to pay roughly $150-$250 per night for mid-range hotels downtown on a standard weekend, with rates climbing during peak leaf-peeping season (October) and major campus events. The North Asheville neighborhood is closest to the UNCA campus and Kimmel Arena, with some smaller inns and B&Bs at lower price points if proximity to the venue is the priority. Book well in advance for any basketball weekend, as Asheville is a popular leisure destination and hotel inventory moves quickly.
Sports Fan Notes
Asheville is a small-market college basketball city with a genuine, tight-knit fan base — Kimmel Arena holds around 3,200 fans, and the intimate atmosphere can generate real energy during Big South Conference play, particularly in rivalry matchups. The UNC Asheville Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big South Conference, and the men's program has made five NCAA Tournament appearances, giving the program credibility that belies its market size. Visiting fans should note that both the men's (NCAAB) and women's (NCAAW) Bulldogs play at Kimmel Arena, so scheduling a trip around a double-header weekend is a smart way to maximize the sports value of the visit. Beyond basketball, Asheville's craft beer scene — with dozens of breweries walkable in the downtown core, including New Belgium along the French Broad River and Sierra Nevada just south of the city — makes the pre- and post-game experience unusually strong for a city this size.
Venues in Asheville
Harrah's Cherokee Center
Kimmel Arena
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from CLT to downtown Asheville?
Driving is the fastest and most practical option: CLT to downtown Asheville is approximately 117 miles via I-85 to I-26, taking roughly 2 hours and 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Renting a car at CLT is strongly recommended. An Uber from CLT runs approximately $174 and about 2 hours each way, making it expensive for a round trip. There is no direct bus from CLT to Asheville — intercity bus connections via Greyhound require transfers through Charlotte's bus station and can take over 6 hours. Alternatively, if you can find routing through AVL (Asheville Regional Airport), it is only 20-30 minutes from the city and venues.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Asheville for a sports trip?
Downtown Asheville is the best all-around base: it offers the widest selection of hotels ($150-$250/night mid-range), walkable restaurants and bars on Lexington Avenue and in the River Arts District for pre- and post-game outings, and a straightforward rideshare or drive to Kimmel Arena about 5 miles away on the UNCA campus. If you want to minimize travel time to games, North Asheville is the neighborhood closest to the university and may offer quieter, more affordable lodging options.
Which sports teams play in Asheville?
Asheville's primary sports venue is Kimmel Arena on the UNC Asheville campus, which is home to both the UNC Asheville Bulldogs men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the UNC Asheville Bulldogs women's basketball team (NCAAW), both competing in NCAA Division I's Big South Conference. A visiting fan can potentially catch both programs on the same trip by checking for back-to-back scheduling on game weekends.
Is Asheville a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Asheville is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The tournament is hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The nearest U.S. host city to Asheville is Atlanta, GA (about 3 hours south via I-26 and I-85), which is one of the official American host venues for the tournament.
Sports cities near Asheville
Close enough to pair with a Asheville trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.