Most home openers feature a generic national act that no one knows by name. The Charlotte Hornets are breaking that mold by booking a local legend who wrote the soundtrack for the entire region. Petey Pablo, the Grammy-nominated rapper, is set to headline the Hornets’ 2026–27 home opener at Spectrum Center on Oct. 23. Representing the state in hip-hop for more than two decades, this Greenville, N.C. native considers the event a homecoming rather than merely a performance.
WSOC TV reports that the Friday night matchup against the Atlanta Hawks is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. The team has made it clear that this night is about celebrating local culture alongside the start of the season. Upon entering the arena, fans attending the home opener will get an exclusive “Raise Up” t-shirt. For years, that single track plus songs like “Carolina Colors” and “Vibrate” have been regular features at sporting events throughout the Carolinas. It is the kind of music that gets a crowd moving before the first bounce of the ball.
A New Merchandise Push
A limited-edition merchandise collaboration between Pablo and the Hornets will be sold at the Charlotte Hornets Fan Shop inside Spectrum Center on game night while supplies last. This move shows the team is ready to capitalize on the excitement surrounding a hometown hero. Those wishing to join the crowd can still purchase limited tickets for Opening Night via the team’s website. The energy in the building should be electric when the beat drops and the crowd starts singing along to a song they know by heart.
This partnership highlights a shift in how the franchise views its connection to the local fan base. Instead of chasing big national names that might feel distant, they are doubling down on regional pride. The “Raise Up” anthem has been played in arenas across the state, but seeing it performed live by the man who wrote it adds a layer of authenticity that a playlist cannot match. It creates a moment where the players and the fans are united by a shared sound and a shared history.
Where to Catch the Action
For fans who cannot make it to the arena, the broadcast details are just as important as the halftime show. Throughout the season, all non-nationally televised games will air in the Charlotte area on Channel 9 or TV64. This ensures that the local audience can follow the team from the first tip-off to the final buzzer, no matter where they are. With the full schedule locked in, the Hornets face the Hawks at Spectrum Center on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
The team is building momentum with these local touches while they prepare for the grind of the regular season. The preseason is winding down, with the final preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks taking place on Sunday, Oct. 11. After that, the focus shifts entirely to the main event. The home opener sets the tone for the year, and bringing in Petey Pablo sends a clear message to the league and the fans alike.
Per WSOC TV, the game will be broadcast locally if it is not picked up by a national network. The Hornets are ready to start their campaign with a celebration that feels personal and authentic. The combination of a local icon, exclusive gear, and a packed house makes this a night that fans will remember long after the final score. The stage is set for a memorable start to the 2026–27 season.
