If you’ve lived in the Triangle for more than a minute, you know that when the Harlem Globetrotters Raleigh NC date pops up on the calendar, it’s basically a local holiday for families. But this year is different. This isn't just another night of spinning balls and bucket-of-confetti gags.
The 2026 tour marks the official 100th Anniversary of the team. Think about that for a second. This organization started in 1926—before the NBA even existed. Honestly, the fact that they’re still selling out arenas like the Lenovo Center (which most of us still accidentally call PNC Arena) is kind of a miracle of modern entertainment.
When and Where: The Logistics
You’ll want to mark your calendar for Thursday, March 19, 2026. The show kicks off at 7:00 PM.
The venue change name is a bit of a trip for locals, but the address is still 1400 Edwards Mill Rd. Parking is where they usually get you. If you pay at the lot on game day, expect to drop about $45 for a car. Pre-paying online usually knocks that down to $32, which is basically the price of a stadium hot dog and a soda these days.
Doors usually open an hour before tip-off, but if you’re doing the Magic Pass experience, you need to be there way earlier. That usually starts around 5:30 PM.
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Is the 100-Year Tour Actually Different?
A lot of people think the Globetrotters just do the same routine every year. Same tricks. Same Washington Generals "losing" at the buzzer.
This year, they’ve actually overhauled a lot. They’ve partnered with designer Jeff Hamilton for these high-end 100th-anniversary uniforms. There’s a white "World Famous" version, a red "Tour" version, and a blue "Ambassador" set. They’ve also introduced a Golden Basketball by Spalding specifically for this centennial run.
The roster is a mix of the legends you probably recognize and some newer high-flyers. You’ll likely see fan favorites like:
- TNT Lister (who is still one of the most incredible ball-handlers on the planet)
- Handles Franklin
- Big Easy Lofton
The vibe is less "serious basketball" and more "circus with a hoop." They’re leaning heavily into the "Ambassadors of Goodwill" title this year, which sounds a bit corporate, but in practice, it just means they spend a lot more time in the stands interacting with kids than they used to in the 90s.
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The Ticket Price Reality Check
Let’s talk money. You can find "get-in" tickets for around $42, but those are usually the nosebleeds where the players look like ants. If you want to actually see the sweat and the facial expressions during the comedy bits, you’re looking at $75 to $95 for lower-level seats.
Then there are the upgrades. The Magic Pass is the big one. It’s an extra fee—usually around $30–$40 on top of your ticket—that lets you on the court before the game. You get to shoot hoops, try to spin the ball on your finger, and get autographs. Is it worth it? If your kid is obsessed with basketball, yes. If you’re just there for the nostalgia, skip it and save the money for the merch stand.
Why Raleigh Still Shows Up
Raleigh is a basketball town. Between NC State, Duke, and UNC, the bar for "good hoops" is sky-high. The Globetrotters don't compete with the ACC; they offer the one thing the ACC usually lacks: a guaranteed win and a lack of stress.
There's a specific history here, too. The team has been coming to Raleigh for decades, dating back to the old Reynolds Coliseum days. For many parents in the 919, taking their kids to see the Harlem Globetrotters Raleigh NC is a "circle of life" moment. You remember your dad taking you, now you’re taking your daughter, and the jokes—thankfully—haven't changed much because they still work.
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A Few Pro-Tips for the Lenovo Center
Don't be the person who brings a huge bag. The bag policy is strict: 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. Basically, if it’s bigger than a postcard, leave it in the car.
Also, if you’re looking for the "souvenir ticket," make sure you select that option during the checkout on Ticketmaster or SeatGeek. They don't just hand them out at the door; they're a specific 100-year commemorative item.
If you want to avoid the massive traffic jam on Edwards Mill Road after the game, try parking in the further lots near the fairgrounds. It’s a longer walk, but you’ll be on I-40 while everyone else is still sitting in the parking deck.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Official Schedule: Confirm the 7:00 PM start time at the Lenovo Center website before you head out, as tour times can occasionally shift for TV filming.
- Buy Parking Early: Use the ParkWhiz app or the venue's direct link to save at least $10 on the parking fee.
- Validate Your Tickets: Use reputable secondary markets like SeatGeek or StubHub if the primary Ticketmaster block is sold out, but double-check that the "100 Year Tour" branding is on the listing to ensure you're getting the anniversary show.
- Arrive Early for Merch: The 100th-anniversary jerseys and the gold Spalding balls are expected to sell out quickly at local stops. If you want one, get to the stand by 6:15 PM.