Plan Your Visit | Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville
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Plan Your Visit

Know Before You Go

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is a publicly owned venue and therefore is restricted from discriminating against users based on the content of their speech or political party affiliation.

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  • Beginning in January 2020, HCCA will become a mobile-only digital ticket venue. For full ticket management, download the Ticketmaster app. Hard tickets will still be available for purchase only at the box office.
  • Subscribe for all the latest information on presale codes, tickets, events, and more via our Connect page
  • Find your way to the venue more easily with a quick visit to our Directions & Parking page.
  • Ticketmaster.com is the ONLY approved ticket selling agent for our venue. Full ticketing and box office information available here.

Directions & Parking

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Eats
& Drinks

A packed Thomas Wolf Auditorium

What To Bring

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Box Office & Ticketing

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A-Z Guide
& FAQs

A packed Thomas Wolf Auditorium

Hotels
& Lodging

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Accessibility

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A to Z Guide

A

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville recognizes the needs of persons with disabilities and has met or exceeded the requirements of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACE and the City of Asheville’s accessibility mandates. We provide a full range of accommodations for guests with disabilities to ensure their safety, comfort, and enjoyment of our events and facilities. The following section provides highlights of our available services.

To view the full list of our Accessibility features, please click here.

Guarantee your experience by purchasing your ticket in advance.  Find everything you need to know and more on our Ticketing page.

Any and every patron with a disability has the right to be accompanied by a service animal trained to assist with their specific disability.  Service animals are restricted to dogs and miniature ponies and must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times, and will accompany the person into their seating area rather than resting in the aisle.  If the service animal poses a threat to the safety of other guests, causes disruption to the event or property damage to the venue, the patron and service animal may be asked to leave  the property.  No other animals are allowed.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, please contact our Corporate Partnerships department.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville has two ATMs on the property.

  • Inside: Located in the entry way of the main concourse upon arrival
  • Outside: Located to the immediate right of the HCCA box office.

Harrahs Cherokee Center – Asheville, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, & ExploreAsheville.com Arena

87 Haywood Street
Asheville, NC * 28801

B

Large bags, backpacks, luggage, laptops, tablets, coolers, briefcases and like articles are strictly prohibited from the facility. Patrons with prohibited articles will be turned away at the entrances and no storage or check area will be provided for such items. Enforcement will be without exceptions.

Signs 8 ½ x 11” or under that adhere to the Code of Conduct are permitted inside the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. Management may prohibit and confiscate signs that violate the Code of Conduct or are not event-related, excessive in size or contain indecent or derogatory comments or images, political statements, or commercial references. Signs and banners may not be hung anywhere in the facility or displayed in any way that obstructs the view of others or advertising signage. No signs or banners with poles or sticks are permitted.

Our dedicated event team will ensure that your event, regardless of the number of attending guests and event category, will receive the attention and service that only a premier facility can provide. From the small meeting groups in our Banquet Hall, open structure layout in the Exhibition Hall to large group (500-7,200 guests) events in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and ExploreAsheville.com Arena, HCCA is the ideal venue to impress your guests, fans, and attendees at your next special event.

To make a venue rental inquiry, please click here.

Guests are not permitted to carry bottles or containers into the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville at any time. To see all prohibited items, visit our What to Bring page.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is located at 87 Haywood Street. For ticket-related support, visit the Box Office during regular business hours or contact Ticketmaster Customer Service at 800-653-8000. For all other inquiries, contact HCCA Guest Services.

C

Non-flash, still cameras without a detachable lens are permitted.. Professional photography equipment, including tripods, are not permitted inside without building issued media credentials.

Please note, the Event Promoter reserves the right to deny camera use at any time during or before the concert and to prohibit the use of any camera that is deemed unacceptable.

In the rare event that a HCCA event is postponed or canceled, please visit our website website for up-to-date information on scheduled events or call Customer Service at 828.259.5736.

Please click the link that best applies to your situation:

I’m a caterer and want to get involved with your venue

I’m hosting an event and need to find approved catering options for your venue.

The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville general policy is that guests 2 and younger are free to attend events; however, this policy is subject to change per the event promoter’s approval or adjustment. Please check with your specific event page for any inquiries.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville does not automatically provide coat check options for guests. Availability of this services varies by event.

Please view our Eats & Drinks page for more information.

Masks, costumes, facepaint, or related coverings are permitted inside the venue ONLY IF they do not cover more than 50% of the face. This does not apply to PPE, COVID-19, or medical masks coverings.

For complaints, concerns, comments, or suggestions, please fill out our Guest Services Inquiry form below and a representative will respond as soon as possible.

Most e-mails will receive a return reply within 24-48 hours.

Guest Services Inquiry

This form is for guests to inquire about special services for attending, hosting, and related activities at our events.

D

The time the doors open will vary according the event. Generally, our doors will open (1) hour prior the start of the event time. Please check the time on our events page prior to arrival. HCCA and its event promoters reserve the right to adjust the door and event times in advance.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is located at 87 Haywood Street. Please visit our Directions & Parking page for more information on getting here, parking, and more.

E

ExploreAsheville.com Arena: Elevator access to the arena floor level is located in the entry way of the main concourse level upon arrival into the venue.

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: Does not have elevator access at this time.

Banquet Hall: Elevator access can be found in the Jan Davis Lobby upon arrival into the venue.

Visit the Employment page to find out job opportunities at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. The HCCA, owned by the City of Asheville, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants must first qualify through the City of Asheville’s staffing protocol for employment at our venue.

F

Facility Fee
A facility fee is charged to each ticket purchased to Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville and may vary depending on the type of event.

Ticketing Fees
These fees are administered by Ticketmaster.com to cover costs of credit card charges, shipping, and related costs.
Pro Tip: You can always save money by purchasing tickets at the venue box office.

Please check with the nearest Event Staff member for assistance. In case of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

All HCCA events have trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) available to assist any guest.

The distribution of promotional items, flyers, or printed materials is not permitted without written permission of management and/or its event promoters. The sampling and distribution of products is prohibited.

Please visit our Eats & Drinks page for information on food and beverage services.

Guests may not bring food and/or beverage items into the facility during events. The only exception is unopened plastic water bottles, one liter or smaller. Glass bottles or metal cans are strictly prohibited. Guests must dispose of the unauthorized items prior to entrance into the arena or return them to their vehicle.

Guests with specific/special dietary needs due to medical conditions or religious requirements should contact Guest Services

G

We do not allow gifts for players, groups, or artists to be brought into venue, including flowers. Wrapped packages, food items, and helium balloons and any glass containers or vases are prohibited at all events. For graduation ceremonies, flowers are permitted if they are not in a glass vase, and gift bags for graduates are allowed if all items inside can be inspected by Security personnel.

In all instances, balloons are not permitted.

Select events do offer group sales. These sales are approved by the event promoter.  Group Sales inquiries please contact the venue box office at 828-259-5736

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Please fill out the form below to speak with a representative about how we can help you today. Our team is ready to provide information to guests with questions, concerns, or issues in relation to the HCCA events.

Guest Services Inquiry

This form is for guests to inquire about special services for attending, hosting, and related activities at our events.

H

We are proud to offer a number of great hotel options within minutes of the venue via walking and driving.

To see hotel options, visit our Hotels & Lodging page.

I

In the rare event that a HCCA event is postponed or canceled due to inclement weather, please visit the HCCA website for up-to-date information on scheduled events. Should a decision be made to cancel or postpone an event, this information will be promptly posted on our website, as well as on our main information telephone line at 828.259.5736.

Intoxicated Guests are not admitted into Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville at any time. If you see an intoxicated person enter the venue or while you are inside the venue, please contact our usher staff or Axis, Inc. personnel immediately. Intoxicated Guests are subject to ejection from the event.

L

Guests can report lost items by filling out our Lost & Found Inquiry. Please include as much information about the item as possible in the ‘Notes’ section, such as color and physical description. If an item is turned in that matches your item, you will be contacted to verify details of the item.

A form must be submitted online for all lost and found inquiries.

If your item is located, pickup will be arranged at our venue’s box office during normal business hours. You will be asked to present a valid photo ID for the release of your item. Unclaimed items will be discarded/donated 30 days after the date the item is turned in.

Lost & Found Inquiry

Customer submitted item lost or misplaced during the guest's attendance of a recent event.

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Please be as specific as possible.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Guests who have lost tickets or have had tickets stolen before an event takes place should return to the point of purchase for further assistance. If you have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster, please call Ticketmaster Customer Service at 800-653-8000.

M

Media credentials for concerts/special events can be requested by emailing Marketing & Publicity Department. You must be an accredited member of the media on assignment to be considered.

If applicable, merchandise is sold in the lobby during events. We accept all major credit cards and there are ATMs located inside.

HCCA does not process meet and greet requests. Please contact the individual team or artist through their website.

N

Check out all of the latest Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville News to stay up-to-date!

For pre-sale notices, event information and contests, please sign up for the newsletter via our Connect page.

P

Get directions, see where to park and purchase parking in advance by visiting our Directions & Parking page.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville offers a number of exclusive partnerships that are uniquely crafted to meet the goals, budgets, and expectations of your company.

For venue sponsorships and/or event-based third-party partnerships, please contact visit our Partnerships page.

Thanks to our cellular phone sponsor U.S. Cellular, complimentary phone charging stations can be found in the Jan Davis Lobby.

The following items/actions are prohibited at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville:

  • Animals, with the exception of service animals (see the Animals section)
  • Bottles or cans
  • Chains
  • Coolers
  • Camp/folding chairs
  • Drones and any other type of UAV
  • Fireworks
  • Food and drink purchased outside (including alcohol)
  • Frisbees, umbrellas, and/or beach balls
  • Gifts (for artists, athletes or event participants)
  • GoPros
  • Heaters of any kind, including, but not limited to propane and electric
  • Hoverboards, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates/shoes and wagons
  • Illegal drugs
  • Inflatables including balloons and beach balls
  • Laser pointers
  • Luggage
  • Noise-making devices, including, but not limited to air horns, sirens, whistles, cowbells, megaphones and any other noise/voice amplification device
  • Poles or sticks of any kind such as flagpoles, broomsticks and selfie sticks
  • Tents, tarps and sleeping bags
  • Two-way radios
  • Video or audio recording devices, GoPro cameras, monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, drones (or any other type of UAV), tablets and professional cameras are not permitted inside the venue.
  • Guests may not carry weapons, firearms, knives, stun guns, pepper spray, mace and/or dangerous devices of any type. No firearms carried by guests are permitted at the arena, with the exception of qualified law enforcement officers who are present at the arena in a non-working function and have notified HCCA management ahead of the event to be properly verified. Without such verification and approval, such off-duty and qualified law enforcement officers will not be permitted to bring such firearm(s) in the arena.
  • Backpacks, Bags, briefcases, or purses larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″
  • Signs on sticks or oversized signs (no larger than 8 1/2″ x 11″)
  • Laser pointers
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Full facial coverings, like masks
  • Apparel with explicit wording or pictures
  • Strollers

HCCA management reserves the right to prohibit any item, including items not listed above, from entering the premises based on any specific show requirements.

Q

If you have any questions or concerns before or after an event, please contact our Guest Services department via the form below. If you have questions or concerns during the event, please seek out the nearest usher or security personnel staff member.

Guest Services Inquiry

This form is for guests to inquire about special services for attending, hosting, and related activities at our events.

R

Exiting and re-entering the building with the same ticket is not permitted. Exceptions are only made in the case of medical situations, emergencies, and approval from the event promoter in advance. Guests with medical or other emergencies who want to leave and then return to the building should be directed to the usher staff or Security Personnel. Smokers are allowed re-entry access through designated Smoking Sections during event times.

HCCA has a no refund, no exchange policy on tickets for all events. Exceptions may apply in the event of a performance cancellation or approval by event promoter only.

Men’s and Women’s restrooms may be found near the following locations in the venue:

ExploreAsheville.com Arena

  • Concourse Level near sections: Men’s – 210, 221, 201
  • Arena Floor – Behind sections 108 and 107

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

  • Located inside the main lobby prior to entry into the auditorium

S

Guests may access our detailed seating charts by visiting our seating page.

Security at HCCA is provided by Axis, Inc. All security personnel are outfitted in official Axis, Inc. uniforms. Any guest in need of assistance during an event should immediately notify an usher or security guard.

Unless otherwise specified by teams and/or event officials/management, HCCA welcomes guests bringing small signs, banners, posters and flags inside the building to show fan support during events. The following guidelines relate to these items:

  • Item must be related to the event
  • Item may not be attached to a stick/pole
  • Item may not be larger than 11″ x 17″ in dimension
  • Item may not obstruct any sponsors/advertisers signage
  • Item may not be hung, attached, or displayed on any part of the building
  • Item may not contain or display obscene/offensive language and/or pictures, as determined by HCCA management
  • Item may not be constructed or displayed in a manner that may obstruct the view of other guests or in any way create a safety hazard for others as determined by HCCA management

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, please contact our Partnerships department.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville is a NON-SMOKING facility. Smoking is not allowed in public areas of the facility, but there are designated smoking areas for patrons. Anyone observed smoking inside the facility will be asked to extinguish the item immediately. Any person who refuses to comply with the policy, after an appropriate warning, shall be subject to be removed from the facility. Please check with the nearest Event Staff member if you cannot locate the designated smoking areas. Electronic cigarettes are permitted through Security for events, but they may not be used inside the building. E-Cigarettes are permitted in designated smoking areas.

  • Designated Area: Outside of the arena, behind Concourse Section 213

HCCA asks all guests to remain seated during events. Depending on the demographics of the event (such as concerts), standing may be accepted as normal protocol. Guests are permitted to stand if the majority of the audience is doing the same. Standing on seats or any other building structure is not permitted and may result in eviction from the event.

Guests are encouraged to leave strollers in their vehicles prior to arrival at the arena. Strollers are not permitted in the seating sections of the arena or auditorium.

T

Tickets

Tickets for events at HCCA may be purchased at the following authorized points of purchase: in person at the box office or at Ticketmaster.com. Click here for more information on purchasing tickets.

Consumer Warning – HCCA uses bar code scanning for ticket admissions. As a result, fans should be careful when purchasing tickets and should ensure that the seller is a HCCA licensed ticket seller such as the HCCA Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. Otherwise, you may be purchasing a ticket that is invalid and will be denied admission.

Ticketmaster Charges

Ticketmaster surcharges cover the costs of performing the administrative functions necessary to process ticket orders, as well as for shipping. There are three ways to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster. If you choose to use Ticketmaster.com, you will be assessed a facility fee, a convenience and shipping charge. You may avoid Ticketmaster charges only by purchasing tickets in person at the box office.

Ticketmaster Phone Numbers

  • Ticketmaster Customer Service: 800-653-8000
  • Ticketmaster Express: 866-448-7849
  • Ticketmaster TDD/TTY: 800-943-4327

NOTICE TO FANS: COUNTERFEIT & SECONDARY MARKET TICKETS
Guests are advised that the only authorized sales agents for HCCA tickets are the box office, Ticketmaster, and HCCA event promoters.

The only authorized ticket resale services for HCCA tickets are Ticketmaster verified sites.

Tickets purchased from any other sources may not be valid. HCCA is not able to honor, replace, or refund invalid tickets.

Reporting Counterfeit Tickets

Invalid tickets/barcodes will be confiscated by HCCA Box Office after an invalid scan. A copy of the ticket will be provided at the customer’s request. A copy of the invalid ticket may be used to alert the point of purchase.

Guests with invalid tickets are welcome to purchase new tickets at HCCA Box Office, but seat inventory, location and price is based upon availability.

Guests are strongly encouraged to report counterfeit ticket sales to the point of purchase and to consumer protection agencies

V

Use of movie cameras and video or audio recording equipment is strictly prohibited by event promoters, and HCCA reserves the right to confiscate any tape or film.

W

Water/drinking fountains are located throughout the venue in the following locations:

  • ExploreAsheville.com Arena: Near the main concourse restrooms
  • Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: In the main lobby outside of the restrooms

Guests, including law enforcement personnel not present in an official capacity, are prohibited from bringing weapons into the arena. HCCA does not provide weapon lockers and will not check in weapons at Guest Services. Weapons include, but are not limited to, the following: firearms, explosives, stun guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles, sticks, clubs, batons, martial arts instruments, pepper spray, tear gas, knives, etc. Guests found in possession of the above-mentioned items will be asked to remove the item from the arena or dispose of it. Guests who refuse to comply will be ejected from the arena and may be subject to arrest.

Please visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Wheelchairs are available upon request as guests enter the venue. A photo ID is required as collateral for borrowing a wheelchair. The ID will be exchanged back for the wheelchair when returned.

At this time, there is no public WiFi inside our venue. Stay tuned for more information.

Please visit our Box Office page for specific information on Will Call procedures.

Will Call is located at the venue box office upon arrival at 87 Haywood Street. Tickets ordered through Ticketmaster, which are held for will call in your name, may be picked up on the day of the event by presenting your photo ID and credit card used to purchase. We will not release will call tickets to any other party than the purchaser unless they have added an alternate pick up name on the tickets.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Call 828.259.5736

Send an Email

FAQs

Officially, our name is the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. But, “The Cherokee” or ” Cherokee Center” has a nice ring to it too!

Ticketmaster.com is the only verified ticket seller for our venue. Although your StubHub order may say Ticketmaster, we cannot authenticate any order received from a third-party platform.