College Football Saturdays Are Back at OpenTap in Charlotte
Fall is officially football season, and if you’re searching for the perfect spot to watch the games in the South Charlotte area, OpenTap on Carmel Center Drive is bringing back its popular College Football Saturdays. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who never misses a kickoff or someone who just enjoys the energy and atmosphere of game day, OpenTap offers a uniquely flexible experience that stands apart from a traditional sports bar.
What Is OpenTap?
OpenTap is a self-pour taproom located at 5010 Carmel Center Drive, Charlotte, NC. The concept is straightforward and surprisingly fun: guests receive a card upon entry, walk up to any of the venue’s 64 taps, and pour exactly as much or as little as they want. You only pay for what you pour, measured by the ounce. It puts you fully in control of your experience, which appeals to casual drinkers and enthusiasts alike.
With 64 taps on the wall, the selection is genuinely impressive. Here’s a breakdown of what you can find flowing at OpenTap:
- Craft beer from a rotating selection of local and regional breweries
- Non-alcoholic craft beer for those who want the experience without the alcohol
- Kombucha for health-conscious visitors
- Sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages
The non-alcoholic options are worth highlighting because they make OpenTap genuinely inclusive. Designated drivers, pregnant guests, and people who simply don’t drink alcohol can still participate fully in the self-pour experience without feeling sidelined.
College Football Saturdays: What to Expect
College Football Saturdays are back on the OpenTap event calendar this fall. The venue sets the scene for a great game day atmosphere with multiple screens, a lively crowd, and the freedom to roam and pour at your own pace rather than flagging down a busy bartender in a packed room.
If you’re a fan of teams from the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, or any other major conference, the communal atmosphere at OpenTap means you’re likely to find other fans cheering alongside you. It’s the kind of environment that makes even a slow first half more enjoyable.
For the most up-to-date schedule of College Football Saturday events and any special programming, OpenTap recommends checking their official Facebook page before visiting. Event details and times can shift, so confirming before you head out is always the smart move.
Food Trucks Seven Days a Week
One of the practical advantages of OpenTap over many taprooms is the consistent food presence. The venue hosts food trucks on-site seven days a week, which means you won’t have to leave to grab a meal or make separate dinner plans. On College Football Saturdays, having food readily available makes the day feel complete without the logistics of coordinating between a bar and a restaurant.
Food truck offerings rotate, so the menu will vary from visit to visit. That variety actually adds to the appeal, because frequent visitors get to discover new options rather than seeing the same menu every time. Checking OpenTap’s social media before visiting can give you a preview of which truck is scheduled for that day.
Why This Matters for South Charlotte Residents
For residents of Ballantyne, Pineville, Waxhaw, Indian Land, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay, finding a local venue that combines quality drinks, food, and a genuine event atmosphere takes some hunting. OpenTap fills a specific niche that a standard chain sports bar cannot: it combines a curated, rotating beverage selection with a self-service model that feels modern and community-oriented.
The Carmel Center Drive location places OpenTap within reasonable reach of much of the South Charlotte corridor, making it a viable option for a Saturday outing without a lengthy drive into uptown Charlotte.
Beyond football season, OpenTap’s event calendar includes a range of recurring events throughout the year, making it the kind of venue worth bookmarking for future outings. The self-pour format also works especially well for groups, because everyone in your party can pick something different without slowing down the group to argue over a single table order.
The Self-Pour Model: A Closer Look
If you’ve never visited a self-pour taproom before, the concept can feel a little unfamiliar on your first visit, but most guests catch on quickly. Here’s how the process typically works at a venue like OpenTap:
- You check in at the front and receive a pour card linked to your tab
- You walk the tap wall and pour from any tap you choose
- The system measures your pour in ounces and records the charge to your card
- You can sample multiple options in small pours without committing to a full pint
- At the end of your visit, you settle your tab based on total ounces consumed
This model is genuinely well-suited to football watch parties because guests can move around freely, refill at their own pace, and spend the afternoon at a comfortable, self-directed rhythm. There’s no waiting for a server to circle back, and no pressure to order a full round every time your glass runs low.
Planning Your Visit
Before heading to OpenTap for College Football Saturdays, here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Check Facebook first: OpenTap posts its event schedule and food truck lineup on its Facebook page. Confirm the details for the specific Saturday you plan to visit.
- Arrive early for big games: Popular matchups draw bigger crowds, so getting there before kickoff gives you a better chance of securing a comfortable spot.
- Bring your group: The self-pour format works particularly well for groups where everyone has different preferences. No need to agree on a single beer order.
- Non-drinkers are welcome: With sodas, kombucha, and non-alcoholic craft beer on tap, everyone in your group can participate in the self-pour experience.
OpenTap Location and Contact Information
OpenTap is located at 5010 Carmel Center Drive, Charlotte, NC. For the latest hours, event schedules, and food truck information, visit their Facebook page directly. Hours and events are subject to change, so always verify before your visit.
Final Thoughts
College football season is one of the best times of year to discover or revisit a local venue, and OpenTap’s return of College Football Saturdays gives South Charlotte residents another solid reason to make the trip. With 64 self-pour taps, inclusive non-alcoholic options, weekly food trucks, and a rotating event calendar, OpenTap has built a model that goes beyond the standard bar experience.
Whether you’re watching your alma mater chase a conference title or just looking for a fun Saturday afternoon out, OpenTap is worth putting on your fall itinerary. Check their Facebook page for the confirmed event schedule, and head out ready to pour your own celebration when your team pulls off the win.
