Hotels &
Travel
Plan your trip to Hickory, North Carolina for the KPAC Cup Gymnastics Invitational — February 26–28, 2027.
Competition Venue
Hickory Metro Convention Center
1960 13th Ave Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602
The Hickory Metro Convention Center is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located near I-40, offering easy access from all directions. The venue is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, shopping, and everything your team and family will need for a comfortable stay.
Getting There
From I-40
Take Exit 125 (US-70 / Hickory). Follow signs to the Hickory Metro Convention Center on 13th Ave Dr SE.
From Charlotte (CLT)
Take I-85 North to I-40 West toward Hickory. Approximately 50 miles, 45–60 minutes.
Friday Traffic Note
Allow extra travel time on Friday afternoon and evening. I-40 can experience congestion during peak hours.
Where to Stay
Recommended Hotels
Families and teams should look for hotels near the Hickory Metro Convention Center, Valley Hills Mall, and the I-40 corridor for the most convenient stay.
Hotel blocks and booking links will be posted as they become available. Families are encouraged to book early — Hickory hotels fill quickly during competition weekends.
Hampton Inn Hickory
Hilton Garden Inn Hickory
Courtyard by Marriott Hickory
Fairfield Inn & Suites Hickory
Holiday Inn Express Hickory
Crowne Plaza Hickory
Best Western Hickory
Sleep Inn Hickory
Air Travel
Flying to Hickory
Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
The closest major airport for most travelers flying into the Hickory area. CLT is located approximately 50 miles from Hickory, with typical drive times of 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Rental Cars Recommended
Families flying in are encouraged to rent a car at CLT for the most convenient travel to the venue, hotels, and local attractions.
Driving
By Car
I-40 Corridor
Hickory is located along I-40 in western North Carolina, making it easily accessible from Charlotte, Asheville, Winston-Salem, and beyond.
Easy Venue Access
The Hickory Metro Convention Center is just off I-40 with clear signage and ample parking for teams and families.
Friday Traffic Advisory
Families traveling on Friday afternoon or evening should allow extra time. I-40 near Hickory can experience congestion during peak hours.
Food & Shopping
Dining & Shopping
The convention center area has a wide variety of dining options for teams and families, from quick-service to sit-down restaurants. Valley Hills Mall and surrounding retail areas offer convenient shopping throughout the weekend.
Explore Hickory
Things to Do
Downtown Hickory
Walkable arts district with local shops, restaurants, and murals.
Hickory Museum of Art
One of the Southeast's oldest art museums with rotating exhibitions.
Catawba Science Center
Hands-on science exhibits and a planetarium — great for kids.
Valley Hills Mall
Full-service shopping mall minutes from the convention center.
Local Restaurants & Coffee
Dozens of dining options from casual to upscale near the venue.
We're Here to Help
Have a Question About Hotels or Travel?
Contact the KPAC Cup meet staff — we're happy to help your team plan the perfect trip to Hickory.