Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match at Bank of America Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime event that has been years in the making
CHARLOTTE—On March 5, there will be a party at Bank of America Stadium like no other.
Charlotte FC’s inaugural home match is set to be a momentous occasion for the Carolinas, played out to a packed house of fans who have been waiting to play their part in history.
It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for.
The club’s monumental home debut has been years in the making; it’s the culmination of an adventure that started way back in the fall of 2018, when a handful of people met in a disused dining room at Bank of America Stadium to discuss the dream of bringing soccer to the Carolinas.
When that group convened in those humble surroundings, Major League Soccer’s arrival in the Carolinas was a long way from becoming official, but the desire to bring the world’s game to Uptown prevailed.
“I’ll never forget the whiteboard that was in the room,” says Charlotte FC President Joe LaBue, one of the few people in the room when the seeds of the team were first planted. “Scribbled on it were ideas of names, crests, and ideas about fan engagement.
“It was very exciting, and looking back on it, I’m happy to say that many of the areas of focus that were discussed during those meetings have become foundational as the club has come to life.”
Charlotte FC Director of Marketing and Communications Jessica O’Neill was also present in those fateful meetings.
“We were bullish about the prospect of our stadium and our community serving as a home of MLS in the Carolinas,” says O’Neill. “In the early conversations, we focused on understanding the culture of the game as far as the role supporter groups, corporate partners and local stakeholders play in making a club successful.”
Suffice to say, Charlotte FC has come a long way since it was a mere concept on a whiteboard. In December 2019, on a joyous day in Uptown Charlotte, MLS Commissioner joined owner David Tepper to confirm the rumors of the league’s latest franchise.
There followed a series of major milestones that laid a path towards the 2022 season: the appointment of technical staff and the
establishment of an Academy program, the signing of the first-ever player Sergio Ruiz, the announcement of the team’s name and crest, $50m of upgrades to Bank of America Stadium, and the hiring of Head Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, to name a few.
All of these landmark events have been crucial in building the club—and they lead to a moment that no Carolina soccer fan will want to miss.
“The people that will be here for the party on March 5 will never forget it!” says LaBue.
“It’s the culmination of years of work by so many, and it’ll be emotional to see the stadium full and celebrating our club.
“Playing soccer at our stadium, in front of supporters wearing our colors, will be surreal. To know I played a part in something that people will celebrate for generations is special.”
The inaugural home match, against five-time MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy, will also resonate with the players, who will forever be enshrined in the history of MLS and Carolina sports.
Defender Jaylin Lindsey, who grew up in Charlotte and played locally at academy level, admits that the prospect of playing in Uptown for the first time will give him goosebumps. “It’s gonna be like a Homecoming,” says the 21-year-old lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.
Midfielder Brandt Bronico—who played in Charlotte at youth and college level before joining the Chicago Fire—feels a similar sense of occasion for the big game.
“This is one of the biggest events in Carolina sports history,” says Bronico. “I have always dreamed of playing soccer in Bank of America Stadium.
“It will be an emotional moment for me and will be special sharing it with my family, my friends, and all of the Charlotte FC supporters.”
For soccer fans in the Carolinas, the arrival of Charlotte’s team has been a long time coming—and the home opener will mark the start of a new chapter.
Marches to the stadium have been planned, tifo displays have been lovingly created and
chants have been rehearsed to ensure a raucous atmosphere on game day.
“This is the start of something special,” says David Gusler, President of the Mint City Collective supporters group.
“It’s not often you can say that you ‘were there’ for the start of a brand-new sports franchise. Soccer was the primary sport for so many of us growing up here in the Carolinas, so to finally have a team to call our own now means so much.
“The home opener is going to be loud, fun, and very exciting! You’ll be able to look back and tell your friends and families that you were there to watch history.”
Charlotte native Katey Dietz was present at DC United’s inaugural home game 26 years ago, and is thrilled at the prospect of finally cheering her hometown team at Bank of America Stadium.
“Years from now, people across the Carolinas will talk about Charlotte FC's first home game the way they speak of the Panthers’ and Hornets’ openers today,” says Dietz.
“Fan or not, all Carolinians can be proud of what the team is building.
“Finally having a home side to cheer for, engage with, and support year-round is special. After all these years, I finally feel part of a team!”
Over 400 Charlotte FC fans traveled to Washington DC to see their team’s first-ever MLS match, and they drew plaudits for their enthusiasm and passion.
With the club on track to beat MLS’ single-match regular-season attendance record (72,548), there is sure to be a one-of-a-kind atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium for the home opener.
“We’ve been waiting for this for years,” says O’Neill. “If you have the opportunity to join us on March 5, you shouldn't think twice about taking advantage of that and becoming a part of history.
“This will be a true can't-miss event and our fan experience and game presentation teams are working around the clock to ensure it exceeds expectations.
“We'll be ready to party.”
