Motorists traveling through the Charlotte metropolitan area should brace for a busy Memorial Day weekend, as two high‑profile events are set to draw large crowds.
The centerpiece of the weekend is the Coca‑Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race, scheduled for Sunday, May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord. The event, part of the sport’s annual “Speed Week,” is expected to attract thousands of fans who will converge on the speedway and surrounding venues.
Adding to the congestion, Charlotte Football Club will host the New England Revolution at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, May 23, with kickoff slated for 7:40 p.m. Parking facilities will open as early as 11 a.m., further concentrating traffic around the stadium.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued a traffic advisory, urging drivers to steer clear of Interstate 85 and to consider using U.S. 29 as an alternate corridor. Officials warned that congestion will also be evident on U.S. 29, N.C. 49, and Bruton Smith Boulevard, all of which serve as primary access routes to the speedway and stadium.
Specific street closures have been announced for the downtown precinct surrounding the stadium. Brooklyn Village Avenue will be shut down between Church Street and Mint Street from 2 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and again between Church Street and College Street from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additionally, 1st Street will be closed between Mint Street and Church Street from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., while the eastbound lanes of 4th Street between Graham Street and Mint Street will be restricted from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and monitor real‑time traffic updates as the region prepares for a surge of visitors. By opting for designated detour routes and staying informed of closure windows, drivers can navigate the holiday weekend with minimal disruption.