When Charlotte FC took the field for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, the city was already buzzing with anticipation. The match, held at Bank of America Stadium, attracted a capacity crowd of 35,197, marking the club’s first appearance in the league’s showcase event and cementing its place among the league’s attendance leaders.
A Milestone in Attendance and Ambition
Charlotte FC ranked third in MLS attendance for both 2025 and 2026, averaging nearly 29,000 fans per regular‑season game. The All-Star crowd swelled to 35,197, while the U.S. men’s national team’s send‑off against Senegal later that summer drew 57,741 spectators, underscoring the city’s growing appetite for high‑profile soccer.
The excitement extended beyond the stands. Eric Sudol, chief revenue officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, highlighted the milestone, noting that the Carolinas combined would become the fifth‑most populous state in the United States. His remarks reflected a broader confidence in the region’s ability to sustain momentum.
The $1.3 billion renovation of Bank of America Stadium, funded in part by the City of Charlotte ($650 million) and Tepper Sports & Entertainment, aims to transform the venue into a premier sports and entertainment hub by 2030. The overhaul includes new bars, suites, a standing‑room‑only patio, a concert‑grade arena, a speakeasy and upgraded seating, all designed to enhance the fan experience and accommodate soccer‑specific features such as a supporters’ gathering area and redesigned march routes.
Beyond the Pitch: A City’s Soccer Roots
Charlotte’s soccer culture predates the MLS entry. The Charlotte Eagles and Charlotte Independence established professional roots in the city long before MLS arrived, laying a foundation that the new club could build upon. This heritage helped the club attract its first three All‑Star selections in 2026, a testament to rapid progress.
The All-Star Game served as a gateway for new fans, many of whom discovered the club through the event’s electric atmosphere. Players such as Tim Ream and Zavier Gozo experienced the roar of a crowd that had been building for years, while Christian Pulisic, who watched the send‑off game, praised the stadium’s energy and the city’s unwavering support.
The renovation agreement extends the tenancy of both the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium through 2045, providing long‑term stability for the franchises. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hinted at a future Super Bowl in Charlotte once the upgrades are complete, reflecting the city’s growing ambitions on the national stage.
During the All-Star week, MLS owners convened to discuss potential changes to roster construction, signaling a strategic shift that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. The conversations underscored how Charlotte’s rise is influencing broader league dynamics.