The Queen City Is Becoming ‘Soccer City’

With progress being made in the fight against the pandemic, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to attend sporting events. It’s a good time to be a soccer fan in…

Phil Harris

Published Apr 19, 2021 12:01 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 24: A general view of Mexico versus Iceland at Bank of America Stadium on March 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

With progress being made in the fight against the pandemic, I'm looking forward to more opportunities to attend sporting events. It's a good time to be a soccer fan in Charlotte. The Queen City will soon be home to two professional teams.

The Charlotte Independence are set to return with USL Championship matches beginning May 1st. Their first home match will be June 5th at the Matthews Sportsplex, where they'll play through June 23rd. Then, on July 7th, the Independence will move into the newly renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium next to CPCC's Central Campus. Click here for their complete 2021 schedule.

Meanwhile, across town, renovations are underway at Bank of America Stadium for the 2022 debut of our MLS team, Charlotte Football Club. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, the $50 million soccer-specific upgrades include high-definition LED video boards and a new club seating area. The work is expected to be completed next spring. You can see the renderings here. Tickets for Charlotte FC's inaugural season are on sale now.

Charlotte charlotte fc Charlotte Football Club Charlotte Independence Soccer

Phil HarrisEditor

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.