Charlotte, North Carolina Is Getting Another Professional Sports Team
I know I can be hard on our local sports teams, especially lately, but I really am a fan. That’s why I’m always excited to see the Charlotte sports landscape growing. We’re about to get another pro franchise. Major League Rugby (MLR) has announced the launch of a new expansion team in the Queen City. Anthem Rugby Carolina (RC) will begin playing its home games at American Legion Memorial Stadium in the 2024 season.
According to the media release, Major League Rugby represents the highest level of rugby competition in North America. All I know about rugby is that it’s sort of like football but without helmets and pads. It’s not for the faint of heart. The new Charlotte team, the league’s twelfth, is the result of a comprehensive partnership between the league, World Rugby, and USA Rugby.
In addition to competing in MLR play, the Charlotte-based expansion club will help develop the U.S. national team. Anthem RC’s inaugural roster features players from various MLR teams who are eligible to participate on behalf of the U.S. in international competition. Much like soccer, rugby is a sport still dominated by other nations across the globe, but MLR is aiming to change that over the next few years. The Rugby World Cup is coming to North America in 2031.
Want to see what rugby is all about? Anthem RC’s home opener at American Legion Memorial Stadium is on Sunday, March 3rd (7:00 pm) against the New England Free Jacks. The season runs through the end of June and some matches are televised on Fox Sports. You can find tickets and more information HERE.
