News Summary
Charlotte FC has been named the host for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone for the club. This will be the first time Charlotte FC, which debuted in MLS in 2022, hosts the event. The game will be held at Bank of America Stadium and is expected to attract global attention, featuring a week-long celebration of soccer and local culture. With a strong fan base and impressive attendance figures, Charlotte is rapidly establishing itself as a key soccer destination in the U.S.
Charlotte, NC – Major League Soccer has officially designated Charlotte FC as the host for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a significant achievement for the club. This will be the first time Charlotte FC, which made its MLS debut in 2022, will hold the prestigious event, highlighting the city’s emerging status as a major hub for soccer in the United States.
The 30th MLS All-Star matchup is set to take place next summer at Bank of America Stadium. The game is expected to attract global attention, as it will be broadcast in over 100 countries and regions through the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. This event promises to be more than just a soccer game; it will include a week-long celebration of the sport and local culture across various venues in Charlotte.
MLS Commissioner emphasized the city’s transformation into a “big-time soccer city” thanks to its enthusiastic fan base positioned Charlotte FC at the forefront of professional soccer in the area. Since the team’s establishment, Charlotte FC has consistently drawn significant crowds, including a league record attendance of 74,479 fans at their inaugural home opener.
The club has played a critical role in establishing Charlotte as a premier soccer destination in North America, with an average attendance of 35,000 fans per game since joining the MLS. Additionally, Bank of America Stadium has regularly hosted high-profile international soccer matches, generating an impressive economic impact of $1.1 billion annually for the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Charlotte’s selection for the MLS All-Star Game reflects a growing recognition of the city’s capabilities in hosting major sporting events. Previous events such as the Copa América and the FIFA Club World Cup have drawn audiences of over 50,000 fans, demonstrating the excitement and support for soccer within the local community. The city is committed to fostering this enthusiasm and further establishing itself as a leading sports venue.
The All-Star Game will feature a series of activities for fans of all ages during the week leading up to the match, including the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T, and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. Such initiatives are aimed at engaging the community and showcasing the cultural significance of soccer in Charlotte.
Local leaders, including Charlotte Mayor and North Carolina Governor, expressed pride in the city being chosen to host the All-Star Game. They acknowledged the expected economic boost that the event will bring to the community, particularly as the state’s Major Events Fund advances North Carolina’s capability of hosting marquee events. These endorsements highlight how large sporting events can have a lasting effect on local business and tourism.
Bank of America Stadium itself has undergone remarkable changes since Tepper Sports & Entertainment took ownership in 2018, evolving from a football-specific venue to a modern multi-sport complex, further enhancing its capacity to host significant events like the MLS All-Star Game. The date and opponent for the upcoming match will be announced at a later time, leaving fans excited for what is certain to be a historic event for Charlotte FC and the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
