News Summary
Charlotte FC will be the host of the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone for the club. The event, taking place at Bank of America Stadium, will feature a week of soccer celebrations. North Carolina’s support underscores the anticipated economic boost for the local community. Since joining MLS, Charlotte FC has become a thriving soccer hub, contributing to the city’s growing reputation in the sport. This historic matchup will also be globally broadcasted, further enhancing Charlotte’s soccer culture.
Charlotte to Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Charlotte, NC – Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially announced that Charlotte FC will host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a historic first for the club since its inception in 2019. The highly anticipated match is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium, which is known for accommodating large crowds at soccer events.
Event Details
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be part of a week-long celebration of soccer and culture throughout various venues across Charlotte. While the exact date and opponent for the match have yet to be disclosed, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of events that includes the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, and the MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration. This event will also be globally broadcasted in over 100 countries and regions through MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
Economic Impact
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein emphasized the positive economic impact this event will have on the local community. The state has backed the occasion with a financial boost of $2,028,950 from the Major Events Fund, enhancing what is expected to be a significant influx of visitors and economic opportunities for local businesses.
Popularity of Soccer in Charlotte
Since making its MLS debut in 2022, Charlotte FC has transformed the region into a prominent soccer destination. The club recorded an impressive attendance of 74,479 fans at its inaugural home game and has since hosted more than 15 matches with crowds routinely exceeding 34,000. With nearly three million soccer fans visiting Uptown Charlotte since the club’s establishment, Charlotte FC has played a crucial role in solidifying the city’s reputation in the sport.
Significance for Charlotte
David Tepper, owner and chairman of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, noted that hosting the All-Star Game underscores Charlotte’s growing global reputation in sports. The Bank of America Stadium has evolved from an NFL-specific venue into a multi-sport hub since Tepper’s acquisition in 2018, consistently attracting over 50,000 fans for international soccer matches. The stadium contributes approximately $1.1 billion annually to the Charlotte area’s economy.
MLS Growth and Future Prospects
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be the league’s 30th edition, reflecting MLS’s expanding footprint in the sports market. With the announcement, MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed his enthusiasm for the All-Star Game’s relocation to Charlotte, acknowledging the city’s burgeoning soccer culture and community engagement.
As excitement builds for the upcoming All-Star Game, it signifies not just a milestone for Charlotte FC but also a vibrant celebration of soccer that is expected to enhance Charlotte’s local businesses and cultural landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte Set to Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Additional Resources
- WRAL Sports
- Charlotte FC Official Site
- ESPN
- Axios Charlotte
- MLS Soccer
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer All-Star Game
- Google Search: Charlotte FC MLS All-Star Game
- Google Scholar: Soccer in Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- Google News: 2026 MLS All-Star Game
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg 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 Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
