Game On: MLS All-Star Game coming to Queen City
Charlotte city leaders confirmed the news on Wednesday morning at the Bank of America Stadium.
READ MORE: Charlotte to host 2026 MLS All-Star Game, source says
Channel 9's DaShawn Brown asked the commissioner, 'Why Charlotte? Why Now?' The first reason was the fans.
From the very first match for Charlotte FC, more than 74,000 fans packed Bank of America Stadium.
On Wednesday, club owner David Tepper said they're estimating more than 3 million soccer fans would've come through the stadium this year, alone.
Thats the kind of momentum they're hoping to build on for the all-star game next year.
The MLS commissioner, Tepper, and leaders across the city and state were at Wednesday's announcement.
The commissioner said they're currently targeting late July 2026, which would be after the World Cup.
'Charlotte has turned into a big-time soccer city, and we are pleased to bring the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to the Queen City,' said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a news release. 'The city and region keep showing up for the sport, from packed Charlotte FC crowds to global events like the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa América the past two summers. We're excited to bring another marquee soccer event to Charlotte.'
The state Secretary of Commerce announced they're supporting this effort with a grant worth $2 million, which comes from sports-betting revenue in North Carolina.
There will also be festivities during the week of the MLS All-Star Game.
The date and opponent for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game will be announced at a later time.
VIDEO: Charlotte FC value hits $625M — almost double what David Tepper paid for MLS team
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