News Summary
Charlotte FC has been chosen to host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium, marking a historic milestone for the club and the city. The event will attract global attention, highlighting Charlotte’s growing influence in Major League Soccer. The game will be aired in over 100 countries, reflecting the city’s significant role in the sport. Local officials anticipate economic boosts from the event while celebrating the community’s passionate support for soccer. This will be the first time Charlotte hosts the All-Star Game, showcasing the city’s commitment to soccer and sport in general.
Charlotte to Host 2026 MLS All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, NC—Major League Soccer has officially announced that Charlotte FC will serve as the host for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a historic first for the club. The event is scheduled to take place next summer at Bank of America Stadium, making it a significant milestone in the city’s soccer history.
Details of the Event
The 30th MLS All-Star matchup will be broadcast globally to over 100 countries and regions on the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app. This international exposure emphasizes the event’s importance and the global interest in Major League Soccer. The date and the opponent for the game will be announced at a later time.
Significance for Charlotte FC
This will be the first time Charlotte FC hosts the All-Star Game, which underscores the club’s rapid growth and prominence within Major League Soccer since its founding in 2019 and its debut in 2022. The inaugural home game drew a league record crowd of 74,479 fans, illustrating robust local support. The club has consistently ranked among the top two in attendance since entering the league, with an average of around 35,000 fans per game.
Charlotte’s Soccer and Event Support
Charlotte’s reputation as a premier soccer destination is further solidified by its hosting of major international events, including the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa América. Additionally, Bank of America Stadium regularly attracts crowds of over 50,000 for international soccer matches, demonstrating its capacity to accommodate large-scale events.
The stadium also plays a significant role in the local economy, generating an estimated $1.1 billion annually for the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area. The venue has undergone extensive renovations since Tepper Sports & Entertainment acquired ownership in 2018, transforming it from a football-centric stadium into a multi-sport hub capable of hosting diverse sporting and entertainment events.
Community and Cultural Celebrations
The All-Star Week will feature a variety of activities designed to celebrate soccer and culture across Charlotte. Events are planned at multiple city locations and will include fan engagement activities suitable for all ages. Special showcases during the week will include the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, providing additional opportunities for fan interaction and youth engagement.
Local Officials’ Perspectives
City and state officials have expressed pride in hosting the event. The mayor of Charlotte highlighted the economic benefits expected from the event, emphasizing that such large-scale sporting events boost local business and tourism. Similarly, North Carolina’s governor noted that the newly established Major Events Fund enhances the state’s competitiveness for hosting premier sporting and cultural events, positioning North Carolina as a prime destination for future high-profile events.
Stadium and Facility Development
The evolution of Bank of America Stadium has been prominent since 2018, with significant upgrades made to accommodate a variety of sports and entertainment events beyond football. The stadium now serves as a versatile venue capable of hosting soccer, concerts, and other large gatherings, contributing to Charlotte’s reputation as a major sports city.
As the city prepares for this major event, the 2026 MLS All-Star Game is expected to showcase Charlotte’s growing stature in American and international soccer, further engaging its passionate fan base and affirming its position as a major sports destination in North America.
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Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake 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 the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
