News Summary
Charlotte FC has been chosen to host the prestigious 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a significant milestone for both the club and the city. Scheduled for summer 2026 at Bank of America Stadium, this will be the first time Charlotte welcomes this annual event, highlighting its growing prominence as a soccer destination. The event will feature global broadcasts and a series of community activities, underscoring the city’s commitment to enhancing its role in the sport and local economy.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Major League Soccer Announces 2026 All-Star Game Hosted at Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte FC has been selected to host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, marking a historic milestone for the club and the city. This will be the first-time Charlotte hosts the annual showcase game, scheduled for next summer at Bank of America Stadium. The announcement confirms Charlotte’s rising prominence as a major soccer destination in the United States and internationally.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
The 30th MLS All-Star matchup will take place during the summer of 2026, with details such as the specific date and opponent to be announced at a later time. The game will be broadcast globally in over 100 countries and regions via the MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app. This widespread coverage underscores the event’s significance in the international sports calendar and its role in promoting soccer’s growth in this region.
Significance for Charlotte FC and Local Support
Charlotte FC, founded in 2019, made its Major League Soccer debut in 2022. During its inaugural home game, the club drew a record crowd of 74,479 fans, demonstrating strong community support. Since then, Charlotte FC has maintained its reputation as one of the most well-attended teams in MLS, regularly ranking among the top two clubs for attendance across the league, with an average of 35,000 fans per game.
Charlotte’s reputation as a soccer hub has been reinforced by its ability to attract large international matches at Bank of America Stadium. Over the years, the stadium has hosted major events such as the Copa América and the FIFA Club World Cup, consistently drawing audiences of over 50,000 spectators. The stadium’s success in hosting these events has contributed substantially to its reputation and has generated an annual economic impact of approximately $1.1 billion for the Charlotte metropolitan area.
City and State Support for Soccer Events
Local officials have expressed enthusiasm for Charlotte’s selection as the All-Star host. City Mayor Vi Lyles highlighted the expected positive impact on the local economy resulting from increased tourism and visitor spending related to the event. Similarly, state officials have emphasized that North Carolina’s Major Events Fund enhances the state’s ability to attract and host premier sporting events, including the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
Event Week Celebrations and Community Engagement
The All-Star Game will also be accompanied by a week-long celebration emphasizing soccer and cultural activities. The program will include events designed for fans of all ages at various location throughout Charlotte. Scheduled activities include the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, showcasing emerging talent and providing entertainment for diverse audiences.
Stadium Enhancements and Past Transformations
Since Tepper Sports & Entertainment acquired Bank of America Stadium in 2018, the venue has undergone significant upgrades, transforming from a football-centric stadium into a multi-sport facility capable of hosting international soccer matches and other major events. This development has played a vital role in attracting high-profile international soccer tournaments and the upcoming All-Star Game, further elevating Charlotte’s profile on the sports map.
Looking Ahead
While the precise date and opponent for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game remain to be finalized, the selection of Charlotte underscores the city’s growing influence in the sport. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the country and around the world, providing a platform to celebrate soccer’s expansion and community engagement in Charlotte and beyond.
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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, 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 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
