Charlotte FC
American soccer team.
Charlotte FC is a professional soccer club based in Charlotte, North Carolina, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. The team was founded in 2019 and began play in the 2022 MLS season as the league's 28th franchise. Charlotte FC is owned by David Tepper, who also owns the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
The club plays its home games at Bank of America Stadium, which it shares with the Carolina Panthers. For most matches, the stadium capacity is reduced to 38,000 seats, but it can expand to its full 74,867-seat capacity for major events. Charlotte FC's inaugural home match on March 5, 2022, set an MLS attendance record with 74,479 fans in attendance.
Charlotte FC's colors are blue, black, and white, which are prominently featured in their home kit. The team's nickname is "The Crown," reflecting Charlotte's nickname as the Queen City. This royal theme is also incorporated into the club's crest, which features a crown motif.
The club's first season in MLS was marked by both challenges and notable achievements. While they didn't qualify for the playoffs, finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte FC drew impressive crowds throughout the season. They averaged 35,260 fans per match, the second-highest figure in MLS behind Atlanta United FC.
One of the most significant moments in Charlotte FC's brief history came on July 20, 2022, when they played their first international friendly against English Premier League club Chelsea. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, with Charlotte FC winning 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
Charlotte FC has placed a strong emphasis on youth development and community engagement since its inception. The club operates an academy system aimed at nurturing local talent and has launched various initiatives to promote soccer and social causes in the Charlotte area.
In terms of player recruitment, Charlotte FC has adopted a strategy of blending experienced international players with young domestic talent. This approach was evident in their inaugural season and continues to shape their roster building strategy.
The club's ambitions extend beyond just competing in MLS. Charlotte FC aims to establish itself as a major force in American soccer and has invested significantly in infrastructure to support this goal. In 2023, the club opened the Atrium Health Performance Park, a state-of-the-art training facility and headquarters for the first team, reserve team Crown Legacy FC, and academy teams.
As Charlotte FC enters its third MLS season in 2024, the club is focused on building on the foundations laid in its first two years. Under the management of Dean Smith, appointed in late 2023, Charlotte FC is aiming to qualify for the playoffs for the first time and continue to grow its fanbase and influence in the region.