To stream WCNC on your phone, you need the WCNC app.
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Soccer fever swept through the Queen City on Saturday as Charlotte FC kicked off their season with a home opener at Bank of America Stadium, bringing an economic boost to local businesses, particularly in the French Quarter area of Uptown.
“It’s always been like the place where everybody comes to watch soccer,” said Kristian Pedersen, who owns Valhalla, Crafty Beer Guys and Courtyard Hooligans.
Charlotte is increasingly establishing itself as a soccer destination, evidenced by the large crowds and electric atmosphere that filled the French Quarter ahead of Saturday’s match.
“It means a lot to the businesses here,” Pedersen said.
As owner of several establishments in this popular Uptown district, Pedersen has witnessed firsthand how the growing fanbase does more than just fill seats inside Bank of America Stadium — it significantly impacts local revenue streams.
When asked if these game days translate to better business numbers, Pedersen was emphatic.
“Oh, absolutely. I mean, it’s the highest revenue day next to St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.
Preparation for these high-volume events begins well in advance. Pedersen and his team spent the entire week getting ready for Saturday’s kickoff, bringing in additional staff and increasing food and alcohol inventory to handle the influx of customers.
The efforts aren’t just about capitalizing on a busy day but also about creating a lasting impression that brings customers back throughout the season.
“We’ve got friendly bar members. We’ve got great bar people here for you, great servers, we’ve got great food. Think about us the next time you’re in the city, why not come and hang out? A good place to hang out,” Pedersen said.
According to the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, each Charlotte FC home match generates approximately $1.5 million in economic impact for the city, with businesses in the Uptown area capturing about a third of that spending.
Hotels in the area reported being near capacity for the weekend, with fans traveling from across the Carolinas to attend the season opener.
For many establishments in the French Quarter, these home games have become essential to their business models, with some reporting they’ve adjusted hours, created special game-day offerings, and hired seasonal staff specifically to accommodate the soccer crowd.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free WCNC+ app to get the news that impacts you.