PHOTO | TROY HULL

Charlotte FC is a first-year Major League Soccer team, but its pregame and in-game fan experience is already a unique and impressive part of the city's sports culture.

Soccer is relatively new to Charlotte, and admittedly, the game is just as unfamiliar to me.

On Saturday, I attended the Charlotte FC match against the New York Red Bulls — which also happened to be my first MLS game. Despite having a media credential, I went as a fan, and to my surprise, the biggest impression had nothing to do with what happened on the field.

Being from metro Atlanta, soccer hardly crossed my mind until 2017 when Atlanta United broke numerous attendance records and won the MLS Cup in its second season. From there, I had only an idea of how popular and impactful the sport was, but I never got the chance to see it for myself before moving to North Carolina.

Looking at the “Know Before You Go” guide, I didn’t go to Bank of America Stadium completely blind, but I surely didn’t have any expectations. Saturday was a “go with the flow” experience where I loosened up and took in everything the event had to offer from the fans to the game itself.

And the crazy thing is, the most memorable moments came from before I even stepped foot into the stadium. Yes, the team won its first game with interim head coach Christian Lattanzio against a quality opponent, and that’s very significant. Yet, it was the supporters tailgate and march in the 86-degree heat that stuck with me because it showed the potential of being Charlotte’s future Saturday pastime.

One reason is the timing. We all know how essential the tailgate is to the average football fan. The food, music, and festivities are can’t-miss if you’re looking for a good time before you’re potentially let down for three hours. However, you only get the opportunity to party eight to 10 times a year — playoffs willing.

Surely, the Charlotte FC supporters tailgate is light years behind the magnitude of Panthers gameday, considering they’ve only been here for a year. Yet, it could fill the void of the months-long NFL offseason. The MLS picks up right where the NFL left off and gives you 15 more opportunities to celebrate with your fanbase through the winter, summer, and fall.

And from what I saw, the from Charlotte FC fans pre-game experience offers a different flavor.

Walking into the tailgate, the diversity hit me immediately. To my left was Latinx tunes, to my right it was Afrobeat, and in the distance it was Waka Flocka. It all existed together in perfect harmony. For instance, there was salsa dancing at the African Supporters Union tent, and the marching chant was bilingual.

“We are Charlotte! The mighty black and blue. We are from the Carolinas. ¡Sangre negra y azul!” the fans shouted.

The people were the best part of the experience because they will find you. After taking a lap around the tailgate, a man dancing at the African Supporters tent called me over and offered a drink. I declined, but when I told him this was my first MLS game ever, he responded in short words.

“You will love it,” the man said with laughter.

Regarding the food, I did not see a single hot dog or hamburger — let alone a grill — but there was a food truck, wings, and plenty of booze. Just about every fan had a beer in hand as the longest line in the party was for alcohol. 

Even in the presence of adult beverages, kids were having the time of their lives, kicking soccer balls over a net and jumping in the bouncing house. So, at this tailgate, you can get an international experience, a nice buzz, and can bring your children. And did I mention this happens throughout the winter, summer, and fall while you’re trying to figure out what to do on weekends without Panthers football?

Charlotte FC has brought a new party scene to the city that can only grow larger as the team establishes itself in Charlotte’s sports culture. Whether you’re screaming the “We are Charlotte!” chant or not, this is for everyone who wants to participate. The people are all about fun, and they will show you a good time — unless you’re wearing the opponent’s colors. Then, you’d be met with boos.

Asheebo Rojas, The Post’s emerging journalist fellow, will be a senior at UNC Chapel Hill in the fall and a sportswriter at The Daily Tar Heel.

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