In Charlotte, soccer is growing in stature and prestige

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Charlotte has drawn soccer fans from around the globe for showcases like the Concacaf Gold Cup, International Champions Cup and CONMEBOL Copa America in recent years to cement its place as one of the top U.S. markets for the sport.

The FIFA Club World Cup is another showcase for Charlotte to show off its embrace of soccer.

Charlotte is among 12 host cities for the 32-team international tournament that includes clubs around the world and all six soccer federations. The city’s growth now makes events like this routine, as the it aims for larger events like college basketball’s men’s and women’s Final Four and the Super Bowl.

Charlotte hosted its first international club friendly in 2014 between Liverpool and AC Milan, and from there, it’s become an expectation for the city to draw major soccer events.  That speaks for Charlotte’s growth, WBTV sports reporter Cam Gaskins said. FIFA Club World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events held in Charlotte, which established its footing through hosting similar high-profile showcases. 

“Something that my mom always used to tell me is that ‘people who can be trusted with a little can be trusted with a lot,’” he said. “I think the fact that they’ve consistently been doing this for years just further solidifies that Charlotte is game for these events.”

Soccer culture is present regardless of the magnitude and teams, as fans chant, wave flags and sing to support their side, whether it’s Charlotte FC or clubs in the FIFA Club World Cup like CF Pachuca and SL Benfica.

Image and likeness of clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich draw in many fans, but others simply go for the experience of the match. 

“You’re as invested in what’s happening in the stands as you are what’s happening on the field, and so that’s part of it that makes the game feel authentic,” Gaskins said. 

Rare and Retro Soccer Charlotte manager Alex Carr said the sport’s culture in the United States continues to develop, especially fans’ perception of how the game is played and appreciated compared to other continents.

“This tournament is just a massive deal for them (teams from non-European continents), because it brings their team to the limelight, going against the best of the best,” he said. 

Carr, who as the head buyer for Rare and Retro, brings in all jerseys and products for the shop in addition to stocking the most popular items. The store is hosting a June 20 jersey drop of teams playing in the tournament. Carr said it has become very beneficial for the store each year with club and international friendlies and tournaments.

Charlotte sports and corporate leaders like Tepper Sports, owner of Charlotte FC and the NFL Carolina Panthers, are lobbying to host the Women’s World Cup in 2031, taking that next leap towards growth for the city. From the centralized location of Bank of America Stadium to an international airport, an abundance of hotels and first-rate training facilities for teams, Charlotte is a player among U.S. markets.

Charlotte’s soccer community was established well before big-name events arrived. Axios Charlotte reporter Ashley Mahoney, who has reported on the sport from academy programs to Charlotte FC, culture around the sport over the last decade has now spawned the question of whether Charlotte has become a “soccer city.”

“You don’t have to wait for this to be something, you don’t have to travel to the Bernabéu (to see Real Madrid), you don’t have to wait to travel to Old Trafford (Manchester United) or Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) or any of the sacred grounds of football,” she said. “You have it in your backyard. Just go check it out.”

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