Heading to Charlotte FC match on Saturday? What to know about traffic, and other tips
With an uptown fan fest kicking off a day-long celebration of Charlotte FC’s home opener on Saturday, uptown Charlotte could be packed all day, city officials said.
Here’s what soccer fans and uptown residents alike need to know about traffic, items that people should leave at home and other details about the festival and match.
Charlotte FC match info
Gates to Bank of America Stadium open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Charlotte FC’s match against the LA Galaxy begins at 7:30 p.m.
Fan Fest: The festival outside the stadium is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.
Stadium team store: Opens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again when gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket office: Opens at 1 p.m.
Supporters’ tailgate: Begins at 2 p.m. at 703 McNinch St.
CLTFC Fan Zone on Mint Street: Opens at 5:30 p.m.
Supporters’ march: 6:05 p.m..
Tickets: The club has sold 73,500 tickets for its first-ever home match and hopes to surpass 74,000. Remaining tickets range from $81 to $112, while verified resale tickets were available through TicketMaster.com Friday for $79 to $4,960.
All entry to Bank of America events require mobile tickets, as PDF tickets are no longer valid. PSL holders and single-game ticket buyers can access and manage their tickets through the official Charlotte FC app.
Street closures
According to the Charlotte Department of Transportation, these sections of uptown streets will be closed Saturday:
▪ Graham Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Mint Street, beginning at 9 a.m.
▪ Mint Street between Graham Street and First Street, beginning at 11 a.m.
▪ Stonewall Street between Mint Street and Church Street, also at 11 a.m.
All streets will reopen at 3 a.m. Sunday.
Keep these items at home
The club enforces a clear-bag policy, meaning approved items may be placed in transparent-plastic, vinyl or PVC bags.
Per stadium policy, as listed on CharlotteFootballClub.com, these items are prohibited:
▪ Purses larger than a clutch bag.
▪ Briefcases, luggage, backpacks, bum bags, cinch bags and computer bags, camera bags and any bag larger than the permissible size.
▪ Coolers, weapons, alcohol, glass, cans, studded jewelry.
The only bags permitted are clear tote bags up to 12’ by 6” by 12”; 1-gallon resealable clear plastic storage bags; and small clutch bags with strap not exceeding 4.5” by 6.5.”
For a complete list of prohibited items, visit CharlotteFootballClub.com.
Getting around uptown and safety tips
Keep your car at home
About 30,000 parking spaces are available within a 10- to 15-minute walk from the stadium, according to the club. To reserve a parking spot before game day, the team recommends visiting ParkWhiz.com.
City officials say it’s best to keep your car at home with such a big crowd expected. They recommend you walk, bike, use a ride-sharing service or public transportation.
▪ Per federal mandate, the Charlotte Area Transportation System requires bus and train riders to wear face masks.
▪ Ride-share drop off and pickup for the match will be at 3rd and Church streets near Romare Bearden Park.
The city includes these tips in its uptown travel safety guide on its website:
If you’re walking
▪ Wear bright clothing at night.
▪ Walk facing traffic.
▪ Remove headphones and remain alert.
▪ Cross safely when exiting the bus.
▪ Watch for turning vehicles.
▪ Stay especially alert “in parking lots and around train and light rail tracks.”
If you’re bicycling
▪ Wear bright clothing at night.
▪ Wear a helmet.
▪ Ride with traffic.
▪ Obey all traffic signals and signs.
▪ Use hand signals.
▪ Look before entering traffic and changing lanes.
If you drive
▪ Make sure vehicle lights are on at night.
▪ Yield to pedestrians.
▪ Look for pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
▪ Obey all traffic signals and signs.
▪ Use turning signals.
Receive traffic alerts
▪ Sign up for Charlotte Department of Transportation Getting Around email alerts at PublicInput.com. Register on the site for daily street closure and weekly street use and event notices.
▪ Register for Charlotte Area Transportation System notices at CATS Rider Alerts.
▪ Find details about parking and ride sharing near the stadium at Panthers.com/stadium.
This story was originally published March 4, 2022 at 12:13 PM.