Key Highlights
- Charlotte FC vs New York City FC match scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 PM.
- Matchday activities include ticket office opening, supporters tailgate, and pre-match party.
- Pre-Match Party on Legends Row will feature postcards, face painting, and photo ops from 5:00 to 6:45 PM.
- Parking options available for purchase ahead of matchday or on the day.
Matchday Schedule and Preparations
The Charlotte FC vs New York City FC playoff match is set to kick off at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, October 28. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to The Fortress for a limited-edition Crowns Up Queen City Rally Towel presented by Atrium Health.
Matchday Timeline
The stadium will open its doors with several activities leading up to kickoff:
- Ticket Office opens at 2:30 PM for any last-minute ticket purchases or changes.
- Supporters Tailgate commences at 2:45 PM, providing a perfect spot for pre-match festivities and meetups.
- Parking lots will open by 3:15 PM for those who have reserved spaces ahead of time.
- The Team Store will be operational from 4:30 PM onwards, offering fans the chance to grab merchandise before the match.
For those seeking a more exclusive entry, STM Early Entry is available only at the Blue Cross NC East Gate for Season Ticket Members starting at 4:30 PM until 5:00 PM. Gates will open officially at 5:00 PM.
Matchday Activities and Entertainment
The pre-match atmosphere will be electric, with various activities designed to entertain fans from the moment they enter The Fortress:
- Crowns Up Queen City Rally Towel: A special towel exclusive to this match, presented by Atrium Health.
- Pre-Match Party on Legends Row: From 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM, the party features postcards for writing to players, inflatable soccer goal, face painting, and photo ops. This is a great time for supporters to mingle and celebrate Game 1 in the Round One Best-of-3 series.
Matchday Events
The match itself will be filled with fan engagement and entertainment:
- Coronation: Welcome Carolina royalty to the party!
- National Anthem: Garrett Huffman will lead the tradition of singing the National Anthem.
- Color Guard: Gaston County EMS Honor Guard will participate in this ceremonial event.
- Matchday DJ: DJ Fannie Mae will keep the energy high throughout the match.
Parking and Entry Instructions
To ensure a smooth entry, fans are reminded to have their mobile tickets ready for display upon arrival. Ticketing options include purchasing ahead of time or on matchday:
- Mobile Tickets: Available at all entry points via the Charlotte FC app or mobile wallet.
The club enforces a clear bag policy, allowing only transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ for those with items exceeding this size. Purses and fanny packs must be no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″.
Special permission is required for medical bags; fans should contact [email protected] if needed.
For those eager to shop on matchday, the Bank of America Stadium Team Store now operates with RFID technology, improving the shopping experience and ensuring faster checkouts. Fans are encouraged to try out this new system.
Fan Behavior Guidelines
The club emphasizes a positive and respectful atmosphere during matches:
- Drinking responsibly is strongly encouraged, but fans should be aware of the consequences for throwing any object on the field, which will result in ejection.
Sensory Inclusion Program
To accommodate all visitors, Bank of America Stadium has partnered with KultureCity to become Sensory Inclusive Certified. Sensory kits are available for checkout at Guest Relations Booths, and the free KultureCity App provides information on sensory features.
