CHARLOTTE — Charlotte’s FC’s first game of the season didn’t go the way it was supposed to. The first goal in franchise history was wiped away before the celebration could begin.
But the club proved two things -- they have heart, and they’ll put on a show.
On Saturday, that show came to the Carolinas. A sold-out crowd, who had been waiting for this moment for more than two years, was ready to take in history.
It was the first home game for major league soccer at Bank of America Stadium.
Unfortunately, Charlotte FC fell to L.A. Galaxy with a score of 0-1.
However, the club made history by breaking the MLS all-time attendance record, with more than 74,000 fans attending the game. That record was previously held by Atlanta.
Thousands of fans stormed Bank of America Stadium for Charlotte FC’s first home opener.
You could hear cheering and chanting in the sea of blue.
The energy was off the charts, and fans were seen celebrating in the streets of Uptown up to two hours before the game began.
Even fans who could not get into the sold-out game said they still had a great time around the city.
“I think it’s amazing. Charlotte is growing rapidly, and to bring soccer here professional. It’s nothing but a beautiful thing, in my opinion,” fan Pete Williams said.
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Tons of bars and restaurants offered fans a front-row seat to the action.
Local businesses said the match came at the perfect time for those who still need help during the pandemic.
Business owners told Channel 9 that they were excited about the potential boost.
“This could be like an entirely separate football season for us. As far as sales coming in,” said Matt Wohlfarth, owner at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille.
Owners said the difference between a normal week and a panthers home game can be tons of thousands of dollars.
They said they hope Charlotte FC can make the same impact.
(WATCH BELOW: Four-part pre-game special)
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