Charlotte

Charlotte Members

Membership

Picture of the Charlotte skyline with CLT written across it.

blue

Axios Charlotte Partners

Axios Charlotte

Standard

Charlotte Alerts

Alert

Axios Charlotte gets you smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in your backyard.

Axios Charlotte Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios Charlotte Deep Dive

Deep Dive

The duo behind Charlotte's most relatable comedy videos

From I-77 toll lanes to airport confusion, their sketches tap into everyday Charlotte frustrations.

Things to Do

Two Charlotte comedians are turning the city&#x27;s pain points into laughs. Why it matters: Comedians Alex King and Sean Kett roast Charlotte out of love, the same way you&#x27;re allowed to pick on your siblings. But there will be hell to pay if someone from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" data-vars-content-id="c484d6ee-3b4f-4360-9b41-23c1ce904186" data-vars-headline="The duo behind Charlotte&#x27;s most relatable comedy videos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/26/charlotte-growth-population-1-million" target="_self">Atlanta</a> or Raleigh talks smack about Charlotte.

Comedian Matt Rife returns to Charlotte with jokes about the city

The comedian returns to Spectrum Center this June and he has a few jokes to share about Charlotte traffic, sports fans and dating.

Comedian Matt Rife loves Charlotte, but that didn&#x27;t stop him from finding a few things to joke about ahead of his upcoming show this summer.Why it matters: Rife credits Charlotte&#x27;s Comedy Zone as one of the first clubs to give him a shot, and says the city has remained one of his favorite stops ever since.

Charlotte's food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte

Charlotte's food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte.

Food and Drink

Charlotte, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" data-vars-content-id="0e0eacee-48a0-4799-b568-f25cd5a602ba" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s food scene has the same identity problem as Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" target="_self">once</a> known for steakhouses and company-credit-card dinners, is chasing recognition for its evolving food scene, investing millions in exposure through &quot;Top Chef&quot; and Michelin.Why it matters: There are some criteria for building a food-city reputation that money can&#x27;t buy. Few people can succinctly describe Charlotte&#x27;s culinary identity. The debate sounds awfully familiar.

Hot Homes: 4 houses for sale in Charlotte ranging from $440K to $1.4M

These homes pair private backyards and green spaces with easy access to some of Charlotte's best dining, nightlife and entertainment.

Real Estate

These homes pair private backyards and green spaces with easy access to some of Charlotte&#x27;s best dining, nightlife and entertainment.

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte

Bars and restaurants will be packed with people watching nations compete on the world's biggest stage.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="0dc69201-2f8a-4339-88c2-a0c6f76e9271" data-vars-headline="Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/08/how-to-watch-world-cup" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> is almost here. Why it matters: Bars and restaurants will be packed with people watching nations compete on the world&#x27;s biggest stage.

How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup

Three national teams chose North Carolina for their base camps this summer.

Sports

<figure><img alt="Scottish national team training in Charlotte ahead of the World Cup. " height="450" id="79fccacf-4511-414e-bffa-fcde5067688e" src="https://images.axios.com/rabdGq4ssLiDQva27uTd3E0Hn1I=/2026/06/08/1780942260590.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>Scotland received a proper North Carolina welcome Monday as they began <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="training in Charlotte" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/17/north-carolina-world-cup-base-camps-germany-scotland-norway-charlotte-winston-salem-greensboro" data-vars-content-id="be9031c8-8443-483e-b665-99f4f0fb8858" data-vars-headline="How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/17/north-carolina-world-cup-base-camps-germany-scotland-norway-charlotte-winston-salem-greensboro" target="_self">training in Charlotte</a> — sunny with temperatures in the 90s. Why it matters: Charlotte will not host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="be9031c8-8443-483e-b665-99f4f0fb8858" data-vars-headline="How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> matches during this summer&#x27;s tournament, but the city, and the state for that matter, will still feel the tournament&#x27;s presence.

Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte

The first 11 players have been named for the MLS All-Star Game, coming to Charlotte on July 29.

The first 11 players have been named for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MLS All-Star Game" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/15/mls-all-star-game-2026-bank-of-america-stadium" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/15/mls-all-star-game-2026-bank-of-america-stadium" target="_self">MLS All-Star Game</a>, including superstar Lionel Messi and Charlotte FC and United States men&#x27;s national team defender <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Ream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/usmnt-defender-tim-ream-s-perfect-day-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/27/usmnt-defender-tim-ream-s-perfect-day-in-charlotte" target="_self">Tim Ream</a>. Why it matters: This will be the first time Charlotte has hosted the MLS All-Star Game and Ream is Charlotte FC&#x27;s first All-Star. The festivities are expected to pack the city&#x27;s hotels and draw thousands of fans. Organizers are also hoping to capitalize on buzz from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="e331c04f-36c5-47e2-9b59-ecc417a70dc5" data-vars-headline="Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">World Cup</a> taking place across North America June 11- July 19.

Peak Time Pickleball brings 19 courts, saunas and a gym to Wilmore

The facility pairs 19 indoor courts with fitness space, saunas, lounges and future expansions.

News

Peak Time Pickleball in Wilmore is the latest place to play <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/it-s-cool-to-stay-indoors" data-vars-content-id="ed7f12cf-a521-4c27-914c-5d5e055d9f54" data-vars-headline="Peak Time Pickleball brings 19 courts, saunas and a gym to Wilmore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/05/21/it-s-cool-to-stay-indoors" target="_self">pickleball</a> in Charlotte.Why it matters: The 78,000-square-foot warehouse turned pickleball hub has 19 indoor courts, feeding Charlotte&#x27;s hunger for the sport.

Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment

The program aims to make soccer more accessible.

More than 500 Pinewood Elementary School students participated in a soccer clinic for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soccer at Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44888542.46581/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDMvMjMvYmFuay1vZi1hbWVyaWNhLXVzLXNvY2Nlci1kYXZpZC1iZWNraGFtP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hhcmxvdHRlJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/610ab048ad21ed6504461445B4414bff9" target="_self">Soccer at Schools</a>, which featured former U.S. Soccer national team players Clint Dempsey and Crystal Dunn.Why it matters: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is part of Bank of America&#x27;s investment in youth soccer leading up to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="f65ddf28-8175-47df-b302-a287ed927aa3" data-vars-headline="Charlotte schools tap into World Cup youth soccer investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a>, which takes place in North America from June 11 through July 19.

Pro women's basketball returns to Charlotte

The new team hopes to revive Charlotte's pro women's basketball energy.

Charlotte&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="professional women&#x27;s basketball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" data-vars-content-id="034f6b43-3bcc-42ab-9738-413a31e5af66" data-vars-headline="Pro women&#x27;s basketball returns to Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/09/charlotte-crown-womens-basketball-upshot-league-team" target="_self">professional women&#x27;s basketball team</a> tips off this month. Why it matters: The Charlotte Crown is the latest pro women&#x27;s sports team to call Charlotte home, and it&#x27;s part of a wave of new opportunities for women to compete professionally.

Charlotte FC's highest-paid player is delivering

Pep Biel leads Charlotte FC in pay and production.

Charlotte FC has a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top-paid player" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-fc-highest-paid-players-2025" data-vars-content-id="b5118c79-c3cb-4fe7-9fbb-e752e3b82ccd" data-vars-headline="Charlotte FC&#x27;s highest-paid player is delivering" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/29/charlotte-fc-highest-paid-players-2025" target="_self">top-paid player</a>, according to the Major League Soccer Players Association&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salary guide" data-vars-click-url="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" data-vars-content-id="b5118c79-c3cb-4fe7-9fbb-e752e3b82ccd" data-vars-headline="Charlotte FC&#x27;s highest-paid player is delivering" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mlsplayers.org/resources/salary-guide" target="_blank">salary guide</a>.Why it matters: Midfielder Pep Biel is making a club-record $3.01 million in guaranteed compensation and he has the stats to back up Charlotte FC&#x27;s investment.

Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience in Charlotte

Your guide to the schedule, details, experiences and new offerings at the tournament.

<figure><img alt="Truist Championship sign." height="448" id="2c2cc76c-a949-47f1-b80e-8d57e2e37797" src="https://images.axios.com/P20rQDb4ofELUzp7DiDACG_m1ck=/2026/05/06/1778089739292.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The buildout for this year&#x27;s tournament took roughly 84 days. There are 15 video boards and 136 structures. Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Truist Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="1caf8cf4-f140-4e28-866d-d8ebe802c5a7" data-vars-headline="Inside the 2026 Truist Championship experience in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/08/06/golf-pga-truist-championship-replaces-wells-fargo-championship-charlotte" target="_self">Truist Championship</a> tees off this spring at Quail Hollow Club. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the dawn of a new era for Charlotte&#x27;s annual PGA Tour event, with a new title sponsor for one of the city&#x27;s most popular springtime events.

Hornets' $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027

The Hornets' new facility signals Charlotte's sports surge as the team pushes toward relevance.

<figure><img alt="Confetti going off in front of construction on the Hornets new practice facility." height="450" id="ab21be48-5727-41c3-8bf7-3d9a375c1027" src="https://images.axios.com/RL6y8VxswZ8VUyYMzEYiySDuDIs=/2026/05/04/1777916537904.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video: Ashley Mahoney/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Charlotte Hornets&#x27; new roughly $180 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="practice facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/hornets-practice-facility-novant-health-performance-center" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/03/25/hornets-practice-facility-novant-health-performance-center" target="_self">practice facility</a> will open next spring. Why it matters: Charlotte is in the midst of a sports facility renaissance, from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stadiums" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/23/charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-800-million-renovation-uptown-panthers-charlotte-fc-2045-deal" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/23/charlotte-bank-of-america-stadium-800-million-renovation-uptown-panthers-charlotte-fc-2045-deal" target="_self">stadiums</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arenas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/17/charlotte-spectrum-center-reopens-renovation-hornets-concert-tickets" target="_self">arenas</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="practice facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/16/charlotte-carolina-panthers-atrium-health-training-facility-uptown-stadium-district" data-vars-content-id="65ebbe99-4c7d-4b7a-aa00-7977baffb868" data-vars-headline="Hornets&#x27; $180M practice facility to open in spring 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/16/charlotte-carolina-panthers-atrium-health-training-facility-uptown-stadium-district" target="_self">practice facilities</a>. For the first time in years, the product on the court and field is beginning to match that investment.

Why landing an MLB team is an "uphill battle" for North Carolina

Experts say North Carolina is a strong contender, but Nashville's push may be harder to beat.

Major League Baseball has its sights set on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/22/raleigh-mlb-expansion-charlotte-study" data-vars-content-id="ac2194a1-7498-49d7-a418-73bb10fdcaae" data-vars-headline="Why landing an MLB team is an &quot;uphill battle&quot; for North Carolina" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2025/08/22/raleigh-mlb-expansion-charlotte-study" target="_self">expansion</a>, with potential new teams in the Eastern and Western parts of the country. Why it matters: North Carolina&#x27;s bid is strong, but competing markets may have clearer momentum, infrastructure and branding advantages.

Sports 🏅

Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Charlotte

How Charlotte scored Scotland for the World Cup

Messi, Tim Ream named to squad for MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte

Peak Time Pickleball brings 19 courts, saunas and a gym to Wilmore

USMNT tops Senegal in Charlotte ahead of World Cup