Charlotte Express: The ultimate fan experience

This past Saturday, I was able to attend their game against the Raleigh Flyers (had a press credential and everything) at East Meck High School and despite the end result (Charlotte lost to the division leaders 27 -18), came away having a great time.

@mr_yoho was at Charlotte Express tonight

A photo posted by Axios Charlotte (@charlotteagenda) on

One of the top selling points the AUDL is the fact that the sport is fast paced, exciting, and you don’t have to know the rules to enjoy yourself.

The athletes on the field are constantly diving, jumping, and colliding with each other and the game has very little stoppages making it a fairly fluid experience as a spectator (the Express has already had an ESPN Top Ten play). 

I have been playing competitive ultimate for a long time (with and against a lot of guys on the field) and could type a full story about the playing style of the team and their strengths and weaknesses. But, I don’t think that is the important story with the Express.

What we are seeing is a brand new, fan-friendly sport and team trying to grow its fanbase the right way.

When you go to a Charlotte Express game you are greeted by smiling volunteers who all play in local ultimate frisbee leagues and are totally invested in the sport.

The announced attendance of 450 was full of families, young professionals, and local high schoolers who got to play in an All-Star game at half time. People have gone all out in support of their team and from train conductors hats and whistles to painted chests the fans are brimming with excitement about their team.

Thomas Price of Myers Park High School in the half time All-Star game

From the merchandise tent to concessions (King of Pops!) everything was homegrown and bursting with optimism. While there are some deficiencies on the field (team is 1- 5) and occasional hiccups in the game day environment (to be expected by a new organization), I believe there should be a good amount of optimism surrounding the introduction of the team to the Charlotte market.

Micah Hood’s fan club

Following the game all the fans are allowed on the field to meet the players. This is when I realized something that is extremely rare and refreshing in sports: the players were just as excited to meet their fans as the fans were to meet them.

Eric Olson signing autographs after the game

Have questions or are you intrigued by the possibility of professional ultimate frisbee? The next game is June 13th and I hope to see you there. All aboard!