FIFA Club World Cup fuels hot streak for Charlotte hotels

Catch up quick: Bank of America Stadium hosted four matches between June 22-30, including soccer royalty Real Madrid.

By the numbers: Hotel occupancy in Mecklenburg County increased 3.5% year-over-year for that period, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

• In Uptown, hotel rates ranged from $183.67 to $248.17 on match days, and hotel occupancy peaked at 93.9%, per CRVA.
• Like other cities, Charlotte uses taxes generated from hotel stays and restaurant and bar tabs for projects that bring in tourism dollars, such as stadium or convention center renovations.

What they're saying: "Events like the FIFA Club World Cup don't just bring people to Charlotte — they elevate our global profile, create lasting impact, and generate measurable benefits for our visitor economy," CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell said in a statement.

Between the lines: Though business travel and in-office work haven't returned to their pre-pandemic levels, leisure travel in Uptown has surged.

The big picture: Charlotte has been on a roll with massive events this year, from the ACC Tournament in March, to Lovin' Life Music Festival, Kendrick Lamar, Shakira and Metallica concerts and the PGA Championship in May, plus back-to-back nights of Savannah Bananas games at Bank of America Stadium in June.

What we're watching: Hotels and businesses are full of visitors even amid fear of crime in Uptown, which city boosters are working to address, Axios' Alexandria Sands reports.

What's next: Charlotte is already gearing up to host another major soccer event — the MLS All-Star Game in late July 2026 at Bank of America Stadium. The weeklong festivities will also bring fans, media and players who will likely fill Charlotte's hotels.