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More than 30,000 people will head to Bank of America Stadium this weekend to see Charlotte FC take on Inter Miami and superstar Lionel Messi.

Why it matters: Tickets are going for more than double the price of Charlotte FC's other home matches on SeatGeek, per a company spokesperson. This reflects how much Messi drives demand wherever he plays, according to SeatGeek.

Yes, but: Tickets for this weekend's match may be a deal compared to other Inter Miami (2-1) away matches this season, SeatGeek says.

 The cost of a ticket for this weekend is averaging $179, roughly 20% below the average for Inter Miami's other away matches this season. Tickets start at $150.

The intrigue: Charlotte FC will not open the upper deck for this weekend's match and did not do so last season. The team is banking on a packed lower bowl atmosphere.

Go deeper: Charlotte FC bets on packed lower bowl at Bank of America Stadium

What we're watching: Messi has never won in Charlotte, and this will be his third time playing here. Charlotte FC beat Inter Miami 3-0 last September.

Charlotte FC (1-1-1) is looking for its second win of the season after beating Austin FC 3-1 in its home opener last weekend.

Keep an eye on Charlotte FC midfielder Pep Biel, who leads the club with three goals. 

What's next: Charlotte FC and Inter Miami kick off at 7:30pm Saturday. If you haven't scored tickets, try one of these local watering holes or tailgate with fans at 703 McNinch St., starting at 3:30pm.

Charlotte FC bets on packed lower bowl at Bank of America Stadium

Messi's return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring

Average tickets hit $179 — more than double the cost of typical Charlotte FC home matches, SeatGeek says.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF is challenged by Wilfried Zaha #10 of Charlotte FC during the MLS match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

Superstar Lionel Messi (left) of Inter Miami CF vs. Charlotte FC's Wilfried Zaha. Photo: David Jensen/Getty Images

More than 30,000 people will head to Bank of America Stadium this weekend to see Charlotte FC take on Inter Miami and superstar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lionel Messi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/mls-salaries-lionel-messi-inter-miami-2025-players-compensation" data-vars-content-id="41f36297-0c3d-4858-aa32-78c103bc128d" data-vars-headline="Messi&#x27;s return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/29/mls-salaries-lionel-messi-inter-miami-2025-players-compensation" target="_self">Lionel Messi</a>.Why it matters: Tickets are going for more than double the price of Charlotte FC&#x27;s other home matches on SeatGeek, per a company spokesperson. This reflects how much <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Messi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/10/18/messi-will-likely-play-in-charlotte-this-weekend-342048" data-vars-content-id="41f36297-0c3d-4858-aa32-78c103bc128d" data-vars-headline="Messi&#x27;s return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/10/18/messi-will-likely-play-in-charlotte-this-weekend-342048" target="_self">Messi</a> drives demand wherever he plays, according to SeatGeek.

Sports

Things to Do

Dell Curry drove his dark blue Choo Choo Customs Chevy Blazer down from Virginia in 1988 to join the Carolinas' first major league team — the Charlotte Hornets.

Why it matters: Curry — the expansion franchise's first player — became a defining figure in Charlotte sports and will soon become just the second Hornets player with his jersey retired at Spectrum Center.

Driving the news: The Hornets will retire Curry's jersey Thursday, March 19, during halftime of their game against the Orlando Magic.

Curry's No. 30 joins his former teammate Bobby Phills' (No. 13), who died in a car accident in 2000. 

By the numbers: For Curry, the honor is the "cherry on top" of his Charlotte legacy, he tells Axios. His 10 seasons playing for the Hornets are the most in franchise history. 

He retired as the team's all-time leader in points (9,839), 3-pointers (929), field goals (3,951) and games played (701). Then another Hornets legend came along and made some of those records his own — Kemba Walker. They rank first and second in team history for points. 

Between the lines: Curry wasn't a starter like his superstar son, Stephen Curry. Of his 701 games in Charlotte, he only started 77. Instead, he made his impact coming off the bench. Curry won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1994.

He was part of some of the best Hornets teams in franchise history, including three 50-plus win seasons and four playoff appearances. 

Zoom out: Curry, like many athletes whose professional careers included a stop in Charlotte, has made Charlotte his home. He joined the Hornets (then the Bobcats) as a broadcaster after retiring. His final season was with the Toronto Raptors.

"When I left, I knew I was going to come back," he says. 

He raised his family here. His sons, Stephen and Seth Curry, would tag along to practices and games. Today, they're teammates on the Golden State Warriors. 

Flashback: When 24-year-old Dell Curry arrived in Charlotte in 1988, there were two towering structures in Uptown. For someone who grew up in rural Virginia, he considered Charlotte a big city. 

The team practiced at the Grady Cole Center in Elizabeth and had to avoid running into the stage when they finished a fast break.

The big picture: It's been years since the Hornets practiced there. Today, the team's new ownership is building a standalone practice facility across from the newly renovated Spectrum Center. 

Curry is optimistic, not only about the cosmetic changes, but also about how the team is playing with under a month left in the regular season. 

They've become one of the hottest teams in the league since the calendar turned, with first-year player Kon Knueppel a serious contender for rookie of the year. The team has a shot at making the playoffs for the first time in a decade. 

As fans look toward the future, they'll also celebrate the past on Thursday when Curry's jersey is retired.

What's next: Thursday's game tips off at 7pm. Tickets start at $27. 

Hornets retire Dell Curry's No. 30 jersey Thursday

Nearly 40 years after arriving for Charlotte's first NBA team, Dell Curry's No. 30 will rise to the rafters.

8 Nov 1996: Guard Dell Curry of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball down the court during a game against the Washington Bullets at the US Air Arena in Landover, Maryland. The Hornets won the game 102-87. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger /Allsport

Dell Curry drove his dark blue Choo Choo Customs Chevy Blazer down from Virginia in 1988 to join the Carolinas&#x27; first major league team — the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Hornets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" data-vars-content-id="4955c432-deee-451e-ba84-f76a77a1ddcb" data-vars-headline="Hornets retire Dell Curry&#x27;s No. 30 jersey Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/05/how-the-charlotte-hornets-became-the-unlikely-darling-of-the-nba" target="_self">Charlotte Hornets</a>.Why it matters: Curry — the expansion franchise&#x27;s first player — became a defining figure in Charlotte sports and will soon become just the second Hornets player with his jersey retired at Spectrum Center.

News

The Queens Royals are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history as a Division I school.

Why it matters: The small school based in Myers Park hopes to become the Cinderella team of this year's tournament.

Catch up quick: The No. 3-seeded Royals won the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament by taking down the tourney's No. 1 seed Central Arkansas 98-93.

What's next: The Royals, No. 15 in the West Region, will face No. 2 Purdue on Friday, March 20, at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Mo. The game is at 7:35pm ET and will air on TruTV. 

Here are five things to know about the Royals. 

This is the first year they're eligible for the Big Dance

The Royals (21-13) moved up from Division II to Division I in 2022. This is the first year the program is eligible for full NCAA post-season play amid the transition.

Guard Chris Ashby hit 10 three-pointers during the ASUN tournament final. He leads the team with 109 threes this season. 

Guard Nasir Mann leads the Royals in scoring with 457 points. He's averaging 13.4 points per game. Mann is the younger brother of Hornets guard Tre Mann. 

Both Ashby and Mann have started all 34 games this season. 

Royals head coach Grant Leonard has become known for the unique sweaters he sports on the sidelines at games. For the tournament, expect something "joyous and green," he told reporters Monday. "St. Patrick's Day here we come," Leonard says. 

Flashback: Several years ago, someone accused him of not having enough holiday spirit because basketball season, which spans the holidays, takes up much of his attention. 

"To compensate, I started wearing joyous holiday sweaters to bring out the festive mood," Leonard says. The tradition stuck. 

Basketball collage: top left coach raises arms; top right players on bench with a referee; bottom left man in "LEFTOVERS ARE FOR QUITTERS" sweater walks by; bottom right man hand on chest looking up.

The many sweaters of Royals head coach Grant Leonard. Photo: Courtesy of Queens Royals 

Rex, a lion, is the Royals' mascot. But Buddy, a dog statue, represents the fight in the team. It started over the summer when the team described themselves as dogs. One of their assistant coaches asked the players if they were tough dogs or pampered dogs. Leonard wanted them to identify with being hungry for success and fighting for everything, so he ordered a dog statue that they named Buddy.

"We adopted Buddy the street dog," Leonard says. "He travels with us." 

From left: Guard Yoav Berman, head coach Grant Leonard and guard Nasir Mann. 

From left: Guard Yoav Berman, head coach Grant Leonard, guard Nasir Mann and Buddy the Street Dog.  Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

In 1989-1990, the Royals played their first season with a hot 5-0 start. Nearly 40 years later, they have a chance to make a splash on college basketball's biggest stage. 

5 things to know about Queens Royals basketball

Charlotte's Queens Royals hope to become the Cinderella team of March Madness.

Group of basketball players in black shirts and caps celebrating on a court, wearing CHAMPS hats and taking selfies with phones and cameras while fans and photographers surround them.

The Queens Royals are heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history as a Division I school.Why it matters: The small school based in Myers Park hopes to become the Cinderella team of this year&#x27;s tournament.

Renowned conductor James Meena has launched Charlotte Lyric Theatre, a new tuition-free training program and performance company. 

Why it matters: The program addresses several financial challenges aspiring artists face, such as the cost of voice or acting lessons, which Charlotte Lyric Theatre offers for free.

"It's tough enough keeping life and limb together for these artists," Meena tells Axios. 

Context: Meena's career as a conductor has taken him not only across the country but around the world. He spent decades with Opera Carolina as the principal conductor, general director and artistic director before he was ousted in 2025. 

Meena tells Axios he took about six months off after the Opera Carolina saga to figure out what he wanted to do. 

Now he is using his nearly 50 years of experience to develop aspiring artists. 

How it works: Meena handpicked five artists for the inaugural program, which began in fall 2025 and will wrap up in spring 2026. The current class performed with Opera Carolina when Meena was director. 

The professional development program includes everything from voice and acting coaching to lessons on how to navigate auditions, from new headshots to ways to improve an artist's online presence. 

Participants are also paid for their performances with Charlotte Lyric Theatre, according to Meena, who says he's donating 100% of his time to the project. 

Charlotte Lyric Theatre has a full season of performances, from more intimate events at the Duke Mansion to larger performances at Carolina Theatre. Performances will intentionally be in English. 

"One of the biggest barriers we found in certainly in the Opera House, is the language barrier," Meena says of traditional operas performed in French or Italian, for instance. 

Between the lines: Charlotte Lyric Theatre won't just train artists for the opera stage, but also in music theater and acting.  

"You have to be as versatile as possible in this business today," Meena says.

What we're watching: Funding for the project has been donated by individuals, Meena says. His goal is to keep the program tuition-free forever. They have also had access to free or low-cost space, including churches.

Meena envisions renting a physical space for the program in spring 2027. The next class will start this fall, with details about the student selection process being finalized.  

What's next: Charlotte Lyric Theatre's inaugural season will culminate in a show at Carolina Theatre in late May. Find the full schedule here.

Former Opera Carolina maestro launches tuition-free program to train artists

A new Charlotte program removes cost barriers for performers while paying them to train and perform.

Middle-aged man in a gray blazer and black turtleneck speaks, gesturing with his hands in a luxurious foyer with ornate doors, wall plates, and a piano with flowers in the background.

Charlotte Lyric Theatre founder and former Opera Carolina maestro James Meena. Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Lyric Theatre

Renowned conductor James Meena has launched Charlotte Lyric Theatre, a new tuition-free training program and performance company. Why it matters: The program addresses several financial challenges aspiring artists face, such as the cost of voice or acting lessons, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte Lyric Theatre" data-vars-click-url="https://charlottelyrictheatre.com/" data-vars-content-id="9c53bcf4-62b7-41d5-a734-4c0fa8504088" data-vars-headline="Former Opera Carolina maestro launches tuition-free program to train artists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://charlottelyrictheatre.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte Lyric Theatre</a> offers for free.<ul><li>&quot;It&#x27;s tough enough keeping life and limb together for these artists,&quot; Meena tells Axios. </li></ul>

Music

The life of a traveling musician lends itself to idle hours, Avett Brothers bassist Bob Crawford tells Axios. That's how he found the time to write a book. 

Why it matters: Crawford isn't just part of the beloved Grammy Award-nominated, Concord-based band. He also has a master's in history, which he earned while the band was on the road. He also has a history podcast. 

Driving the news: Crawford's new book, "America's Founding Son," is out this week.

Catch up quick: Crawford, who lives in the Durham area, and The Avett Brothers have been on the road for 25 years. At nearly 55 years old, he's getting up at 6:30am regardless of what time he goes to bed, he says. 

"That's just kind of a fact of life at this age," he says. 

Since sound check doesn't start until 2 or 3pm, he was able to dedicate a full workday to his project. 

When he's home, it's about finding time before his family gets up, or when his 14-year-old and 16-year-old are at school, or after everyone goes to bed. 

Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff

Between early mornings and sound checks, Bob Crawford dove into history.

The life of a traveling musician lends itself to idle hours, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Avett Brothers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/12/avett-brothers-country-kid-music-video-concord-roller-rink" data-vars-content-id="f8da16bf-bc0b-4573-bb5c-90864f41fe05" data-vars-headline="Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/04/12/avett-brothers-country-kid-music-video-concord-roller-rink" target="_self">Avett Brothers</a> bassist Bob Crawford tells Axios. That&#x27;s how he found the time to write a book. Why it matters: Crawford isn&#x27;t just part of the beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grammy Award-nominated, Concord-based band" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/22/mount-pleasant-avett-theater-live-music-renovation" data-vars-content-id="f8da16bf-bc0b-4573-bb5c-90864f41fe05" data-vars-headline="Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/22/mount-pleasant-avett-theater-live-music-renovation" target="_self">Grammy Award-nominated, Concord-based band</a>. He also has a master&#x27;s in history, which he earned while the band was on the road. He also has a history <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="podcast" data-vars-click-url="https://theroadtonow.com/" data-vars-content-id="f8da16bf-bc0b-4573-bb5c-90864f41fe05" data-vars-headline="Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theroadtonow.com/" target="_blank">podcast</a>. Driving the news: Crawford&#x27;s new book, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Founding Son" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/811681/americas-founding-son-by-bob-crawford/" data-vars-content-id="f8da16bf-bc0b-4573-bb5c-90864f41fe05" data-vars-headline="Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/811681/americas-founding-son-by-bob-crawford/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Founding Son</a>,&quot; is out this week.

Ashley Mahoney

Featured stories

Former Opera Carolina maestro launches tuition-free program to train artists

5 things to know about Queens Royals basketball

Hornets retire Dell Curry's No. 30 jersey Thursday

Avett Brothers bassist doubles as serious history buff

Messi's return sends Charlotte FC ticket prices soaring