Charlotte FC's fourth season is underway.

Why it matters: Charlotte FC provided a spark of hope to a struggling sports town last year when they hosted and won the city's first home playoff match in nearly a decade. Now it's time to see if they can keep the magic going.

Catch up quick: Charlotte FC opened the season with a 2-all draw at Seattle Sounders last weekend, meaning they're starting the season with a point and they're hoping to claim three points this weekend.

Driving the news: Charlotte FC's home opener is Saturday, March 1, vs. rival Atlanta United at 2pm. More than 50,000 people are expected to attend.

Here are a few things to know this season:

• In a massive move in January, Charlotte signed former Premier League star Wilfried Zaha. Now fans are anxiously awaiting his debut.
• Patrick Agyemang is a rising star and was Charlotte FC's leading scorer last season (10 goals). But head coach Dean Smith tells Axios he has higher expectations for the young player this season (15-20 goals).
• Smith is keeping his tradition of incentivizing the players with wine for "clean sheets," which is soccer speak for when the team doesn't give up any goals.

Keep reading

A grassroots movement is calling on Americans to abstain from shopping with major retailers tomorrow as part of an "economic blackout."

How it works: The Feb. 28 economic blackout calls on consumers to avoid all unnecessary purchases, either in-person or online, from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday.

• "No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy," The People's Union USA website reads. "Nowhere!"
• It further urges participants not to spend money on fast food, major retailers, or gas and to avoid using credit or debit cards to make nonessential purchases.
• There's an exception for buying essentials like medicine, food or emergency supplies, but urges people to make those purchases at small, local businesses.

How effective are boycotts and what happens next

🦪 The Waterman, Charlotte's neighborhood seafood spot, has opened in Charlotte Douglas International Airport's Concourse C near gate C13.

• There's a raw bar and oyster shucking station, an HMSHost spokesperson tells Axios. Its menu has lobster rolls, beer-battered haddock sandwiches, blackened shrimp tacos and all-day brunch.

🎸 Sammy's Beach Bar & Grill will open early this summer in Concourse D at CLT. (CBJ)

🎭 Opera Carolina is experiencing significant leadership changes, including the departure of its longtime artistic director. The company's production director was fired and is now suing Opera Carolina. (Ledger)

🏗 Discovery Place will open a kids museum in the Town of Matthews within the next five years. (WCCB)

🍷 A Mediterranean-inspired wine and cocktail bar by restaurateur Bruce Moffett is opening next to Stagioni this June. (CharlotteFive 🔐)

🖼 Admission is free at the Harvey B. Gantt Center March 1-2 for Bank of America and Merrill Lynch employees and/or cardholders.

Vinyl, the popular South End music bar and restaurant, recently updated its brunch menu.

Between the lines: Vinyl began serving brunch about a year ago — now it's back with a refreshed lineup.

What to expect: A mix of new dishes and cocktails alongside returning favorites (yes, the croissant french toast is staying).

• New dishes include steak and eggs ($29), a hot honey chicken biscuit ($12), a veggie hash ($14) and biscuits and gravy ($10).
• There's also seven new cocktails like a Breakfast Negroni made with coffee-infused Campari ($16).

Stop by: 1440 S. Tryon St.

• Open Monday-Tuesday 3pm-2am, Wednesday-Friday 11am-2am and Saturday-Sunday 10am-2am.

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Product Manager at Rally Pickleball.
2. Account Executive at Canon USA.
3. Manager, Enterprise Learning & Development at Duke Energy Corporation.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring?Post a job.

We're at the end of Black History Month, and some of our spring events are starting to pour this weekend, including the Charlotte FC home opener.

💭 Friday: Honor the last day of Black History Month with cultural trivia at Queen City Grounds.

📚 Saturday: Check out a book fair at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery with over 30+ local vendors.

🚴 Sunday: Check out a bike festival at Triple C Brewing with shops, gear swaps, vendor markets and more.

More fun things to do this weekend

News you can use from our partners.

• Napa brings fresh, seasonal flavors and expertly curated wines to your table. Enjoy chef-driven dishes, a lively atmosphere and an elevated dining experience — right in your neighborhood. Your table is waiting.
• 👰 Say "yes" to the dress for less at Goodwill's annual Bridal Sale on Saturday, March 8 in West Charlotte. Shop hundreds of bridal, bridesmaid, prom and special occasion dresses at drastically reduced prices. Get the deets.

Y'all, it's almost March. Here are some of the biggest events happening in Charlotte to add to your calendar:

⚽️ March 1: Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United at Bank of America Stadium

🎭 March 7-9: "Dreamgirls" at Booth Playhouse

🍩 March 9: 5th Annual CLT Donut Festival at Norfolk Hall

🏀 March 11-15: ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center

🍽 March 12-25: Savor Charlotte 2025

🎤 March 13: GloRilla at Bojangles Coliseum

🎉 March 15: Queen City Holi at Victoria Yards

🍀 March 15: Rich & Bennett's St. Patty's Day Pub Crawl

🏀 March 20-23: Black College Invitational Championship

🖊 March 21-23: Charlotte Tattoo Art Festival at Park Expo & Conference Center

🎤 March 26: Tyler, The Creator at Spectrum Center

🎶 March 27: J Balvin at Spectrum Center

🍷 March 29: South End Wine & Hops Fest 2025

Biggest events of the year

24 Foundation's second annual Dam to Dam returns June 20 to raise funds and awareness for those impacted by cancer in Charlotte.

How it works: Participants will travel 24 miles down the Catawba River on stand-up paddleboards (SUP) from Mountain Island Lake Dam to the Lake Wylie Dam. The day ends with a celebration at the Lake Wylie Beach Club.

• The full-day event is limited to 50 paddleboards (teams of two may alternate paddling or you may SUP solo. The team member who isn't paddling would be in a support boat).
• Paddleboard experience isn't necessary and gear will be provided. The day will include several rest stops and a catered lunch.
• You must apply to participate by April 1. If selected, you must commit to raising at least $1,500 by June 18.