Axios Charlotte

March 07, 2026

Alexis Clinton

👋 Hi Saturday! It's Alexis, who is pumped for Charlotte FC's home opener and wishes she could clone herself to catch Duke vs. UNC back home, too.

🌧️ Today's weather: Slight chance of rain showers then slight chance showers and thunderstorms, with a high of 78 and a low of 63.

This newsletter has 598 words and is a 2.5-minute read.

1 big thing: 🏟️ How to tailgate for Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC supporters march to the stadium. Photo: Travis Dove for Axios

It's time to party at Bank of America Stadium again.

Why it matters: The bar is high as Charlotte FC heads into its fifth season — from playoff expectations to the fan experience.

Driving the news: Charlotte FC hosts Austin FC today at 7:30pm in their home opener at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets start at $61.88.

Here's how you can gear up for the home opener:

🙌 Tailgate by joining Charlotte FC supporters' groups at 703 McNinch St.
🛍️ Scoop up some match-day gear from Glory Days Apparel before you go.
📺 Cheer them on from a watch party or local watering hole.

Keep reading our full tailgating guide

2. 🤩 Visit Egypt without leaving Charlotte

Three people wearing virtual reality headsets stand on a wooden deck beside water under a starry night sky with a large full moon and rocky outcrops in the distance. — Using VR headsets you can move through Blume Studios to explore ancient Egypt. Photo: Courtesy of Excurio

Using VR headsets you can move through Blume Studios to explore ancient Egypt. Photo: Courtesy of Excurio

An immersive ancient Egyptian experience is coming to Blume Studios.

Driving the news: Horizon of Khufu: Journey in Ancient Egypt is Blume Studios' latest virtual experience, following Magican's Table. It opens April 17.

What to expect: The experience transports you from present-day Egypt back to 2,500 BC to explore the Great Pyramid of Giza.

In a 42-minute guided tour, you'll move through parts of the pyramid to explore hidden corridors and the Queen's Chamber.
Along the way, you'll cruise the Nile, see ancient embalming rituals, and attend the funeral of King Khufu.

What's next: Tickets are on sale now through August 30. Early bird adult tickets are $28 and $25 for children.

Celebrating 5 years of Axios Local

🎈1 big thing: For five years, Axios has delivered smart, trustworthy local news to communities like yours — and we're just getting started.

Why it matters: Memberships sustain the journalism you rely on and help us keep delivering strong, independent reporting focused on what matters most.

Your newsletter helps you stay informed and connected. Help us power the next five years of Axios Charlotte by becoming a member today.

3. 💐 Ballantyne will be in full bloom this spring

Crowded outdoor market with white tents and people browsing, walking, and socializing near Harriet's Hamburgers restaurant under cloudy sky in an urban area with modern buildings. — Don't forget to add this spring event to your calendar. Photo: Courtesy of The Bowl at Ballantyne

Don't forget to add this spring event to your calendar. Photo: Courtesy of The Bowl at Ballantyne

The Bowl in Bloom, a family-friendly outdoor vendor market, returns to Ballantyne this spring.

What to expect: In addition to a list of local vendors with Shop Local QC, there will also be interactive botanical crafts, whimsical floral princess photo moments, a live DJ, a creative coloring wall and more.

Bentley's Buds & Brews, a mobile flower truck, will also give the first 100 guests a complimentary flower bouquet.

If you go: It's free to attend on Saturday, May 9, at 15119 Bowl St. from 11am-1pm.

4. 📺 The Battle of the Blues is back at Moo & Brew

Three friends smiling and toasting with drinks while seated at a table with food, wearing casual clothes and hats in a dimly lit restaurant or bar. — Rep your shade of blue with friends to watch the game at Moo & Brew. Photo: Courtesy of Ken Thomas

Rep your shade of blue with friends to watch the game at Moo & Brew. Photo: Courtesy of Ken Thomas

Tar Heel and Blue Devil fans will take over Moo & Brew this evening for the rivalry showdown.

Driving the news: Both the Plaza Midwood (1300 Central Ave.) and Matthews locations will be hosting a watch party for the men's basketball game at 6:30pm.

Expect face painting for kids and raffles for a UNC varsity letterman jacket and an autographed basketball signed by North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball players and coaches.
The Matthews location (111 Matthews Station St.) will be celebrating its second anniversary with drink specials and giveaways throughout the day.

What we're watching: It's a highly anticipated rematch after Duke's loss last month — and the stakes are higher this time.

Since the defeat, No. 1 Duke has won seven straight games, including a victory over the then-No. 1 Michigan, and now looks like a favorite to win the NCAA Tournament.
UNC star freshman Caleb Wilson won't play against Duke, as he is out for the remainder of the season after breaking his thumb in practice this week.

More weekend things to do

🙌 I can't wait to cheer on Charlotte FC today.

⚽️ Ashley is going to Charlotte FC's home opener tonight.

🧠 Laura recently learned what "matresence" means — AKA "mommy brain."

🍵 McKenzie stopped scrolling when she saw this matcha from Pertinacious.

🐮 Alex is hanging with the highland cows at Chilly Coffee Club today.

😔 Katie, who edited this newsletter, is very bummed about Caleb Wilson.