Axios Charlotte

March 07, 2026
👋 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
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.
2. 🤩 Visit Egypt without leaving Charlotte
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.
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3. 💐 Ballantyne will be in full bloom this spring
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
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.
🙌 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.
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