A sellout crowd is expected this weekend for Charlotte FC's home opener. But it will look different at Bank of America Stadium this year — the upper bowl won't be open, reducing the capacity from more than 74,000 to around 35,000.

Why it matters: While this will be the smallest crowd for a home opener in the club's short history, it's part of a broader shift by the organization in how it'll approach home matches.

Context: Making the playoffs has become the standard for the club, which is in its fifth season. An electric home atmosphere has also created the nickname "the fortress" for Bank of America Stadium.

Yes, but: The goal is to have a consistently packed lower bowl rather than people scattered throughout the upper bowl, Tepper Sports & Entertainment executives told reporters Wednesday (TSE owns Charlotte FC and the Carolina Panthers).

• TSE executives say this is preferable across the board from an atmosphere perspective for both players and fans.

By the numbers: The lower bowl holds around 32,500. Total capacity depends on how many people sit in the stadium's suites, but it can reach about 35,000.

Reality check: Charlotte FC ranked third last season in attendance and has had strong attendance since its inaugural season in 2022. Typically, the upper deck was open for the home opener and a handful of matches throughout the season. The lower-bowl-only change started during last season and included the home playoff matches.

The big picture: Expectations for Charlotte FC are high, from success on the field to the fan experience.

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Moxie, a new women-focused social, coworking and wellness club, is coming to Providence Road.

Why it matters: Charlotte's wellness boom is blurring the line between fitness and social life. New clubs are betting people want community and a place to gather just as much as a workout.

What to expect:

• A café and cocktail bar
• Retail and provisions market
• Conference rooms and a podcast studio
• Entrepreneurial programming
• Private event space
• Pilates, yoga and rotating wellness services like massage and meditation

Read more about Moxie

🏟️ The Carolina Panthers will play the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, in Canton, Ohio, at 8pm. It will be the first preseason game of the 2026 season. (WBTV)

⛽️ Gas prices in the Charlotte area have gone up 20 cents in the last week since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, according to AAA, but are still not as high as some other parts of North Carolina or the U.S. (Charlotte Observer)

🗳️ Voter turnout for the Democratic U.S. Senate primary surged more than 30% compared to 2022, when Cheri Beasley ran, also with little competition. On the Republican side, voting fell 18% from when Ted Budd beat Pat McCrory. (WFAE)

⚽️ The Eastland Sports Campus will break ground on March 6, according to CharlotteEAST.

Roots Cafe will open a second location in Madison Park this spring, expanding the South End favorite in two phases.

• Phase 1, targeting a late spring opening, will be a 1,385-square-foot coffee shop with about 30 seats, including traditional tables and soft seating.
• Phase 2, expected in the fall, adds 1,127 square feet for a larger kitchen buildout and expanded seating.

Why it matters: Roots' South End lease expires in 2027, and owner Craig Barbour has been looking for a more permanent home.

What to expect: Phase 1 will offer coffee from Enderly and pastries, as well as a limited menu of new grab-and-go items.

📍 Find the new Madison Park Roots at 5033 South Blvd.

Read more about the new spot

💼 See who's hiring around the city.

1. Facilities Manager at Discovery Place.
2. Administrative Assistant, Office of Academic Affairs at Queens University of Charlotte.
3. Bridal Boutique Manager (Full-time) at Savvy Bride Boutique.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

It's time for another edition of "McKenzie's Moves," where I highlight the workouts and wellness treatments I try around town.

• Inspired by Alex Honnold's recent free solo of Taipei 101, I decided to micro-dose that thrill with a trip to Inner Peaks in South End.

What to expect: You can climb solo using auto belays, or take a class if you want to belay a partner. Routes are color-coded by difficulty, so you can start easy or test your grip strength right away.

Cost: First visit is free as a guest.

• $33 day pass (it's good all day and includes gear). $89 monthly unlimited.

If you go: You'll watch a safety video beforehand and get a quick orientation. Walk-ins are welcome.

My thought bubble: I had so much fun being brand new at something. The height made me nervous at first, but that's what belays (and those cushy landing pads) are for.

• At $89 a month, Inner Peaks is competitively priced. It works as a solo workout or a social hang, and you can keep challenging yourself with harder routes every visit.

Stop by: Inner Peaks also has locations in NoDa and Matthews.

🤣 Friday: Laugh with comedians at Monarch Market. | Free | 7pm | Details

🎉 Saturday: Check out the Anime-Fest. | $12.76 | 10am–5pm | Details

🍩 Sunday: Eat sweet treats at the sixth annual CLT Donut Festival at Norfolk Hall, benefiting a local charity that raises awareness of testicular cancer. | $27+ | 1–5pm | Details

Full weekender