Hoping for more moments like the 2023 Gold Cup match against Trinidad and Tobago at Bank of America Stadium. | Provided by U.S. Soccer; photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
U.S. Soccer announced that the U.S. Men’s National Team’s final push to the 2026 FIFA World Cup includes four pre-tournament matches in cities like Atlanta and Chicago — plus a stop in the Queen City next spring.
This friendly marks only the second USMNT appearance at Bank of America Stadium; the first drew 40,243 fans. BofA will host the Allstate Continental Clásico on May 31, with the opponent expected to be announced soon.
Catch players like Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream on his home pitch — he’s earned 79 caps for the USMNT since 2011 and has captained the squad 25 times, ranking him eighth on the team’s all-time captains list.
Kickoff in the Queen City is set for 3:30 p.m., with broadcast on TBS, HBO Max, Universo, and Peacock. General ticket sales start tomorrow, Dec. 5.
We know your next reservation: Fine-dining destination Albertine just earned Best New Restaurant in the 2025 Eater Carolinas Awards. The publication raved, “Not only is this kind of food rarely seen in Charlotte, but it’s also a spectacular space befitting the Queen City.”
Announced
Charlotte’s own Jordan Holland, cofounder of Atlas Creative, has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (category: Games 2026). His studio creates massively popular user-generated games on “Fortnite” + “Roblox” and has partnered with major brands like the NBA, Microsoft, iHeartMedia, and MrBeast.
Development
Atrium Health approved a $219 million expansion of its Harrisburg site, adding a 44-bed hospital with operating and procedure rooms by 2028. Commissioners also backed a $450 million Fort Mill campus opening in 2029. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Asked
Do you have the best decorated house in Mecklenburg County? Help spread holiday cheer and submit your photos for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Don’t worry, we accept emailed entries, too — just be sure to include your neighborhood, first name + last initial.
Drink
The Sugarplum Social is taking over the former Billy Sunday space at Optimist Hall through Sunday, Dec. 28. Expect festive drinks, returning Tinseltown favorites, two heated igloos, and tons of festive decor. It’s one of several holiday pop-ups around the Queen City this season.
Outdoors
Spot a deer in your yard? Cute, sure — but… wildlife officials say hands off. Don’t feed them, don’t tame them, and definitely don’t try to keep one — it’s illegal in NC and unsafe. Want to help? Plant native shrubs instead. If Bambi gets too bold, contact NC Wildlife for guidance. (WCNC)
Weather
Are flurries in the forecast? Grab your hats and have a windshield scraper ready — WCNC Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich says we could see some this Friday, Dec. 5. (WCNC)
Sports
Updates, updates, updates — what’s going on with the injuries on the Canes? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Environment
Look up. The December supermoon will appear today, Dec. 4, at 6:14 p.m., according to the Almanac. This occurs when the moon’s orbit gets closer to Earth, making the moon appear brighter than usual. This will be your last chance to see the cold moon before the year ends. (TIME)
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Wait until you see number six.*
Finance
This just in: 6% is the new 2%. This card is every reward-seeker’s dream, offering up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use. Bonus: You can get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers into 2027. Learn more and apply.*
Home
Planning a move after the holidays?MovEase helps soon-to-be 2026 movers find trusted companies early, making the process smoother and less stressful. By searching four-six weeks ahead, users secure better options and rates. Check out the app.*
Editor’s Pick
Bring the family to enjoy this new playground at Albemarle Park.
Photo via Mecklenburg County
A grand reopening and ribbon-cutting is set for Albemarle Park today at 10 a.m. The park off W.T. Harris Boulevard just wrapped up a year-long renovation, adding new trails, a boardwalk, a playground, fitness equipment, a basketball court, and a picnic shelter. Phase two will include amenities like a community garden, pending funding.
The Buy
Discover clever, useful tech that solves everyday problems in this guide to 2025’s coolest gadgets. We’re talking a small but mighty home security upgrade, a power bank the size of a credit card, and more.
I stayed with my in-laws in Waxhaw over the holiday weekend, and we ventured into downtown one night for dinner at Chapter 6 — which also happens to be a filming location for “The Hunting Wives.” I’m pretty sure our table said “yum” at least 50 times. My favorite bite? The short rib bolognese, but honestly, everything was delicious. Next time, I want to pop next door for a beer at Sycamore.
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