Charlotte is a huge sports city. From preparing to host the FIFA Club World Cup and the PGA Championship to launching a new women’s pro soccer team and hosting major college matchups, we’ve got it all. So, it’s no surprise that Charlotte Sports Foundation‘s (CSF) seven major events in 2024 generated $90.6 million for the Queen City.
Major players
Last year, CSF organized the ACC Football Championship game, Ally Tipoff, Jumpman Invitational, Charlotte Invitational, Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Duke’s Mayo Classic, and the Meck Mile.
Show me the money
In 2024, according to CSF’s annual report, college football games drew 211,100 fans who booked 65,300 hotel rooms. Direct visitor spending jumped from $42.9 million in 2023 to $48.5 million in 2024.
Eye-catching numbers:
- 72,000+ fans attended the Duke’s Mayo Classic, generating $26.1 million
- More than 53,000 people attended the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium
New in 2024
CSF introduced two new events, the Meck Mile presented by Albemarle and the Charlotte Invitational.
- More than 1,000 runners and walkers raced at American Legion Memorial Stadium for the inaugural Meck Mile.
- The Charlotte Invitational drew 18,000 to the Spectrum Center.
Upcoming events
The excitement continues in 2025, as CSF hosts nine events throughout the year with surprises on the way.
Editor’s note: Not all dates have been announced for each of the events listed.
ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament | March 2026 | Spectrum Center | While Duke was crowned champ this year at the ACC tourney, there’s no telling what next year’s event will hold. Exact dates are TBA.
Meck Mile presented by Albemarle | May 10, 2025 | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $30+ | Run, walk, skip, or dance through the stadium during a fun or competitive race.
Savannah Bananas | June 6 + June 7, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium | Sold out | More than 150,000 fans are expected to fill BofA Stadium over two nights for the highly-anticipated Banana Ball.
Duke’s Mayo Classic | Aug. 29, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium | Presale registration is open | The Charlotte 49ers and the App State Mountaineers will battle on the home turf.
Can’t wait for August? The ACC is hosting the 2025 ACC Football Kickoff on July 22-24, at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown.
Ally Tipoff | Nov. 2026 | Spectrum Center | Presale registration is open | Thousands of men and women’s basketball fans filled the Spectrum Center for elite doubleheader games in 2024.
Charlotte Invitational | Dec. 2025 | Spectrum Center | Ticket sales are TBA | Charlotte’s newest premier tennis is expected to return in 2025 with athletes TBA.
ACC Football Championship | Dec. 6, 2025 | Bank of America Stadium | Ticket sales are TBA | The ACC, Carolina Panthers, and CSF have an agreement to keep the championship game in Charlotte through the 2030 season.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl | Winter 2025 | Bank of America Stadium | Ticket sales are TBA | The Minnesota Golden Gophers beat the Virginia Tech Hokies in January’s game. Only time will tell which college teams will face off in the next Mayo Bowl.
But wait, there’s more. CSF plans to announce a new men’s basketball event in place of the Jumpman Invitational, which ended its run in 2024. Keep an eye on your inbox for the news.
