Charlotte Sports Foundation Posts 72% Jump in Attendance, $118M Economic Impact in 2025

The Charlotte Sports Foundation watched attendance soar to 362,612 fans in 2025. That's a 72% spike from the year before. Economic impact spending climbed 30.5% to $118.25 million, according to data compiled by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.

Fans, participants, and organizers spent $62.8 million on hotels, meals, and other expenses at these events last year. The figure rose 29% from $48.5 million in 2024. Tax revenue increased 19% to $3.2 million, while visitors booked 74,100 hotel room nights across all events.

A partnership with the Savannah Bananas drove much of this success. Two sold-out Banana Ball events at Bank of America Stadium drew 148,000 fans, making Charlotte one of the first cities to host the baseball-entertainment spectacle in a pro football stadium.

"I'm incredibly proud of the impact that our organization had on our community," said CEO Will Pitts, according to WSOC-TV. "It's a credit to our partners, stakeholders, and fans for making this possible."

The nonprofit brings in tourism dollars by hosting neutral-site games and tournaments while boosting the region's quality of life. Last year's results showed overall impact grew by 31% to $118.25 million, compared with $90.6 million the previous year.

Pitts said having a chance to reach over 360,000 fans through the various events in 2025 was special. The organization's performance set records that pushed the group to new high marks in both economic impact and spending.

Independent economists remain skeptical of overall impact measures. Why? Inflated figures often muddy the waters. But direct spending numbers provide a clearer picture of actual economic activity generated by the events.