Living

Fans celebrate soccer with festival, International Champions Cup game in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Before soccer giants Arsenal and Fiorentina faced off Saturday in the International Champions Cup at Bank of America Stadium, fans of the sport had the opportunity to see World Cup Champions and other star athletes at a two-day festival in uptown.

>> READ: Hopeful Charlotte reps meet with MLS brass about expansion

House of Soccer, took over Romare Bearden Park Friday and was back Saturday. The event hosted Megan Rapinoe and Crystal Dunn of the U.S. Women’s World Cup-winning team. Former Tar Heel and Carolina Courage player Heather O’Reilly, also a member of the 2015 World Cup champions, was in attendance.

>> READ: Arsenal, Fiorentina face off in Charlotte in International Champions Cup match  

Rapinoe was the top scorer at the 2019 World Cup and awarded the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball and Golden Boot. She was also named Player of the Match in the final against the Netherlands.

>> PHOTOS: USA wins 2019 Women's World Cup

Other celebrities scheduled to make appearances include Charlotte Hornets Cody Zeller and Marvin Williams, and former Carolina Panthers Charles Johnson, Kurt Coleman, Tre Boston and Dwan Edwards.

>> READ: Panthers execs to tell MLS they have 60 suite commitments for expansion franchise

Soccer freestylers Indi and Skye Cowie will also be performing.

A free concert with Grits and Biscuits and Walker Hayes capped off the festivities each day.