‘It feels way more real now’: Charlotte FC unveils inaugural kits

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte FC unveiled its first primary kit at a fan event Thursday night at Camp North End.

The “Carolina” kit will be worn by Charlotte FC’s players for the 2022 and 2023 MLS seasons.

“It tells a story,” said Shawn McIntosh, Chief Fan Officer. “And I hope everybody sees that. You look at this and it’s a unifier for us, and we’ve been about that from the very beginning.”

About 2,000 fans attended the event that was held in the Boileryard at Camp North End in Charlotte.

“I’m just glad that there is a team locally that we can support,” fan Patrick Aquino said. “I live about an hour away in Lexington, so I drive down. But I’m definitely more ready to come down more often now that Charlotte has an actual soccer team.”

The club, along with their partner Ally, also showed off “The Ally Vault Experience,” a custom experiential obstacle where fans sneak into the CLTFC locker room, venture through the laser security system and see the inaugural kit.

“The Ally Vault Experience” is open at Camp North End for all fans on Dec. 10 (5 p.m.-11 p.m.) and Dec. 11 (noon – 11 p.m.) and is free of charge. To visit the experience, fans can register at Allykit.com.

Charlotte FC’s season home opener will be March 5, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium against the LA Galaxy. Kick-off will be at 8 p.m. and broadcast details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“It feels way more real now,” Aquino said. “We’re getting closer to the first match.”

The home opener will be Charlotte FC’s second match of the season, as the club’s first match during opening weekend will be away. The official schedule will also be released in the coming weeks.

“As our fans look forward to the debut of Charlotte FC in 2022, the new primary kit represents the bold and progressive philosophy of the Club and embodies the pride and passion of our community,” said Charlotte FC President Nick Kelly in a news release. “This kit symbolizes our mission to unite fans across the Carolinas as we make history in MLS and in soccer in the United States.”

Upper level tickets are already on sale. Prices started at $15.

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Charlotte FC to debut inaugural jerseys at kit launch party

EXPANSION DRAFT:

Charlotte FC will add five players to its roster this month through the 2021 MLS Expansion Draft. The club will be able to choose players from other MLS clubs’ unprotected rosters but will be limited to picking one player per club.

The picks will be announced at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 14 on WSOC-TV, WAXN, and in Spanish on Telemundo Charlotte.

The draft show, airing live from Bank of America Stadium, will feature live interviews with Charlotte FC Manager Miguel Angel Ramirez and club president Nick Kelly. Charlotte FC broadcaster Eric Krakauer and former MLS player and current MLS correspondent Calen Carr will provide instant analysis after each pick.

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