New Season, New Energy

8 things to know about Carolina Ascent ahead of the season's home opener

All eyes are on this weekend’s home opener. Here’s what to know:

1. It’s a new force in women’s sports. Carolina Ascent FC kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024, and their home opener marked the return of women’s professional sports in Charlotte. (The Queen City’s WNBA team, the Charlotte Sting, folded in 2007.) It’s one of the eight founding clubs of the USL Super League (USLS), and its 26-player inaugural roster included nine athletes from the Carolinas, seven from the Charlotte area.
2. They’re already leaving their mark. On May 17, at their final home game of the 2024-25 season versus the Tampa Bay Sun, the Ascent clinched the Players’ Shield, which is awarded to the team with the best regular season record. That same night, Charlotte FC was taking on Chicago Fire FC at Bank of America Stadium, the PGA Championship was in town, and the NASCAR All-Star Race was happening at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. The Ascent still drew 7,000 fans.
3. The team has great at-home energy. The Ascent plays home matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium, drawing passionate local support. Games include halftime entertainment, music, giveaways, and opportunities to meet players after the match. And it’s not just for little girls who come to see their sports idols—young boys pack the bleachers, too.
4. It’s an affordable night out for the family. Tickets start at $18, and children 3 and under are free, making it easy for families to attend without breaking the bank. All tickets are digital, so be sure to add them to your mobile wallet in advance.
5. The roster packs power and personality. The team is a mix of rising stars, collegiate standouts, and experienced players. Stella Spitzer of Columbus, Ohio, was just 14 when she signed with the Ascent, and the high school sophomore became the youngest player in league history to take the pitch. Charlotte native B Hylton decided to forgo collegiate soccer and became the club’s first academy player to make the leap directly to the pros. For the 2025-26 season, the Ascent signed former Tar Heel midfielder Maggie Pierce, UNC Charlotte alum Macey Bader, and goalkeeper Sydney Martinez of the Puerto Rican National Team.
6. It’s backed by champions of women’s sports. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova recently became a minority owner of Carolina Ascent. She joins an ownership group that includes Dan DiMicco, Jim and Kelly McPhilliamy, and the Empower HER Fund, LLC, a woman-led investment group of community leaders.
7. They’re empowering strong women on and off the field. Players aren’t required to do community service or make public appearances, but many choose to guest-coach local youth soccer teams, volunteer at the Humane Society, or speak at professional women’s conferences. They recognize the impact they can have on the next generation of athletes, and they know visibility matters.
8. The 2025-26 season kicks off this weekend. The Ascent’s home opener versus the Tampa Bay Sun FC is Saturday, September 6, at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Base Camp Bash begins at 4 p.m. with live music from the Bourbon Sons. Doors open at 5 p.m. and kickoff is at 7 p.m. The league promises more theme nights and promotions throughout the fall season.