74,479 spectators watched the match between Charlotte FC and Los Angeles Galaxy (0:1) from the stands of Bank of America Stadium. This is the highest attendance in Major League Soccer history.

The times when soccer was a niche sport in the United States are gone forever. The debut match of the Charlotte-based team on their own ground turned out to be a huge attendance hit. When it became clear that the home venue for the new MLS team would be Bank of America Stadium, the club officially spoke about making only the lower ring of the stands available for soccer matches.

© Donald Jones

In the end, the stands of the colossus were filled to the last seat. It is certainly music to David Trepper’s ears, the owner of Charlotte FC, who spent $50 million last year to adapt the stadium to soccer requirements. 

The entrepreneur also owns the NFL's Carolina Panthers, whose home is also Bank of America Stadium. While full stands are a common thing in football, such an attendance at a soccer match is a historic occurrence in the US.

© Sherman Hayes

So far, the MLS record was the 2018 final match between Atlanta United and Portland Timbers. At that time, 73,019 spectators attended Mercedes-Benz Stadium and applauded the 2:0 victory of a local team.

The mood at last Saturday's Charlotte FC match was spoiled only by the final score. The hosts were defeated by Los Angeles Galaxy 0:1. Despite the final result, all the fans who attended the match have something to remember: