Latest news with #CharlotteRegionalVisitorsAuthority


Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
FIFA Club World Cup fuels hot streak for Charlotte hotels
Thousands of fans flocked to Uptown this summer for the FIFA Club World Cup. Why it matters: Not only did it shine an international spotlight on the city, but it also packed the city's hotels, boosting Charlotte's economy. Catch up quick: Bank of America Stadium hosted four matches between June 22-30, including soccer royalty Real Madrid. By the numbers: Hotel occupancy in Mecklenburg County increased 3.5% year-over-year for that period, according to the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. In Uptown, hotel rates ranged from $183.67 to $248.17 on match days, and hotel occupancy peaked at 93.9%, per CRVA. Like other cities, Charlotte uses taxes generated from hotel stays and restaurant and bar tabs for projects that bring in tourism dollars, such as stadium or convention center renovations. What they're saying: "Events like the FIFA Club World Cup don't just bring people to Charlotte — they elevate our global profile, create lasting impact, and generate measurable benefits for our visitor economy," CRVA CEO Steve Bagwell said in a statement. Between the lines: Though business travel and in-office work haven't returned to their pre-pandemic levels, leisure travel in Uptown has surged. The big picture: Charlotte has been on a roll with massive events this year, from the ACC Tournament in March, to Lovin' Life Music Festival, Kendrick Lamar, Shakira and Metallica concerts and the PGA Championship in May, plus back-to-back nights of Savannah Bananas games at Bank of America Stadium in June.


Axios
17-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Savannah Bananas give Charlotte hotels a boost
Charlotte went bananas earlier this month when a wacky baseball team packed out Bank of America Stadium two nights in a row. The Savannah Bananas drew 148,000 people in Charlotte, a team record. Why it matters: Mecklenburg County hotels were near record capacity when the Bananas came to Charlotte, which is a win for Charlotte's visitor economy, according to Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) CEO Steve Bagwell. The big picture: Charlotte is on a roll with major sporting events, from last month's PGA Championship to hosting upcoming FIFA Club World Cup matches — all of which bring visitors and dollars to the city. Zoom in: While post-pandemic business travel was slow to recover, leisure travel in Uptown has boomed in recent years, bolstering center city's recovery. Major events like the 2023 Beyoncé concert have drawn thousands of visitors Uptown, where they patronize hotels, restaurants and bars. By the numbers: Mecklenburg County hotels had 81.5% occupancy for Friday, June 6, and 90% for Saturday, June 7, according to the CRVA. The average hotel rate was $146.17 for June 6 and $159.03 for June 7. A total of 52,547 rooms were booked over those two days. June 7 had slightly higher demand with 27,574 rooms. Between the lines: The Savannah Bananas weren't the only event in town that weekend (Taste of Charlotte was also going on), but the Bananas were definitely the main event.


Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) has issued a statement following the CIAA's decision not to consider Charlotte as a host city for its men's and women's basketball tournaments from 2027 through 2029. "We have been informed by the CIAA that Charlotte will not be considered as a host city for the upcoming tournament cycle," the CRVA said. "While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are proud of the strong, collaborative bid submitted by the City of Charlotte, the CRVA, and the Charlotte Sports Foundation." The CIAA Tournament, which called Charlotte home from 2006 to 2020, relocated to Baltimore in 2021. It will remain there through at least 2029, following the latest extension. The Queen City's bid focused on its evolving stature as a major event destination, strong hospitality sector, and proven history with the event. A key issue in the decision was scheduling. When the CIAA requested 2027 dates in early 2025, key venues in the were already booked due to prior commitments. The CRVA noted that this reflected the city's continued rise as a sought-after host for major events. Despite the scheduling challenge, officials emphasized that their proposal highlighted the city's growth and readiness to once again embrace the tournament. "This effort showcased the evolution of our city, the strength of our venues, and the vibrancy of our hospitality community," the CRVA said. While disappointed, the CRVA remains hopeful for future opportunities. "We remain optimistic that Charlotte will have the opportunity to welcome the tournament back in the future." As the CIAA continues its run in Baltimore, Charlotte continues to look ahead, aiming to remain a player in hosting large-scale sporting and cultural events. The post Charlotte reacts as CIAA stiff-arms bid appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CIAA makes decision on Charlotte's tournament bid
Charlotte's bid failed due to Spectrum Center scheduling conflicts. CIAA generated $650 million for Charlotte from 2006-2020. ALSO READ: From last to first: Chastain gets victory at Coca-Cola 600 The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will stay in Baltimore rather than return to Charlotte for its annual basketball tournament beginning in 2027, CBJ has learned from sources close to the situation. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority subsequently confirmed the decision to CBJ. Read more here. (WATCH BELOW: CLT gets through Memorial Day weekend with few delays)


Axios
02-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Charlotte hotels will be packed for the 2025 PGA Championship
The PGA Championship is expected to draw 200,000 fans to Quail Hollow Club in South Charlotte this month, tournament organizers tell Axios. Why it matters: That doesn't take into account 156 golfers, hundreds of media members, vendors and other people traveling to Charlotte to work the tournament, many of whom will stay in Charlotte's hotels. State of play: The PGA Championship, one of golf's four majors, returns to Charlotte May 12-18. Grounds tickets for Friday and Saturday have sold out. Hotelier and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) chair Vinay Patel tells Axios his two hotels in Ballantyne and Stonecrest are booked to 80-90% occupancy during the PGA Championship. Patel, who has 12 hotels in the Charlotte metro area, expects his hotels in south Charlotte to sell out throughout the weekend starting Wednesday, and starting on Thursday for his Matthews property. Hotels across Charlotte are expected to surpass 90% occupancy, according to tournament organizers. By the numbers: Hotel rates will be 40-50% higher during the PGA Championship, Patel says. Available hotel rooms in SouthPark, where golfer Wyndham Clark likes to stay, range between $571 and $764, according to HotelsCombined, a site that compares hotel prices. Hotels in Stonecrest range from $351-$429 and $325-$1,177 in Ballantyne. Uptown hotels range from $219-$799. These prices are as of May 2. Between the lines: Airbnbs near Quail Hollow Club have mostly been gobbled up, Axios' Alexis Clinton reported. Patel doesn't see the rental market as competition because they're serving a different need. If you're in town for the entire week, an Airbnb may be what you need, but if you're looking for the full-service experience or you're entertaining a client, you're probably opting for a hotel, he says. The big picture: The world will have its eyes on Charlotte. When Charlotte hosted the PGA Championship for the first time in 2017, the economic impact was roughly $100 million for the region, per CRVA. The 2025 tournament is forecast to exceed $100 million in economic impact, according to tournament organizers. Zoom out: There will also be a Shakira concert on May 13 and a Charlotte FC match on May 17 at Bank of America Stadium, plus a Carolina Ascent match at American Legion Memorial Stadium. These events will result in even more hotel stays.