The Benfica vs. Bayern Munich match is expected to inject plenty of money into the local economy, but temperatures prompt health warnings for early-arriving fans.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Bank of America Stadium is transforming into a global soccer stage Tuesday evening as Portuguese powerhouse Benfica takes on German giants Bayern Munich in a high-stakes FIFA Club World Cup match. While the 3 p.m. kickoff promises world-class entertainment for Charlotte soccer fans, the real story may be unfolding in the hours leading up to the match β both in terms of economic impact and heat safety concerns.
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The hospitality industry across Charlotte is experiencing the surge they’ve been anticipating for months, with guests who’ve traveled from Europe, South America, and across the United States specifically for this match. The economic ripple effects extend far beyond accommodation, touching every corner of Charlotte’s service sector.
Economic impact projections
Sporting events have had a significant positive economic impact on Charlotte in the past. In 2024, the Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) events generated $90.6 million in economic impact. These eventsΒ attract visitors, boost hotel occupancy, and drive spending in various sectors.Β
Restaurants in South End and Uptown Charlotte have been staffing up for what many expect to be one of their busiest days of the year. The pre-match atmosphere has already begun, with international fans flooding into the city’s entertainment districts, creating a festival-like environment that local businesses hope will extend well beyond game day.
Food trucks, merchandise vendors, and nearby establishments are seeing the kind of foot traffic that can define their entire month. But while the economic benefits are flowing, the dangerous heat conditions are creating serious safety concerns.Β
Dangerous heat concerns
With temperatures climbing into the high 90s and heat index values reaching dangerous levels, medical professionals are emphasizing that the pre-game festivities could become as impactful off the pitch as they are on it β unfortunately, not always in a positive way.
The combination of high temperatures, oppressive humidity, and the physical demands of navigating the stadium complex creates a perfect storm for heat-related illnesses. Emergency medical teams have been positioned throughout the venue, but health officials stress that prevention remains the most effective strategy.
“So most of the time, if you can cool off quickly within 30 minutes or less, things are gonna be OK,” Dr. Patrick Ryan with Piedmont Medical Center said. “But if you start having the worst headache of your life, you’re vomiting, or you stop sweating, especially, it’s important that you seek medical attention.”
Ryan’s advice comes as Charlotte experiences its hottest days of the year to date. While the match itself will kick off when temperatures are starting to decline for the evening, the thousands of fans arriving early for tailgating and securing prime viewing spots face the day’s most dangerous conditions.
- Hydrate frequently: Drink water every 15-20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Seek shade: Use umbrellas, tents, or stadium overhangs whenever possible.
- Dress appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.
- Know the warning signs: Excessive sweating followed by no sweating, severe headache, nausea, confusion.
- Take breaks: Spend time in air-conditioned areas inside the stadium.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol increases dehydration risk in extreme heat.
Stadium officials have responded to the heat concerns by opening additional water stations and expanding cooling areas inside Bank of America Stadium. Free water is available at all concession stands upon request, and medical personnel have been briefed on heat emergency protocols.
The juxtaposition of Charlotte’s biggest soccer moment in years with one of its most dangerous weather days creates a unique challenge for both organizers and attendees.Β Everyone β players and fans alike β must know their body’s limitationsΒ and take the heat seriously.
For Charlotte’s hospitality industry, the FIFA Club World Cup represents a showcase opportunity to demonstrate the city’s capacity to host major international sporting events.Β
The message from health officials remains clear: While the Benfica vs. Bayern Munich clash promises to be a showcase of world-class soccer and an economic win for Charlotte, the oppressive heat demands that every person attending takes the necessary precautions to ensure they can safely enjoy this historic sporting moment.
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
