Dedicated to honoring Mecklenberg County Veterans who fought in World War I, American Legion Memorial Stadium is a historic landmark and its renovation focused on preserving its features while enhancing the visitor experience.
As a destination for community sporting events in Mecklenburg County and home to the USL’s Charlotte Independence, the stadium has a rich history. Opened in 1936, the original stadium was a result of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration public works program. The stadium has hosted everything from wrestling and concerts to band competitions and football games, becoming a beloved regional and local space to gather in Charlotte. The project has maintained the Historic Landmark Designation by replicating and respecting the style of the original design with the 100% recycled original stone field wall, replicated ticketing booths, and concrete walls at the top of the seating bowl.
Support buildings were also added, including restrooms, a press box, and four new concession buildings. Two of the new concession stands include full-service kitchens outfitted with gas-fired foodservice equipment and walk-in coolers. Separations between these support structures create unique sightlines into — and out of — the venue, connecting the historic 10,500-capacity venue to the community.
Honoring Our Veterans
An extensive public art program honors World War I veterans and also is visible from the inside and outside of the venue. The memorial, designed by artists Simon Donovan and Ben Olmstead, incorporates large-scale, symbolic sculptural relief walls depicting icons and heroes of the war. A simple, elegant sculptural relief of the American flag complements the imagery of soldiers.
