Jerseys will be worn on Saturday, September 18 for the Carolina Lightnin’ 40th Anniversary & NC Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Introduction Ceremony presented by Complete Construction Services.
Jerseys will be worn on Saturday, September 18 for the Carolina Lightnin’ 40th Anniversary & NC Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Introduction Ceremony presented by Complete Construction Services.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 30, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence unveiled today their “throwback” kits inspired by the Carolina Lightnin’ and the 40th Anniversary of their American Soccer League Championship that took place, in front of 20,163 fans, at American Legion Memorial Stadium on September 18, 1981. The jerseys will be autographed by the Independence players and auctioned off to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.
“We are very thankful to the Independence for honouring the Carolina Lightnin’ legacy,” stated Ed Young, former Carolina Lightnin’ Assistant GM (and Charlotte native). “The 40th Anniversary of our ASL Championship will let us relive that extraordinary achievement with many of the Lightnin’ fans who were there 40 years ago, as well as all today’s supporters of our game!”
The Carolina Lightnin’ jersey auction goes live tonight at midnight. The auction ends on Sunday, September 19 at midnight. Click here to place your bid.
The Jacks will sport these “throwback” kits on Saturday, September 18 as we celebrate the Carolina Lightnin’ 40th Anniversary and recognize the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 with an introduction pregame ceremony. The festivities are presented by Complete Construction Services, and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
“The NC Soccer Hall of Fame appreciates being a part of this special evening,” stated NC Hall of Fame Chairman, Bob Kepner. “We are thrilled to work with the Independence as we celebrate and preserve the rich history of soccer in North Carolina.”
On game day, the team store will feature North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame historic memorabilia and artifacts, creating a NCSHOF Walk of Fame.
“This will be an amazing night for multiple generations of soccer fans,” stated Independence President & COO, Tim Schuldt. “The throwback kits saluting the Carolina Lightnin’ plus the Hall of Fame introduction ceremony promise to make this a very special night.”
Visit our website to purchase tickets to this honorable night: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence/schedule-2021.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.
In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.
Social: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
ABOUT CAROLINA LIGHTNIN’:
The Carolina Lightnin' an American soccer club based in Charlotte, was a member of the American Soccer League (ASL) from 1979 to 1983. The Lightnin' played at Memorial Stadium and were the first pro soccer team in the Carolinas.
In 1981 they won the ASL Championship with 20,163 attending the Final. Combining entertainment and promotions with sports was nationally recognized and still is today for their innovated marketing efforts.
Founded by successful businessman Bob Benson, and along with famed soccer star – Rodney Marsh, as coach, the Lightnin’ received considerable public recognition and media publicity. Ed Young, Charlotte’s well-known soccer person, directed the club’s operations. Local star – Tony Suarez, internationally acclaimed – Sir Bobby Moore, Santiago Formoso -NY Cosmos and Pele’ roommate and many others are still remembered today. The team bonds with the fans and community continue.
Charlotte and Carolinas pro sports acknowledge and credited Mr. Benson and the Lightnin’ as paving the way for their efforts. The Lightnin’ continues to remain relevant, recognized and remembered today.
Connect with the Carolina Lightnin’ players and fans on the history and current/continuing activities at Facebook at Carolina Lightnin’ Alumni & Friends, and in Twitter @Lightnin_Soccer.
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA SOCCER HALL OF FAME:
The NC Soccer Hall of Fame (ncsoccerhalloffame.com) was established in 1996, with 2021 marking its 25th anniversary. There are currently 69 Hall of Fame inductees. The four-member Class of 2021 of Thori Staples Bryan, Paul Dinkenor, Tim Guter and Roger Morton will raise the total to 73. Nominees are canvassed from the entire NC soccer community. Currently, ten inductees hail from the Greater Charlotte area: Larry Bosc, Andre' Burger, Bill Finneyfrock, Lee Horton, Frank Ponce, Charlie Slagle, Anita Stilley, Tony Suarez, David Williams and Ed Young. Suarez and Young hold the distinction of also being members of the 1981 Carolina Lightnin', the inaugural honoree into the NCSHOF National Champions Hall of Honor.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 30, 2021) – The Charlotte Independence unveiled today their “throwback” kits inspired by the Carolina Lightnin’ and the 40th Anniversary of their American Soccer League Championship that took place, in front of 20,163 fans, at American Legion Memorial Stadium on September 18, 1981. The jerseys will be autographed by the Independence players and auctioned off to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame.
“We are very thankful to the Independence for honouring the Carolina Lightnin’ legacy,” stated Ed Young, former Carolina Lightnin’ Assistant GM (and Charlotte native). “The 40th Anniversary of our ASL Championship will let us relive that extraordinary achievement with many of the Lightnin’ fans who were there 40 years ago, as well as all today’s supporters of our game!”
The Carolina Lightnin’ jersey auction goes live tonight at midnight. The auction ends on Sunday, September 19 at midnight. Click here to place your bid.
The Jacks will sport these “throwback” kits on Saturday, September 18 as we celebrate the Carolina Lightnin’ 40th Anniversary and recognize the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021 with an introduction pregame ceremony. The festivities are presented by Complete Construction Services, and kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
“The NC Soccer Hall of Fame appreciates being a part of this special evening,” stated NC Hall of Fame Chairman, Bob Kepner. “We are thrilled to work with the Independence as we celebrate and preserve the rich history of soccer in North Carolina.”
On game day, the team store will feature North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame historic memorabilia and artifacts, creating a NCSHOF Walk of Fame.
“This will be an amazing night for multiple generations of soccer fans,” stated Independence President & COO, Tim Schuldt. “The throwback kits saluting the Carolina Lightnin’ plus the Hall of Fame introduction ceremony promise to make this a very special night.”
Visit our website to purchase tickets to this honorable night: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence/schedule-2021.
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE:
The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.
In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.
Social: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
ABOUT CAROLINA LIGHTNIN’:
The Carolina Lightnin’ an American soccer club based in Charlotte, was a member of the American Soccer League (ASL) from 1979 to 1983. The Lightnin’ played at Memorial Stadium and were the first pro soccer team in the Carolinas.
In 1981 they won the ASL Championship with 20,163 attending the Final. Combining entertainment and promotions with sports was nationally recognized and still is today for their innovated marketing efforts.
Founded by successful businessman Bob Benson, and along with famed soccer star – Rodney Marsh, as coach, the Lightnin’ received considerable public recognition and media publicity. Ed Young, Charlotte’s well-known soccer person, directed the club’s operations. Local star – Tony Suarez, internationally acclaimed – Sir Bobby Moore, Santiago Formoso -NY Cosmos and Pele’ roommate and many others are still remembered today. The team bonds with the fans and community continue.
Charlotte and Carolinas pro sports acknowledge and credited Mr. Benson and the Lightnin’ as paving the way for their efforts. The Lightnin’ continues to remain relevant, recognized and remembered today.
Connect with the Carolina Lightnin’ players and fans on the history and current/continuing activities at Facebook at Carolina Lightnin’ Alumni & Friends, and in Twitter @Lightnin_Soccer.
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA SOCCER HALL OF FAME:
The NC Soccer Hall of Fame (ncsoccerhalloffame.com) was established in 1996, with 2021 marking its 25th anniversary. There are currently 69 Hall of Fame inductees. The four-member Class of 2021 of Thori Staples Bryan, Paul Dinkenor, Tim Guter and Roger Morton will raise the total to 73. Nominees are canvassed from the entire NC soccer community. Currently, ten inductees hail from the Greater Charlotte area: Larry Bosc, Andre’ Burger, Bill Finneyfrock, Lee Horton, Frank Ponce, Charlie Slagle, Anita Stilley, Tony Suarez, David Williams and Ed Young. Suarez and Young hold the distinction of also being members of the 1981 Carolina Lightnin’, the inaugural honoree into the NCSHOF National Champions Hall of Honor.
