CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tuesday night, Uptown Charlotte is getting festive.
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC are teaming up to host the 11th annual tree lighting ceremony and festival at Bank of America Stadium.
The 50-foot-tall tree itself holds extra meaning: It's from Sugar Mountain Nursery in Banner Elk. Western North Carolina, which produces the vast majority of the trees grown in the state, was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in late September. As a response, the festival after the tree lighting will feature vendors from western North Carolina, in collaboration with Explore Asheville.
In addition to these vendors, Tuesday's event features appearances from Sir Purr and Sir Minty as well as the Carolina TopCats cheerleaders, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and more.
The lighting is expected to happen at 6:30 p.m. and will take place at the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street, followed by the festival inside the Bank of America Stadium concourse.
The festival is free for all ages, but mobile tickets are required. Those can be reserved online. The standard NFL and MLS clear bag policy will be in effect, which means people can bring transparent, plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that are smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches.