MATTHEWS, N.C. -- The Charlotte Independence soccer team played their first home game in front of a sold-out crowd at Mecklenburg County's newest stadium on Saturday.
The Sportsplex opened a few years ago in Matthews but this weekend was the first time fans and the team got to use the new 2,500-seat stadium.
“This is a big deal for the town. I mean it's an economic driver for the town. It's also a social and recreational thing, so all ages, all mobilities, all ethnicities, you know this is for everyone,” said Jim Garges, Director of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.
The entire athletic facility cost more than $36 million and it took more than 10 years to complete.