CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence’s future lies at American Legion Memorial Stadium, which under a recent agreement approved by Mecklenburg County commissioners will undergo a $32 renovation that will modernize the historic venue in downtown Charlotte for both the Independence and the Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse to call their home early in the next decade.

“The Independence had the original will and vision to renovate American Legion Memorial Stadium to remake it into the great community asset it once was,” said Independence President and Managing Partner Jim McPhilliamy. “We are thrilled we will be able to make American Legion Memorial Stadium our home field starting in 2021. Being able to play in the new stadium will put the Charlotte Independence in a position to grow the beautiful game here in the Queen City and create something our whole community can be proud of.”

The agreement approved by Mecklenburg County will see the Independence pay a total of $2.12 million in rent over 10 years for use of the venue, while the county will receive 15 percent of the revenue from parking, concessions and naming rights in addition to $3 from every ticket order placed online. The cost of the renovation will be fully funded by the county, but there are continuing discussions with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and the City of Charlotte over a potential contribution of $8 million toward the initial cost of the proposed synthetic turf field.