CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 24, 2023) – QC East, a multi-faceted youth sports complex proposal for the former Eastland Mall site was endorsed by the City Council’s Economic Development Committee on August 7th. The visionary project has gained the support of community members, local business, and city leaders for its potential to create jobs and provide an economic stimulus to the community. The initiative is steadily advancing and holds the promise of reshaping sports, technology, cultural arts, and entertainment at the former Eastland Mall site, fostering a dynamic and transformative atmosphere.
“After extensive consideration of the old Eastland Mall site, Charlotte has a unique chance to embrace a financially feasible project for the eastside,” said Mohammad Jenatian, President of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance (HTA). “The QC East Development, endorsed by the Council’s Economic Development Committee, offers a solid choice for the community.”
Endorsement from the community has been resounding, with over 1,000 signatures from residents and business owners rallying to support the project. The East Charlotte community expressed a desire for youth sports on the Eastland Mall site from the beginning; the QC East development will satisfy that need in addition to providing additional opportunity that will foster positive impact on residents, businesses and the community as a whole.
“As an Eastland resident and avid sports enthusiast, I am deeply invested in the world of sports business,” said Christian Cruit, Managing Director of Sportslink, Charlotte’s leading adult sport and social club. “Fields at Eastland would be exceptional and offer an ideal setting for various sports activities. They hold immense potential to benefit the Eastland community in numerous ways. I’m excited about this opportunity and its potential to contribute to Eastland’s vibrant sports culture and community spirit.”
QC East aims to be one of the most versatile complexes in the U.S., featuring copious outdoor space, six multi-sport athletic fields, a food village and community gathering place, a STEM center, and an indoor/outdoor performance venue.
Serving primarily as a sports complex 95% of the year, the project will be anchored by Charlotte Soccer Academy, the premiere youth sports complex operator in North Carolina. The fields will be used 52 weeks annually, serving youth soccer, flag football, and lacrosse in addition to community and recreational sports and activities. By elevating youth sports opportunities and fostering a sense of community, QC East has the potential to serve as the training grounds to develop Charlotte’s future athletic superstars.
“As a former Carolina Panther, I wholeheartedly support the visionary project for a youth sports complex at the old Eastland Mall site,” said Charles Johnson, Founder of New Age Flag Football. “This initiative aligns with our mission to enhance youth development, promote physical fitness, and foster community engagement. With multi-purpose sports fields, educational support, and mentorship opportunities, this partnership will create a transformative space for Charlotte’s youth, bringing positive change to our community.”
The Esports and Tech Hub is poised to be a dynamic center of learning and innovation. Beyond its role as a national focal point for Esports, this hub will play a crucial role in offering STEM-related educational opportunities to both youth and adults. With state-of-the-art technology and immersive learning environments, the complex will empower individuals to explore, experiment, and develop vital skills in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. This initiative not only furthers the complex’s mission but also solidifies its standing as a pioneering technology hub in the region.
“Empowering students and young adults to carve a brighter future has been, and always will be, the driving force behind the Carolina Esports Hub,” emphasized Richard Suarez, Managing Director. “It’s these strategic collaborations that we enable transformation and create and opportunity to touch countless lives. Our demonstrated success in bridging students to prospects through gaming fuels our enthusiasm as we closely engage with the community to carry forth a mission of meaningful impact.”
Music and community events will find their home at QC East as well, with the event space hosting music and community gatherings on select dates. Notably, the project proudly collaborates with the Southern Entertainment team that successfully launched SouthPark After 5 in Symphony Park, ensuring a vibrant community-focused musical experience.
Bob Durkin, co-leader of the project, shares his enthusiasm for the opportunity: “We’re thrilled about the recommendation and immensely thankful for the chance to bring Charlotte Soccer Academy, football, lacrosse, Esports, and engaging community events to East Charlotte. Our vision is to create a thriving destination that enriches the lives of both residents and visitors. It has been humbling to see the amazing support from the community about the transformation of the old Eastland Mall site.”
In conclusion, the QC East project is on the cusp of unleashing an unprecedented era of dynamic and transformative opportunity. Blending sports, technology, cultural arts, and entertainment, QC East stands as a catalyst for fostering a vibrant, united community. Its impact radiates across residents, businesses, and visitors, epitomizing the promise of a thriving and inclusive future.
For more information, visit: https://southernentertainment.com/qc-east/
About QC East:
Welcome to QC EAST at Eastland Yards – a cutting-edge sports and entertainment hub in East Charlotte. Set to launch in 2025, QC EAST boasts an array of attractions including six multi-sport fields for athletic activities, a lively food village and community space, a STEM Center for education and innovation, and an indoor/outdoor performance venue. The Charlotte Soccer Academy, a prominent figure in the youth sports scene, will oversee the athletic fields, contributing to the local community. The project is expected to generate $111 million annually, draw 350,000 visitors, and cater to amateur sports, esports, concerts, and cultural events. QC EAST is dedicated to fostering sports, education, entertainment, and community unity, making it an anticipated destination for the region.
About Charlotte Soccer Academy:
CSA is Charlotte’s leading organizer of youth and travel soccer, organizing hundreds of events annually, serving 300 teams and 7,300 players. CSA’s programs range from recreational to elite players with expectations to play in college or professionally. CSA’s experience organizing local and regional travel events ensures the athletic fields will operate at full capacity.
About Carolina Esports Hub:
CEH stands at the intersection of gaming and STEM, providing curriculum and recruiting services to more than 12,000 students and 350 institutions. Named the leading college esports recruiting platform in the US by the 2022 Esports Foundry Annual Survey. CEH produces esports events and associated livestreams at its 11,000 SF facility in Charlotte, NC. CEH’s expertise and experience are the perfect combination to serve as QC EAST’s technical, esports and educational partner.
About Southern Entertainment:
Southern Entertainment is a leading cultural arts and musical events producer based in Charlotte, NC, hosting more than 300,000 attendees each year. With 30 years of experience developing and managing facilities and producing events, SE is well positioned to co-lead the development and programming of a calendar full of engaging, multicultural food, music, and arts experiences at QC EAST.