Eastland youth sports complex breaks ground

Charlotte is turning the page on a long, empty site in east Charlotte.

City leaders broke ground Friday on a brand new youth sports complex at Eastland Yards. That is the former site of Eastland Mall.

Plans call for six outdoor soccer fields and a massive indoor facility with 10 basketball courts. 

Leaders say the complex will help meet the growing demand for youth sports while also serving as a key anchor in the larger 80-acre Eastland yards redevelopment, bringing new life, business, and families back to the area.

“You showed up. You stayed involved. You kept telling us what was best to do,” Mayor Vi Lyles said. “When this campus opens in late 2028, we will finally have the last major piece of Eastland Yards in place.”

The project is expected to become a hub for tournaments and community events in east Charlotte.