Courtyard Hooligans

The Vibe

Tucked into Brevard Court -- the narrow alley locals call "The Alley" -- in Uptown Charlotte, Courtyard Hooligans has been the city's original soccer bar since 2009. Co-founded by Mark Krehbiel and Kristian Pedersen, two soccer fans who wanted to give Charlotte's football community a proper home, Hooligans has spent over fifteen years earning its reputation as the place where diehard supporters gather. The brick-lined walls are draped with scarves and jerseys from clubs around the world, and the low-key atmosphere feels more like a neighborhood local than a polished sports bar.

The Setup

The ground floor packs 30-plus screens into an intimate space, with game sound piped through for featured matches. Upstairs, The Upper Deck adds a second bar and more seating for overflow crowds. Outside, the patio spills into the alley courtyard, giving the place its name and a unique open-air feel during warm weather. It is not a huge bar, and regulars will tell you it does not need to be -- the tight quarters amplify the atmosphere.

Match Day Experience

Hooligans opens early on weekends for Premier League and international matches, and the energy ramps up fast. Chelsea and Manchester United supporters groups meet here regularly, and the QC Outlaws -- Charlotte's chapter of the American Outlaws -- call Hooligans home for USMNT watch parties. On December 17, 2019, when David Tepper walked in hours after Charlotte's MLS expansion was officially unveiled, the entire bar erupted into spontaneous chants. That moment captured what Hooligans has always been: the beating heart of Charlotte's soccer culture.

Food and Drink

The drink list is built for volume: over 40 bottled beers plus rotating drafts, with pint cans starting around four dollars. Mixed drinks and shots round out the menu. The food leans casual -- pizza and bar snacks -- which suits the crowd just fine. You come here for the match, not a sit-down dinner.

Who Goes There

Courtyard Hooligans draws a true mix of Charlotte's soccer community. Premier League supporters, Charlotte FC fans, international supporters passing through, and USMNT die-hards all share space. During World Cup 2022, general manager Brandon Burton had to triple and quadruple orders to keep up with demand. As regular patron Mamadou Keita put it, he has been coming here for World Cups since 2014. If you are a regular, you are family.

Insider Tips

Arrive early for big matches -- seating is limited and fills fast. The patio is first-come, first-served and the best spot on pleasant days. Street parking around Brevard Court can be tight, so rideshare is the easier option. If the ground floor is packed, head upstairs to The Upper Deck for more breathing room.