Charlotte FC to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Saturday Game | WFAE 90.7

Charlotte FC will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this Saturday with its third annual Por La Cultura match. But every match the team broadcasts will feature Spanish-language coverage.

Jaime Moreno has been named one of Charlotte FC’s two Spanish-language commentators in 2021 ahead of the team’s first season.

His voice can be heard on radio and Apple TV across the Carolinas, but commentating is nothing new for Moreno.

Born and raised in Mexico City, he began hosting a local soccer-focused radio show in Charlotte in the 1990s, gaining a wider audience in 2010 when he was hired by the Carolina Panthers.

He is now nicknamed “La Voz de Las Panteras” for his dedication to commentating the team’s football matches in Spanish.

“One day I had a dream that as a Latino, my voice could make a difference in the Spanish-speaking community, and I fulfilled my dream,” Moreno said.

Moreno had a front-row seat to how the soccer team united Latino fans in Charlotte.

“From day one to where we are now, the fan base has been growing,” Moreno said. “I’m really happy to see that.”

In 2022, Charlotte FC broke the MLS attendance record with 74,479 fans for its inaugural home game. Charlotte FC is currently the second MLS team behind Atlanta United FC with the highest average attendance per game, a feat Moreno attributes to Charlotte FC’s numerous Latino appearances.

“One of the things I’ve noticed is that more and more Latinos are coming to the stadium every weekend to watch Charlotte FC play,” Moreno said.

Charlotte FC will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this weekend with a variety of activities for all ages. These will include a pre-game street party at Bank of America Stadium with a DJ, mariachi band, crafts for kids, free pallets and local art.

“You’ll see Spanish music playing outside, you’ll see a lot of food trucks in front of the stadium,” Moreno said. “People who want to come and see what a Latin party looks like, I think it’ll be great.”

Moreno says it’s an event for everyone – and all ages. He knows many Latino families will show up with multiple generations.

“The whole family goes there,” Moreno said. “I mean, when I go into the stadium and I have a chance to meet a few people, I see a grandfather, son and grandson walking to the stadium together.”

Saturday’s match against New England Revolution will kick off at 4:00 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium. The “Fiesta Por La Cultura” street party will start at 1:30 p.m.