Charlotte Area Transit System to Launch Game Day Express

Published on September 10, 2026

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 10, 2026

Contact: 980-722-0311

CATSPR@charlottenc.gov

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – This football season, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and Tepper Sports & Entertainment are teaming up to launch the Game Day Express, an increase of express bus route service for Carolina Panthers home games. The Sunday Game Day Express will begin with the Panthers first home game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026.

“The Game Day Express gives our community a faster, easier way to get uptown on game days,” said Interim CATS CEO Brent Cagle. “By reducing congestion and expanding services aligned with the 2055 Transit System Plan, we’re making more express travel possible for customers across the region, including Matthews and North Charlotte.”

The extended express service offers fans a convenient alternative to driving and helps reduce traffic congestion and parking challenges in Uptown Charlotte. The Game Day Express will offer an extension of existing Express Bus service on routes 61x (Arboretum Express) and 64x (Independence Boulevard Express).

The service will also preview the new Route 177. This new route provides off-peak express service in north Mecklenburg County and is set to formally launch on October 5, 2026. Additional service enhancements will also launch in October as part of the 2055 Transit System Plan including a shift to 15- minute frequency on top routes and the launch of a new microtransit zone in West Charlotte.

The service is $3 each direction or $6.60 for a system day pass. Tickets can be purchased on the CATS-Pass app.

The three routes will provide trips from designated Park & Ride locations directly to Uptown prior to kickoff. Customers utilizing the service may park their vehicles at Matthews-Independence Pointe Parkway, Davidson Gateway, Cornelius, Northcross, Huntersville Gateway, Waverly, Arboretum and Strawberry Hill Park & Rides with the purchase of an express bus ticket or system day pass.

Service will begin 2.5 hours prior to kickoff, with three trips departing every 30 minutes. For games that begin at 1 p.m., buses will depart Park & Ride locations for Uptown at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Return trips will begin 30 minutes after the game, departing every 30 minutes. After Sunday’s game, the routes will provide three return trips from Uptown back to Park & Ride locations at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Customers will exit and board the buses on Brevard Street between 3rd Street and Brooklyn Village Avenue in Uptown, just a few blocks away from Bank of America Stadium.

“We are committed to delivering expanded transit for our region. The Game Day Express is one example of delivering on commitments made through the 2055 Transit System Plan,” said David Howard, Chair of the Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority.

CATS encourages Carolina Panthers fans to subscribe to Rider’s Alerts on the CATS website. Subscribers will receive service updates and Game Day Express bus schedules prior to each home game.

A map and timetable for the Game Day Express are available on the CATS website.

Use the CATS-Pass app for live vehicle tracking and trip planning. For questions or concerns, riders can speak directly to a customer service representative at 704-366-7433.

The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request a reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge), please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704-336-7433. Call Center open Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7 - 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 - 4 p.m.