A significant delegation from Charlotte, North Carolina, is gearing up for a strategic mission to Germany, coinciding with the Carolina Panthers’ highly anticipated NFL game against the New York Giants in Munich on November 10. This initiative aims to promote the Charlotte region as an attractive business destination, leveraging the international spotlight brought by the football matchup.
The Panthers will be playing at Allianz Arena, marking their second international game following a previous appearance in London against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. The upcoming event represents a unique opportunity for local and state officials to showcase Charlotte’s business potential to a global audience.
Confirmed participants in the delegation include representatives from various governmental bodies and private sector organizations. Among them are eight members of the Charlotte City Council, a Mecklenburg County commissioner, and officials from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. Additionally, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and several law firms and businesses, including Parker Poe and Moore & Van Allen, will also be present.
The delegation is expected to arrive in Munich on November 7 or 8 and will return on November 12. Their itinerary is packed with activities designed to foster connections with German business leaders. This includes receptions, site visits, and presentations focused on key topics such as transportation, sustainability, and housing.
According to city officials, the cost for each participant from the city government is estimated to be between $6,000 and $8,000. Mecklenburg County has allocated $6,000 per person for the trip. Attendees are also responsible for purchasing their own tickets to the Panthers-Giants game, which range from $150 to $175.
Sven Gerzer, a principal at Parker Poe Consulting, emphasized the significance of hosting an NFL game in Germany, citing the extensive marketing efforts surrounding the event and the opportunity it provides for promoting the Charlotte area. Gerzer previously attended the inaugural NFL regular-season game in Germany in November 2022 and noted the immense enthusiasm it generated.
Rob Horton, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, articulated the mission’s primary goal: to increase awareness of the Charlotte region among companies considering expansion or relocation. Horton, along with Gretchen Carson, the director of business recruitment, will also be representing the CLT Alliance in Munich.
Most of the organizations participating in this mission will be engaging in the same series of events, creating a cohesive front to promote Charlotte as a prime location for business investment. By aligning with the high-profile NFL game, the delegation hopes to capitalize on the international media coverage and interest generated by the event.
This initiative reflects a broader trend of cities leveraging major sporting events to enhance their visibility and attractiveness to potential investors. As the NFL continues to expand its reach globally, cities like Charlotte are seizing the opportunity to showcase their unique advantages, including a thriving economy, skilled workforce, and quality of life.
The collaboration between government officials and business leaders underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in economic development efforts. By presenting a united front in Munich, the Charlotte delegation aims to foster relationships that could lead to increased investment and job creation in the region.
As the date of the game approaches, excitement builds not only for the sports event itself but also for the potential economic benefits that could arise from this international outreach. The Panthers’ game in Germany is more than just a football match; it is a platform for showcasing Charlotte as a vibrant and dynamic place for business.
With the eyes of the world on Munich for this NFL matchup, the Charlotte delegation is poised to make a lasting impression on potential investors and partners, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a key player in the global business landscape.
