Let the games begin. All eyes will be on the Queen City in 2027 when Charlotte hosts the CISM Military World Games. The nine-day competition, happening June 25-July 4, is often dubbed the Olympics for the world's militaries, and many of the athletes will go on to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.

Organized by the U.S. Performance Center right here in Charlotte, 10,000 athletes from 140 nations will compete in 40+ sports, from swimming and track & field, to military-specific events like pentathlon and parachuting.

Bank of America Stadium could be one of the hosting venues for the 2027 World Military Games. | Photo via International Military Sports Council

Choosing Charlotte

Charlotte is already home to an impressive list of professional sports teams and was selected by the International Military Sports Council (CISM) for its infrastructure and experience in hosting international events.

Get ready to see competitions happening at venues like UNC Charlotte, the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, and the US National Whitewater Center.

“Charlotte’s outstanding sporting facilities, organizational expertise, and commitment to the values of CISM make it the ideal host for this historic event," said Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM President.

Fun fact: Charlotte will be the first US city to host the World Military Games.

A win for the city

Charlotte's opportunity on the international stage is expected to bring a major economic boom when athletes, coaches, and spectators flock to local restaurants, hotels, and landmarks.

Just last year, tourism, conventions, and events brought in $1.1 billion in economic impact, and games are projected to bring in an estimated $3 billion. Keep an eye out for the updates — we’ll let you know when they’re announced.