Charlotte To Ring in New Year at Truist Field With Extra Security

Truist Field will host Charlotte's first official New Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2024. Tickets go on sale Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. The event combines the Light the Knights Festival with midnight festivities. Regular tickets are $10, while ice skating access until 11:30 p.m. costs $25. Guests over 21 get complimentary champagne at midnight, with apple cider for everyone else.

After five shootings at last year's city celebration, organizers are putting strict safety measures in place. Security will check bags and screen visitors at entrances. The venue uses metal detectors, while security teams keep watch throughout the event. Truist Field's layout helps with security, as its fixed entrances and clear view lines make crowd monitoring easier than street events. Moving from open streets to a stadium space represents a big change in creating a safer environment. Security teams will watch both inside and around the venue.

Knights COO Dan Rajkowski feels confident about the event, saying, "We look forward to bringing fans into the ballpark to celebrate the New Year.” Charlotte Center City Partners' COO Michael Smith strongly supports the new location.

Unlike previous downtown events where people could walk freely, this ticketed format helps staff manage crowd size and track attendance. Everyone goes through security screening, making it safer overall.