Uptown residents see benefits of changing venue for NYE celebration

CHARLOTTE — Uptown Charlotte’s New Year’s Eve celebration, CLT NYE, is changing its venue from Romare Bearden Park to neighboring Truist Field this year.

Last year, five people were shot at the Uptown park. Three Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers were hurt and 18 others were arrested or cited.

However, City Center Partners said the move to Truist Field was not because of last year’s violence.

CMPD increasing security for New Year’s Eve festivities

Taylan Whitaker was bartending at a lounge overlooking Romare Bearden Park last New Year’s Eve when violence erupted.

“We all look over, see a bunch of scared people scurrying, running away from the scene,” Whitaker said.

He also lives in a building that overlooks the park, so he’s seen more than one violent incident.

“Fourth of July 2023, if I remember correctly, it was a lot of havoc,” Whitaker said.

However, in 2024, he said he’s seen a slight improvement in the park that’s a big draw for crowds visiting Center City.

“It feels welcoming, but obviously, it’s going to be tough to keep the crowd out,” Whitaker said.

That’s why he welcomes the changes for this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

“It shows that something’s actually being done, that people care, and they see there’s a problem there,” he said.

Admission is $10 to get in Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights, for the event on Tuesday, which includes fireworks at midnight.

“I feel like if there’s anyone that’s actually looking for trouble and looking to start a little bit of ruckus, a little bit of havoc, they’re not going pay to do that,” Whitaker said. “They’re looking to do that for free.”

Thomas Leaycraft, who lives near Romare Bearden Park also sees the new venue as being beneficial.

“They close off Levine Avenue of the Arts for a lot of the month of December, so it’s nice having less congestion and it’s easier to get into my building,” Leaycraft said.

However, he doesn’t support the cost of getting into the NYE celebration.

“I think a lot of people will still be able to enjoy the fireworks wherever they are in the city but it is unfortunate that there is not going to be a more accessible celebration,” he said.

Gates for CLT NYE will open at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. The event ends after the fireworks show at midnight.

Light the Knights Festival at Truist Field will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

VIDEO: Charlotte’s NYE celebration moves to Truist Field