site for the 2002 and 2003 meetings between The Citadel and VMI, known as the Military Classic of the South. Recent events In late 2009 the east end of the stadium suffered significant damage after a storm drain under the structure caved in causing the stands above it to collapse. While repairs were being made, the stadium was closed for several months. The stadium reopened in July 2010 with a reduced capacity as a grass berm largely replaced the old seating. Memorial Stadium served as the home field for the Charlotte Hounds MLL team. The team began play at the start of the 2012 season and used the stadium for home games until 2018. The team is currently on hiatus and hopes to return in 2021. The stadium continues to play a large role in Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school football, as it hosts big ticket match-ups such as Butler v. Independence and Charlotte Latin v. Charlotte Country Day. The Myers Park Mustangs moved most of their 2012 home games to the stadium after renovations temporarily lowered capacity at Gus Purcell Stadium, their on-campus home. In early 2015, the possibility arose of renovating the stadium to accommodate professional soccer in Charlotte and try to lure an MLS expansion franchise to the city, however this was only a proposal. Sometime during 2015, a new press box was constructed on the 'visitors' side of the stadium. The Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved a $23 million renovation plan in late 2017. 2019 renovation In September 2019, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation broke ground on a $31.7 million renovation of the stadium, which became the new home of the USL Championship soccer team Charlotte Independence beginning in spring 2021. The renovation was completed in 2021. Most of the existing stadium was demolished and re-built. The renovation added new concourse buildings, a memorial, a new scoreboard and other amenities. Historical elements of the stadium, such as the stone wall and ticket booths, were preserved. Capacity dropped to 10,500. References External links Survey and Research Report on The American Legion Memorial Stadium (1936) – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. Memorial Stadium and Grady Cole Center at Google Maps Memorial Stadium Anniversary 1936 establishments in North Carolina Art Deco architecture in North Carolina Charlotte 49ers football High school football venues in the United States Soccer venues in North Carolina Sports venues in Charlotte, North Carolina Works Progress Administration in North Carolina