USO Center Turns 20

CLT’s popular USO (United Service Organizations) Center celebrated its 20th anniversary of serving our nation’s service members and their families passing through the Airport.

Well over one million visitors—an average of 500 a day—have walked through the doors of the USO Charlotte Center since it opened in the terminal, making it the busiest airport center in the world.

These photos from the CLT Archives show the welcome ceremony and the first visitors on Sept. 1, 2006. Photo Credit: Keith Dennis

Today, active-duty, reserve, or retired military members and their families can stop by to relax, grab a snack, watch TV or even game.

“It’s been fun to watch it grow,” said Megan Nisius, USO Area Operations Manager. “And looking back at how many people we have served and the good things that we’ve done, it’s been interesting...I love hearing from guests that this is the best USO!”

Two Decade Celebration

The CLT USO Center commemorated its two decades in the upper level of the Atrium on September 1, 2026 with a cake and a small celebration for its partners, volunteers and guests, including Mike Skinner of Williamsburg, Va. This was Skinner’s first visit to the Charlotte Center.

“I’m a veteran, and my son and daughter-in-law are veterans,” said Skinner. “There are about seven of us in the family, and we’ve all served and volunteered at the USO. It’s terrific. We’re very grateful it’s here.”

Later this year, the CLT USO Center will relocate to the lower level of the terminal and hopes to expand beyond its current 3,000 square feet as it enters its next decade.

In 2025, the CLT USO Center hosted 154,239 guests and served 17,981 others through programs and support outside the center.

CLT’s USO Center is open 365 days a year, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is staffed by about 300 volunteers. For more information, visit CLT USO Center or USO.org. A Valid Military ID is required for admission.