CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Lightnin’ are coming back.

Well, sort of.

The Charlotte Independence recently unveiled throwback kits inspired by the Carolina Lightnin’, which played at American Legion Memorial Stadium and in 1981 claimed the American Soccer League Championship in front of 20,163 fans. The Independence will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of that title with the throwback jerseys and by welcoming numerous members of the title-winning team to the club’s game on Saturday, September 18 against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at 7 p.m. ET.

The jerseys will be autographed by the Independence players and auctioned off to the public. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame, which will also honor its class of 2021 as part of the night’s festivities.

“We are very thankful to the Independence for honoring the Carolina Lightnin’ legacy,” said Ed Young, former Carolina Lightnin’ Assistant GM (and Charlotte native). “The 40th Anniversary of our ASL Championship will let us relive that extraordinary achievement with many of the Lightnin’ fans who were there 40 years ago, as well as all today’s supporters of our game!”

The online auction for the Carolina Lightnin’ jerseys is currently live, and will conclude on Sunday, September 19 at midnight ET.

“The NC Soccer Hall of Fame appreciates being a part of this special evening,” said NC Hall of Fame Chairman Bob Kepner. “We are thrilled to work with the Independence as we celebrate and preserve the rich history of soccer in North Carolina.”

On game day, the Independence’s team store will feature North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame historic memorabilia and artifacts, creating a NCSHOF Walk of Fame.

“This will be an amazing night for multiple generations of soccer fans,” said Independence President & COO Tim Schuldt. “The throwback kits saluting the Carolina Lightnin’ plus the Hall of Fame introduction ceremony promise to make this a very special night.”