USAToday nominated Truist Field in Uptown Charlotte for “Best Minor League Ballpark.” | Photo by CLTtoday
The wait is almost over. Opening Day for the Charlotte Knights is tomorrow, April 2. The Knights will play six consecutive home games against the Norfolk Tides.
What’s new at Truist Field this season?
Fans can expect that same stunning skyline, America’s pastime, ice cold drinks, delicious food, and fun promotions + a few upgrades for 2024:
Bottomless Coke beverages and souvenir cups
An upgraded Corona Rooftop with a two-hour all-you-can-eat-buffet with access to a full-service bar
An expanded Piedmont Natural Gas picnic area with more space to roam and relax
The Carolina burger is one of the savory items on this year’s menu.
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Photo by WCNC
What’s on the menu? Hungry for something besides baseball? Enjoy a touch of barbecue + plenty of your ballpark favorites like:
Homer’s chicken sandwich
Shrimp Po’ Boy
Catfish basket
Walking ribs
Carolina dogs / burgers
Souvenir popcorn buckets
Alcoholic beverages
Gearing up for the game
This season, the Knights will sport a new graphite grey batting practice helmet. You can get your own in the team store, along with other gear.
Who to watch
The Charlotte Knights’ roster features a mix of recognizable veterans and talented prospects including:
Colson Montgomery - shortstop
Nick Nastrini - pitcher
Jonathan Cannon - pitcher
Where do I park?
If you haven’t been to Truist Field, there are several parking lots and decks offering evening parking rates. Many are within walking distance of the park.
Homer, the Charlotte Knights’ mascot, loves hugs, cheers, and photos.
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Photo by CLTtoday
Editor’s note: be on the lookout for a selfie with Homer or “Dog”, the Knights’ official bat dog.Plus — have your phones ready for fireworks after the game.
Single-game tickets for the 2024 season and season memberships are on sale now.
Asked
What’s your favorite baseball game tradition?
A. First pitch B. Mascot race C. Ballpark snacks D. Seventh inning stretch E. Trying to catch a homerun ball F. Singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
Charlotte Fair | Monday, April 1 | 1-10:00 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord | $0-$12 | Savor that last corn dog + carousel ride for the final night of the Charlotte Fair.
The Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Session | Monday, April 1 | 7:00 p.m. | Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte | Free | Hear some of Charlotte’s best musicians honor the “Godfather of Jazz.”
Golden Girls | Monday, April 1 | 7:30pm + 9:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $38.50 | The ladies will “thank you for being a friend” in this hilarious and 18+ original theater production.
Tuesday, April 2
Message in a Bottle | Tuesday, April 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $25 | A dynamic new dance performance telling the story of the global refugee crisis set to the iconic music of Sting.
Wednesday, April 3
Immersive Garden Mornings | Wednesday, April 3 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont | $20-$30 | Enjoy a meditative and sensory experience to boost your physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
Sycamore Run Club | Wednesday, April 3 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing & Taproom, 2151 Hawkins St., Charlotte | Free | Prepare to run and build community with fitness lovers in Charlotte.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers | Wednesday, April 3 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte | $16-$400 | Lamelo may be out but the Hornets will still shoot lasers against the Blazers.
The Wolfpack magic continues. Both the men’s and women’s NC State basketball teams will play in the Final Four. The women play Friday, April 5 against No. 1 South Carolina, and the men play No. 1 Purdue on Saturday, April 6.
Development
A new Publix grocery story is coming to South Charlotte. Construction on the 48,000-sqft store will begin later this year or in early 2025. The store will be found at 7933 Providence Rd at the Arboretum. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
Lovin’ Life Music Fest will release the official schedule tomorrow, April 2. More artists will also be announced. The music festival will happen in Uptown Charlotte Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5.
Number
Nearly $200 million was wagered in North Carolina’s first week of legalized sports betting, with $141.6 million in bet winnings paid. “Gross wagering revenue” — the base upon which the state will receive its 18% cut in taxes — was close to $42.7 million. (WCNC)
Drink
Charlotte-based Oaklore Distilling Co. is putting the final touches on an expansion. The newly renovated 6,000-sqft building will be at 11136 Monroe Rd. in Matthews. It will house a warehouse, processing, shipping and receiving, kitchen, and office space.
Eat
Here’s some sweet news. Summit Coffee announced the upcoming debut of “Summit Creamery.” Customers can expect scoops of craft ice cream. It’s set to open this month at 1827 Shearers Rd. in Davidson.
Coming Soon
Still have a sweet tooth? The Peach Cobbler Factory will debut in Steele Creek this summer. You’ll find the location at Whitehall Corners, 8506 S. Tryon St. The Nashville-based dessert chain offers a dozen flavors of its namesake peach cobbler + other desserts. (The Charlotte Observer)
Concert
Get ready to rock. The legendary band Korn will take the stage in the Queen City. The band will perform Wednesday, September 18, at PNC Music Pavilion to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Tickets are on sale now.
Shop
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Wellness
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City
🐶 Looking for a four-legged friend?
Adoptions needed as kennel renovations continue
Ensure your dog wears a collar with an ID tag with your phone number and address in case it gets lost. | Photo by CMPD Animal Care & Control
Pride in progress. 46 dog kennels at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (ACC) are now back in service. The shelter has completed the fourth phase in a five-part renovation project that began in September of 2023.
The final phase in the renovations is the demolition of all dog adoption kennels — forcing ACC to close 47 spaces. That means dogs need to be adopted or fostered out as fast as they go into the shelter.
The deadline to empty the kennels is Friday, April 12. Renovation is projected to be finished by the end of April.
Here are ways you can help:
Adopt — there’s no better time to consider adding a dog to your family.
Foster — if you have room for a foster, long-term fostering for rest and relaxation is needed.
Donate — help support the ACC team + the animals in their care.
The Buy
The Song of Everything Book to celebrate National Poetry Month. This poetic journey takes an adventure through South Carolina’s State Parks.
I ran into an actor at Sycamore Brewing who’s filming a cable series in Charlotte. They were very kind and told me they’re enjoying their time in the Queen City.
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