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From our friends at WCNC

 
🍃 Creating a sustainable arena
Four students with medals around their necks standing in front of a wall that reads "Honeywell."
The winning team of the Arena of the Future Experienced received gold medals and major bragging rights. | Photo by CLTtoday
Can the Spectrum Center be more sustainable? While that may be a constant goal for the Charlotte Hornets, 30 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students have devised new ways to improve the game-day experience for guests and staff.

The project, titled the “Arena of the Future Experience” was a collaborative effort between Honeywell, CMS, Digi-Bridge, and the Charlotte Hornets. With the Spectrum Center set to be renovated by 2026, the project’s timing could not have been better.

Hugo the Hornet standing next to a group of four students.

Hugo the Hornet made an appearance during the students’ presentations.

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Photo by CLTtoday

Over five weeks, students focused on sustainability while touring the Spectrum Center, collaborating with Honeywell and Digi-Bridge, conceptualizing and developing blueprints + prototypes for the next-generation arena. The focus included water conservation, solar energy, and artificial intelligence. At the end of the five weeks, the students presented their projects to a panel of judges.

The winning team created a project called “StageHydra,” a concept for retractable arena seats and stages powered by water pistons, allowing the arena to be transformed for large-scale events. The students demonstrated by using water, the mechanism alleviated strain on arena employees.

A student wearing a black shirt laughing while talking with a project partner.

Students preparing to present their project to the panel of judges still managed to laugh, shaking off the nerves.

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Photo by CLTtoday

“Sustainability is a very important topic that is constantly top-of-mind for us at Spectrum Center,” said Donna Julian, Hornets Sports & Entertainment Executive Vice President & Spectrum Center General Manager. “It’s incredible to have so many young minds come together and to see the various ideas the students have to pave the way for a more sustainable future in sports and entertainment.”

Let’s not forget second and third place.
 
Asked
 
What experience would you like to see added to the Spectrum Center?
A. Water-powered retractable seats
B. Screens in the seat backs
C. Comfort gardens
D. Other
 
HomeTrust Bank
 
Events
 
Monday, April 22
  • Earth Day Market at Grow | Monday, April 22 | 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | Mount District, 300 Camp Rd., Charlotte | Cost of purchase | Celebrate Earth Day while enjoying a pop-up market + plant repotting, raffles, and food.
  • YMCA Golfing For Good Tournament | Monday, April 22 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Carolina Golf Club, 2415 Old Steele Creek Rd., Charlotte | Registration required for price | Take part in 18 holes with friends and colleagues + proceeds support the YMCA’s initiative to help the community thrive.
Tuesday, April 23
  • Coffee with the Chamber | Tuesday, April 23 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte - Marsh Road, 940 Marsh Rd., Charlotte | Free | Connect with Queen City business professionals over coffee.
  • SkillPop: Candle Making Basics | Tuesday, April 23 | 6:30-8 p.m. | 201 CAMP, 201 Camp Rd., Charlotte | $40 | Explore a new hobby while creating custom-scented candles.
  • RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles | Tuesday, April 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Belk Theatre, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $32.50 | This concert experience transports you to the era of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour + it’s almost like seeing the band itself.
  • Hozier - Unreal Unearth Tour 2024 | Tuesday, April 23 | 8 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion, 707 Pavilion Blvd., Charlotte | $39.50-$99.50 | It’ll be “Too Sweet” singing along to Hozier during the sold out show.
Wednesday, April 24
  • Meditation at The Mint | Wednesday, April 24 | 3-3:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $0-$14 | Reflect and restore your inner peace during this mid-week, 30-minute guided meditation.
  • Zipline & Dine | Wednesday, April 24 | 6-8:30 p.m. | U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte | $89 | Soar through the sky and end the adventure with a three-course meal.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
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Wellness
 
How consistent stretching can improve your well-being
Two StretchLab Flexologists during an assisted stretch session.
StretchLab’s skilled Flexologists are highly trained and dedicated to helping their clients reach their goals. | Photo provided by StretchLab
It isn’t a stretch when we say everyone could benefit from assisted stretching sessions. Enter: StretchLab’s customized, one-on-one sessions offered at their four Charlotte locations.

Consistent stretching sessions can help to:
  • Improve sports performance and posture
  • Reduce stress
  • Address muscle and joint pain
  • Increase range of motion and flexibility
Bonus: Schedule your intro stretch to save 50% off your first session and see how a StretchLab membership can help you set and reach your goals.
 
News Notes
 
Civic
  • More than $10 million in grant funds have been approved for businesses across North Carolina. Gaston, Catawba, and Anson counties are among those receiving funds. The purpose is to develop and revitalize businesses. (WCNC)
Announced
  • App State has a new interim chancellor. Heather Hulburt Norris was the provost and executive vice chancellor at the University. She succeeds Sheri Everts, who stepped down as chancellor after 10 years.
Edu
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools rolled out aggressive hiring strategies to get more teachers in classrooms. The new initiative allows teaching assistants to enroll in a new program to help them earn a teaching license. CMS says the program led to 600 new teachers to the district in the last six years. (WCNC)
Community
  • A popular Rock Hill movie theater will reopen as an office and mixed-use space. AMC Cinema 7 on Cherry Road closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. The property owner says AMC Flexspace will feature small units for business owners and hobbyists.
Open
  • The Southwest Regional Library in Union County is now open. The library on Cuthbertson Road features expanded collections, a children’s storytime area, reading nooks, and more. Construction for the Waxhaw library cost $14.7 million. (WSOC)
Arts
  • Music to my ears. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will soon be performing on a new mobile stage. The colorful stage will serve for “drive-up” concerts across the Queen City. The first show is scheduled for Sunday, April 28 at the Latin American Coalition at 4938 Central Ave.
Ranked
  • Merchant & Trade was ranked among the top 10 rooftop bars in the world. The bar features skyline views, cocktails, and Southern bites. Merchant & Trade can be found at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. (The Charlotte Observer)
Coming Soon
  • Who’s hungry? Enzo’s Italian market is expanding to Matthews. The popular Italian market features sausages, frozen ravioli, and lasagna. The new location will be on 130 Matthews Station St. and is expected to open this fall. (The Charlotte Observer)
Plan Ahead
Travel
  • Travel to Canada from Charlotte-Douglas, thanks to three new flights by American Airlines. The flights to Quebec City launch on Saturday, Aug. 10 and will be offered weekly. Flights to Vancouver + Calgary take off in June. (WBTV)
Sports
  • The Canes’ quest for the Cup got off to a good start this weekend. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Hurricanes with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Holiday
    • Hoping to make this Mother’s Day extra memorable? Woodhouse Spa is giving away complimentary spa robes + other luxurious gifts when you buy select gift cards at the spa. See details + gifts.*
     
    TEGNA
     
    Feel Good
     
    Nice to ✨finally✨ meet you
    City Editors Jack and Maria smiling and standing in front of a Charlotte StrEATs Festival banner.
    City Editors Jack and Maria have been friends since they both moved to Charlotte and worked in local broadcast news together. | Photo by CLTtoday
    Hey Queen City residents, editors Maria + Jack here. Between the two of us, we get the privilege of sharing local news, events, and conversations with readers in the QC, daily — here, and on our socials.

    Now that we’re officially on the market five days a week, it’s time we finally introduce ourselves.

    Meet Maria

    Q: Describe your perfect day in Charlotte.
    A: My perfect day would include... going to Snooze for breakfast with my partner, strolling through a farmer’s market, taking our dogs to Offleash at the Whitewater Center, enjoying dinner at SouthBound, followed by a nightcap at Edge City Brewery or Sophia’s Lounge.

    Meet Jack

    Q: Describe your perfect day in Charlotte.
    A: A perfect day for me would be a long run on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, followed by a day outside hiking nearby or playing pickleball at Park Road Park with my good friends + capping the day with drinks and dinner at Suffolk Punch in South End.
     
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    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Headshot of CLTtoday author Maria Delgado Today’s edition by:
    Maria
    From the editor
    Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking to students leading their own organization for preventing dating violence. I am so inspired by their drive and initiative to make the world a safer place.
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