06.18.2024

Today’s Weather

89º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:08 a.m. | Sunset 8:40 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report

🏈 Time for practice

Panthers practice facility approved for Uptown

A rendering of a coach watching the Carolina Panthers practice on an indoor field.

The indoor field house would house a full-size football field for the Carolina Panthers to practice year round. | Rendering via City of Charlotte

Charlotte City Council unanimously approved the Carolina Panthers’ petition for a redeveloped and expanded Uptown practice facility.

No, this isn’t for Bank of America Stadium. We’ll get there.

Let’s head to practice
The Panthers currently have one full outdoor field and a smaller field for individual walk-throughs and practice.

The rezoning petition was filed in February. The new facility will be on 325 S. Cedar St. + boast 5,000 seats, two upgraded outdoor fields, an indoor field, and a fan-viewing deck. Editor’s note: The indoor field will be full size, compared to “the bubble” — just a 60-yd field.

A rendering of two outdoor practice fields for the Carolina Panthers on the edge of Uptown Charlotte. — Building plans include two outdoor practice fields which are currently under construction.
|
Rendering via City of Charlotte

The new practice facility was met with mixed reviews during a public hearing in May. Residents were concerned the new facility would block skyline views. Thus, Tepper Sports & Entertainment reduced the peak of the facility roof to 70 ft.

Some changes were made during the rezoning meeting, including: a public art feature collaboration with the Urban Design Center, a 17-ft pedestrian path for bike lanes, and realigning/restriping the South Cedar Street crosswalk. The pedestrian path will be installed no later than May 31, 2025.

Construction on the two outdoor fields is expected to be ready by training camp in July. Council approval was not required for development.

What about cost? A total amount remains TBA. Construction should wrap on the new facility in 2026.

CLTtoday_Bank of America renderings_June 2024 — Proposed renovations for Bank of America Stadium includes a revamped pavilion and exterior video boards.
|
Rendering via Tepper Sports & Entertainment

What about Bank of America Stadium?
Charlotte City Council also held a public hearing Monday for residents and business owners to voice opinions on the proposed $650 million renovations to Bank of America Stadium.

Neighbors previously opposed using tax funds for the improvements. Council members also sought protections with TSE, citing the failed practice facility in Rock Hill.

Under the proposed deal, the city would provide one-time funding of $650 million. Tepper Sports & Entertainment would invest $688+ million. The Panthers revealed the city’s investment would be drawn from existing hospitality and tourism tax resources.

The proposed upgrades would provide new seats, exterior upgrades, state-of-the-art sound systems, and video boards.

City council is set to vote on Monday, June 24.

Catch up on proposed renovations

Asked

What’s your favorite thing about going to an NFL game?

A. Seeing the Panthers (and/or the visiting team)
B. Stadium food
C. The atmosphere
D. Other

Make your play

Events

Tuesday, June 18

SouthPark Library’s Juneteenth Festival | Tuesday, June 18 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Charlotte Mecklenburg Library - SouthPark Regional, 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte | Free | Commemorate Juneteenth by listening to powerful stories from the community.
SkillPop: Candle Making Basics | Tuesday, June 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | 201 CAMP, 201 Camp Rd., Ste. 200, Charlotte | $40 | Explore a new hobby while creating custom-scented candles.

Wednesday, June 19

MAC 101: Guerrilla Screen Printing Classes | Wednesday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | MacFly Fresh Printing Co., 301 Camp Rd., Charlotte | $125 | Learn techniques and skills needed to screen print custom shirts.
University City Juneteenth Art Fest | Wednesday, June 19 | 4-8 p.m. | Shoppes at University Place, 8931 J M Keynes Dr., Charlotte | Free | Celebrate culture and creativity with live music, fashion, vendors, and more.
Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City SC | Wednesday, June 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $24+ | Cheer on Charlotte FC as the team competes at home in Uptown.

Thursday, June 20

ArtBreak: Take a Hike! Landscapes to Get Lost In | Thursday, June 20 | 12-12:30 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Free | Break up your workday and get lost in the portraits of the Mint’s collection.
North End Farmers Market | Thursday, June 20 | 4-8 p.m. | 1801 N. Graham St., Charlotte | Cost of purchase | Grab fresh produce from local farmers and artisans during this seasonal market.
Ladies Night Self Care Fair | Thursday, June 20 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Bright Blessings, 1150 Crews Rd., Matthews | $30 | Relax during a facial and chair massage + appetizers and a wine tasting.
Just Fine - Mary J. Blige Tribute Band | Thursday, June 20 | 7 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte | $28-$35 | You’ll feel “Just Fine” after singing and dancing to Mary J. Blige’s greatest hits.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Charlotte City Council unanimously approved a developer’s plan to build homes in south Charlotte. The proposed development in Piper Glen would be along the Four Mile Creek Greenway. Changes from the original plan include fewer homes to be built, an added CMS bus stop, and improved sidewalks. (WBTV)

Edu

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools unveiled goals for the next five years. The district outlined focus on academic excellence, students and teacher retention, and district operations. The plan is based on the Board of Education and community input. (WCNC)

Announced

Let’s go shopping. Zara will open a location in SouthPark Mall in 2026. The store will be the first-to-market location in North Carolina. An exact opening date is TBA.

Opening

Foxcroft Wine Co. is opening its fifth location next week. The wine bar at Birkdale Village will be open seven days a week, offer a full lunch menu, and have to-go wine glasses. The location opens Wednesday, June 26. (The Charlotte Observer)

Closing

After nearly 40 years in business, Floyd’s Restaurant is closing its doors. The soul food spot was founded in 1986. It’s last day at 4122 N. Graham St. will be Saturday, June 29. (WCNC)

Travel

Turkish Airlines could be coming to Charlotte. A chairman for the airline says CLT is on his list for future destinations in the US. A timeline for the new additions is TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Sports

Who’s in control of the Hornets offseason? Go beyond the locker room for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Drink Up

Raise a glass, drop a deal. We’ll be toasting to Drink Up Week — a celebration of Charlotte’s vibrant beverage scene — from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. If you own a local business that serves beverages, join us by offering a fun drink deal to our readers — we may include it in a newsletter.

Health

Did you know men are at higher risk than women to die from lung cancer, liver disease, and colon + rectal cancer — and yet they’re less likely to make annual doctor visits. Break the statistic, men: This Men’s Health Month, see why checkups are so important (and schedule one while you’re at it).*

Eat

🍔 Travel back in time

Savor a hidden gem: South 21 Drive-In

A gif of a drive-in diner sign with classic cars sitting in the parking lot.

The South 21 Drive-in has been serving hungry guests since 1955. | Photo via CLTtoday and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Robinson-Spangler Carolina Room Collection

Feel like going back in time, without all those pesky science details? Just head to South 21 Drive-in, which has been serving customers since 1955. According to the NC Landmarks Commission, Sam, George, and Nick Copsis, immigrated from Greece and opened the restaurant on 3627 South Blvd.

The original building was small enough to accommodate a grill, toaster, two deep fryers, one worktable, and a drink area. As Charlotte grew, the restaurant did too. The second location at 3101 E. Independence Blvd. opened in 1959 — still owned and operated by the Copsis family. In May 2006, a third establishment opened on 11450 E. Independence Blvd. in Matthews.

City Editors Jack and Maria drove in to dine — here’s what they had:

Jack’s order: Chicken sandwich, fries, and a chocolate milkshake

Maria’s order: Super Boy, fries, and a cola

Editor’s note: South 21 was also featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. You can find a signed Guy Fieri poster inside the restaurant.

Tell us your "hidden gem"

The Buy

The Buy 6.18.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

The perfect wedding guest outfit for your next summer or fall affair. Don’t forget the sparkly, satin-y shoes.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Maria

From the editor

While researching South 21, a fun fact I found: at the original location, a fried chicken dinner cost $0.39. Today, that plate costs $9-$12.

Missed our previous newsletter?

›

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

Feedback on Today's Newsletter

Did you like today’s newsletter?

😍 Loved it 🙂 Solid effort 😞 Changes needed

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY