Bank of America Stadium will host WVU and UVA for the first time since 2002. | Photo via Charlotte Sports Foundation
Prepare to pick a favorite: Virginia or West Virginia. Bank of America Stadium will host the University of Virginia and West Virginia University in not one, but two Duke’s Mayo Classic match-ups in 2026 and 2032.
“The Charlotte region has a huge amount of WVU alumni, and adding these two games allows us to further engage our fans in the region, while putting a quality ACC regional opponent on our schedule,” said West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker.
WVU and UVA are no strangers to the Queen City — WVU’s Mountaineers defeated UNC Chapel Hill in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl last year. The UVA Cavaliers defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2018 (when the bowl was previously known as the Belk Bowl).
Charlotte Sports Foundation, the nonprofit behind these events, is turning Charlotte into a college football destination. In 2023, sporting events like the Classic brought nearly $80 million to the Queen City.
Wood And Epoxy Coasters | 12-3 p.m. | Rockler Woodworking and Hardware | $150 | Get crafty in this two-class workshop by making your own stellar coasters.
World of Outlaws World Finals | 4 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord | $65 | The biggest stars in dirt racing battle for victory in this thrilling series finale.
Friday, Nov. 8
Santa Paws Photo Booth | 4-9 p.m. | Brewers at 4001 Yancey | Cost of purchase | Take your pup for a photo with Santa while meeting adoptable dogs + proceeds benefit The Southeast German Shepherd Rescue.
Science on the Rocks | 6-10 p.m. | Discovery Place Science | $22 | Combine cocktails and curiosity in this adults-only experience at the museum.
Charlotte Symphony: Shostakovich & Mendelssohn | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art | $10+ | Get lost in the music as Amaryn Olmeda, considered a violin prodigy, performs on stage.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Yoga at Sycamore Taproom | 10-11 a.m. | Sycamore Brewing| Cost of purchase | Start your weekend with a good stretch and clear mind before brunch and brews.
The Reaper Challenge | 4 p.m. | Wooden Robot Brewery | $20 | Test your taste buds in this spicy eating contest + proceeds go to the Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund.
Carolina Ascent FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC | 7 p.m. | American Legion Memorial Stadium | $15+ | Charlotte’s undefeated professional women’s soccer team will fight to stay on top as they take on Spokane.
Borderline Bar & Billiards officially opens tonight at 5 p.m in NoDa. The new pool hall and bar at The Pass boasts several pool tables, dart boards, and craft cocktails.
Development
Florida-based developer Bainbridge broke ground on a new apartment project in the Mallard Creek area. The apartments at 2610 Beard Rd. will have one-, two-, and three-bedroom units + a resort-style pool, co-working space, and a dog park. Completion is expected by summer 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Community
A Charlotte church is working to salvage its sanctuary after a devastating fire last week. Many of the pews inside the Restoration Temple of Worship were destroyed. A GoFundMe has been set up. (WBTV)
Seasonal
A new themed pop-up is providing Christmas spirit to east Charlotte. Holiday House and Co. is a retail store selling decor, ribbons, clothing, and more + a holiday selfie destination. It’s open now through Monday, Dec. 23. (The Charlotte Observer)
Weather
Temperatures will linger in the mid-upper 70s today. Tropical moisture is expected to arrive next week, bringing rain chances by Wednesday. Check the forecast. (WCNC)
Travel
Eleven miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway have reopened following Helene. Located about two hours from Charlotte, this stretch of road is within the Asheville corridor, between US 70 and the NC Arboretum.
Family
Speaking of Christmas... Santa will visit SouthPark Mall tomorrow through Tuesday, Dec. 24. Reservations are encouraged for family photos (and photos with your pup).
Sports
Former Gastonia catcher J.C. Escarra was called up to the New York Yankees’ 40-man roster. While with Gastonia in 2023, Escarra was named Atlantic League Player of the Month of April/May and led the league in hits, doubles, and extra base hits.
Listen
How will the Panthers lineup shift after this week’s trade decision? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across Charlotte seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
Travel
A holiday gift idea that just might make you the best parent ever: Roundtrip tickets from Concord to Lakeland, FL direct through Avelo, where the kids can experience the one-of-a-kind magic of Central Florida’s many theme parks. Plan your trip.*
Category
Holiday
🦃 Let’s talk turkey
Steak 48 will offer an elevated Thanksgiving dinner + menu favorites. | Photo via Steak 48
Getting hungry yet? Thanksgiving is just three weeks away. If you’re anything like us, you’re already planning your feast. Whether it’s “friendsgiving” or a family gathering, these restaurants are accepting orders to get your table set.
Pickup and go
Midwood Smokehouse | Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 22 | Secure a table stacked with barbecue, turkey, cornbread, banana pudding, and other Southern staples.
Dine-in options
Steak 48 | Open Thursday, Nov. 28 | This SouthPark favorite will serve its full menu, fresh seafood, and a traditional dinner with locally-sourced turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Reservations are required.
Dessert galore
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop | Preorders are available through Friday, Nov. 22 | This specialty shop at Birkdale Village is accepting orders for nine-inch traditional and gluten free pies. (Think: Apple, pecan, pumpkin, peanut butter, and key lime.)
Writing this list of local businesses accepting preorders for Thanksgiving made me so excited for the upcoming holiday. I love being surrounded by family and my favorite menu item to bake: apple pie. Have a favorite food item or activity? Let me know!
