Imagine spending the Carolina Panthers’ upcoming season in here. | Rendering via Blinders
Ever dreamed of being on the field for a Panthers game or courtside rooting for the Hornets? Sports fans across the Queen City will soon experience what could be the next best thing.
Upcoming sports lounge Blinders is set to open this spring at 225 W. Tremont Ave. in South End with a 5,500-sqft space, promising the viewing experience of a sportsbook, the energy of a sports bar, and the intimacy of a cocktail lounge.
The 5,500-sqft interior will seat 160 guests, and the heated 1,500-sqft patio will seat up to 50.
Rendering via Blinders
Upon walking in, the first thing to catch your eyes will be the showpiece — a giant television screen nearly 60 ft wide and 15 ft tall. Guests will have a pristine, 4K experience to make them feel like they’re part of the action.
Keep a close eye on our daily newsletter for an opening date. Meanwhile, let us know your favorite spots in the Queen City to watch your favorite sports teams compete.
Free Wednesday Evenings | 5-9 p.m. | The Mint Museum Uptown | Free | Trade a night on the couch for a chance to learn about this extensive art collection.
Yoga for Mental Health | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | HopeWay | Free | Renew your body and mind during this opportunity to connect with a supportive community.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Community Run Club | 5:30 p.m. | Patagonia, South End | Free | Keep your New Year’s resolution going with a long run with new friends.
That’s Novel Books Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Hex Coffee, Kitchen & Natural Wines | Free | Make progress with your latest book in the company of fellow book lovers.
Friday, Jan. 17
Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week | 5 p.m. | 100+ participating restaurants | $30+ | Food lovers can savor dining deals during this bi-annual 10-day celebration of Queen City restaurants.
New York-based grocer Wegman’s bought 14.3 acres in Ballantyne for nearly $15.8 million. Construction on a 110,000-sqft grocery store along North Community Road aims to begin this spring. The grocer looks to open three locations in the Charlotte metro by early 2026. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Closed
Several Charlotte restaurants announced abrupt permanent closures — Link & Pin in South End, Center Theater PI in Fort Mill, SC, and Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse in Ballantyne. Link & Pin and Duckworth’s have other locations in the Charlotte metro that remain open.
Announced
Here’s something to cheer about... The Cheerwine Festival returns to Salisbury, NC on Saturday, May 17. The annual celebration of the iconic 108-year-old soft drink will host food, drinks, and live entertainment. Keep an eye on your email for more detail on the Cheerwine Festival coming soon.
Civic
Charlotte city leaders unanimously approved $214,000 to install a traffic signal on East WT Harris Boulevard at University Ridge Drive and Rose Heather Court. The NC Department of Transportation reported numerous left-turning crashes from WT Harris onto the side streets. An installation date is TBA. (Queen City News)
Development
The City of Charlotte will receive $31.4 million in federal grant funding to help support four infrastructure projects aiming to improve local transportation and connectivity. The projects include the Albemarle Cultural Trail, the Rozzelles Ferry Bike Path, and the Freedom Drive Mobility Corridor. (Queen City News)
State
NCDOT will receive $250 million in federal funding to repair storm damage following Hurricane Helene. The funds aim to restore I-40 after the Category 4 storm struck western North Carolina back in September. (WCNC)
Health
A steady rise in respiratory illness cases have caused Novant Health and Atrium Health to implement new visitor rules. Children under 12 aren’t allowed to visit patients in most hospital areas and visitors will need to wear masks in emergency room waiting areas + where patients receive care. (WCNC)
Cause
Mooresville-based Lowe’s is donating $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts in response to the ongoing wildfires in southern California. The donation will assist first responders and supply distribution of water, N95 masks, and air purifiers.
Sports
Did the Carolina Panthers make the right decision in trading rusher Brian Burns to the Giants? Go beyond the war room for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Job
Ready to get connected with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try by posting your first listing for free.
Category
Drink
🇪🇸 Taste of Spain
Red or white? | Photo by Joshua Bannen
Get ready to sip back and relax. There’s more happening this weekend besides the return of Queen’s Feast that’s exciting the Queen City’s culinary enthusiasts. The Spanish Wine Trade Show arrives at Barcelona Wine Bar Saturday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trust us, this won’t be a pour decision.
Wine industry professionals can taste and explore 145 acclaimed Spanish wines, poured directly by 18 respected producers scheduled to attend + learn the history and elegance of the Spanish wine culture.
Interested attendees can register here. Proof ofaffiliation with wine wholesalepurchasing, like a business card or professional identification,will be required + participants must also be at least 21 years old.
Bananagrams. The award-winning family game is travel-friendly + perfect for all ages. Bonus: Add a little chaos to family game night when you try the party edition features 14 new tiles with challenges and hijinks.
I had a great time writing our story on Blinders opening soon in South End. Watching sports with my friends is one of my favorite things to do. I’m counting down to the Super Bowl and would love to see a Lions vs. Ravens match up.
